Ride of Silence honors those killed and injured while cycling in North Carolina

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) – Dozens of people in Durham honored cyclists killed and injured in North Carolina last year with a Ride of Silence.

The ride took 4.3 miles for the 43 cyclists who were killed in North Carolina last year, according to Bike Durham, which organized the ride.

In Durham, cyclist Dean Hutchinson was struck and killed on Anderson St. in August while crossing Duke University Road. Ben Pearlstine thought of the 63-year-old while riding.

“He was a regular on three or four of the different rides in the area,” Pearlstine said.

Pearlstine said Hutchinson was one of two people he knew who were killed while cycling.

“Waking up to those phone calls, waking up to voicemails from friends, bursting into tears because you lost another person is something no one should have to go through,” Pearlstine said.

Wednesday’s drive was also a way to raise awareness about safer roads. John Tallmadge is the managing director of Bike Durham.

“I think all of us who ride our bikes on the road feel the vulnerability because if we don’t have separate facilities that are protected from the cars and trucks that go by, it’s just a reminder of how valuable our lives are is.” Tallmadge said.

Tallmadge said there are positive changes in Durham, such as installing flashing crosswalks near 17 schools and trails, but he said more needs to happen, faster.

“So that anyone who leaves the house, whether by bike or on foot, can tell their loved ones that they are getting home safely,” Tallmadge said.

When the city or state repaves a street, he wants them to create space for people to ride bikes safely, such as through a curb or post.

Durham’s Vision Zero coordinator Lauren Grove said she sees the resurfacing as an opportunity to improve safety.

“This is an opportunity to redesign the pavement markings into safer configurations, shorten intersection distances, narrow lanes to make sure drivers are going slower, and we have a dedicated space for cyclists,” Grove said.

Durham signed with Vision Zero in 2017 but didn’t hire a program coordinator until Grove joined five months ago. CBS 17 asked Grove what changes now that her position exists. She said Vision Zero still needs resources.

“Now that there is someone leading the effort, bringing people together, bringing these partners together and setting our priorities, I think we will see the sense of urgency increase,” Grove said.

Grove said the city will have a Vision Zero action plan in place by the end of this year that outlines priorities for ending traffic deaths and serious injuries.