Cycling hit-and-run accident in Durham highlights urgent need for improved safety measures

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Two women in Durham are recovering after being hit by a pickup truck while cycling this weekend.

Police are still searching for the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run.

On Saturday morning, Yiyun Song, Lindsay Moore and Rosa were out biking when they were hit by a pickup truck. The driver fled the scene.

“My arm and my upper body have scrapes and broken skin, [but] I feel so lucky,” Song said.

This incident highlights the need for improved cyclist safety measures.

“I think it was this terrifying reaction of, what’s going to come from this, I feel like we’re going to be really hurt from this,” Moore said.

“Incidents like this really undermine the confidence of cyclists at all levels.”

John Tallmadge, an avid cyclist and president of Bike Durham, logs many miles on the city’s streets. He’s noticed that Durham is making progress and adding more bike lanes. However, Tallmadge, who has personally experienced a close call while cycling, believes there’s more to be done.

“Durham’s making progress. We think that Durham is on the right track—they’re completing projects,” Tallmadge said.

That project, which began in 2023, is expected to be completed by 2024.

Some cities have created dedicated bike lanes with flexible posts separating them from traffic.

Tallmadge knows there’s more to be done. He said, this November, voters can approve a $115-million referendum to improve sidewalks and streets, giving cyclists extra protection.



Source link : https://www.wral.com/story/cyclist-safety-in-durham/21536602/

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Publish date : 2024-07-23 09:16:33

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