Cycling community pushes for road safety after string of deadly crashes

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - Cycling communities in Alabama are mourning after a string of deadly crashes involving bicycles and motorcycles killed four people in Jefferson County this month. A crash in Tennessee this week killed two college students, including one from Huntsville.

The Birmingham Bicycle Club is speaking out after losing a well-known member, 65-year-old Stewart Roberts, who was killed earlier this week while riding his bike in Irondale.

Club remembers safety advocate

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office says Roberts was riding his bike on Crestwood Boulevard in Irondale just before 6 a.m. Monday when a vehicle struck and killed him.

“Steward had a wife, he had kids... you didn’t run over a bike, you ran over a person,” said Gene Wallace of the Birmingham Bicycle Club.

“The last six months have been pretty horrific in terms of the number of riders that have been killed in the last few months, especially in the Birmingham area,” Wallace said.

“He was a super safe cyclist... an advocate for safe cycling. He always rode with lights. He always had the right visible gear on. He always wore a helmet. And that’s what he passed on to other cyclists he rode with,” Wallace said.

The laws in Alabama

Wallace says riders should do their part too, including helmets, reflective gear, lights front and back, and radar units that track approaching traffic.

Under Alabama law, cyclists are treated like any other vehicle on the road. They have to stop at stop signs and traffic lights, and stay as far to the right as they safely can. The law also requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet when passing.

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility when it comes to being a motorist, a cyclist, a motorcyclist. Everyone plays their part, and again, if everybody does their part, hopefully everyone gets home safe, and that’s the most important thing,” said Capt. Mark Bishop, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

“Just remember, they’re more vulnerable to injuries. Any impact could be a serious impact,” Bishop said.

“Check twice, look twice. That check could save a life,” Bishop said.

Calls for driver attention

“Big thing motorists can do is pay attention to your driving. No texting. You shouldn’t be on your cell phone. You shouldn’t be holding your cell phone. You’ve got to be aware of what you’re doing with that vehicle,” Wallace said.

Roberts shared a petition for Alabama lawmakers to adopt new protections for cyclists. The club will continue to share his message of safety and honor him and other cyclists killed in Alabama.

The Birmingham Bicycle Club reads the names of every Alabama cyclist killed on the road each May at an event called the Ride of Silence. Members say they are hoping this year’s list does not get any longer.

Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.