Tomorrow, Grayson Dawson of Eden is set to plead guilty in the hit-and-run death of cyclist David Sherman.

Sherman's death and the circumstances surrounding it have brought a lot of attention locally to cyclists rights and the dangers facing cyclists on our roadways. That's one positive that has come from this horrible tragedy.

According to the League of American Bicyclists, close to 800 cyclists are killed every year and another 43,000 are injured every year in crashes with motorists. These types of bike deaths and injuries are far too common -- and most are preventable.

Just last week, 27-year-old Ronald Wayne Branch Jr., died after his bike was hit by a car. The car's driver, James Jerome Bridges of Eden, has been charged with felony hit and run and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.

According to news reports in the News & Record: 

According to witnesses, Ronald Wayne Branch Jr., 27, of Lee Street, was riding his bicycle south on Bird Street [in Ruffin] and was struck by a 1992 Nissan at Maryland Avenue.

The motorist failed to stop and continued driving east, fleeing the scene. Branch was taken to Morehead Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Officers said alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the incident. Branch was wearing dark clothes and no helmet, and witnesses said he neglected to stop at a stop sign,

It's time that we all get serious about cyclist safety and sharing the road. This applies whether you're pedaling or behind the wheel.

Here are some tips from Greensboro Department of Transportation on sharing the road:

For cyclists:

• All traffic laws apply to bicyclists:
  • Stop at red lights
  • Yield right-of-way
  • Signal when turning
  • Ride on the road in the same direction as traffic
• Wear a helmet.
• At night, wear reflective clothing and use bicycle lights.
• Ride on the right side of the road, but stay away from the edge of the pavement.
• Avoid riding on sidewalks. At driveways and street crossings, motorists may not see you on the sidewalk until it's too late.
• Pass on the left.
• Watch for cars turning into bike lanes.
• Obey signs that prohibit riding (such as on interstate highways).

• Look for bicyclists before turning and before opening doors.
• Do not overtake a bicyclist before making a right turn. Instead, slow down, merge, and then turn.
• Do not assume that a bicyclist will ride as far to the right as possible. Good cyclists ride about three feet from the edge of the road, which makes them more visible to motorists and gives them space to maneuver around road hazards.
• Allow bicyclists to enter your lane to make a left turn.
• Remember that bicycles are vehicles and are allowed to ride on the roads.
• Do not drive or park in bike lanes. You may, however, cross them when turning or exiting a legally assigned parking space.

Additional tips for cyclists are available here, here, here and here. SafeGuilford has links on how to choose and fit a bike helmet.

Drivers should check out these links: Yield To Life, the Bike League and the UNC Highway Safety Research Center.