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Safety Concerns Rise After Cyclist Fatalities in Asheville

Biking path in Asheville with cyclists and safety signs

News Summary

Asheville residents express growing concerns over cycling safety following the tragic deaths of two cyclists in a week. Advocates are pushing for better infrastructure and educational initiatives to enhance road safety amid increasing tourism and cycling in the area. The community responds to pressing safety issues for cyclists, echoing calls for urgent reforms.

Asheville – Following the tragic deaths of two cyclists within a week, local safety concerns regarding biking infrastructure have intensified. The fatalities included 27-year-old Lennie Antonelli and 32-year-old Jake Hill, who lost their lives on NC 251 outside Marshall. These incidents have spurred Michael Rozos Jr., the father of deceased cyclist Alex Rozos, to speak out about the urgent need for improved road safety for cyclists in Asheville.

Michael Rozos Jr. has long held concerns about the safety of cycling on Asheville roads, which he believes pose significant risks to cyclists. He had previously attempted to convince his son, Alex, to reduce his cycling activity due to these worries. However, Alex, at 26 years of age, was passionate about biking and continued to ride despite the risks. Tragically, Alex was killed on July 18 after being struck by a box truck operated by Mauricio Roberto Melgar Delgado on Swannanoa River Road, close to the intersection with Tunnel Road, which is known for heavy vehicular traffic and is located approximately half a mile from the Asheville Mall.

While Rozos Jr. acknowledges that his perspective may be influenced by the loss of his son, he maintains that his concerns about cycling safety existed long before the tragedy. He emphasizes the daily risks that cyclists face on Asheville roads, citing inadequate infrastructure designed to protect them. Comparatively, countries like the Netherlands feature dedicated cycling lanes that significantly enhance safety for bikers, a contrast that Rozos Jr. believes highlights Asheville’s shortcomings.

While Rozos considers cycling safety a national issue, he notes the particular challenges faced by Asheville, which actively promotes cycling as a part of its tourism strategy. His advocacy efforts reflect a broader struggle within the community to address these safety concerns. Local advocates are urging for systemic changes in infrastructure to create safer environments for cyclists, but Rozos feels that these initiatives may ultimately be in vain, given the narrow design of the roads and the high volume of traffic.

Dawn Barr, the president of the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, acknowledges the inherent dangers of the roads but asserts that there is a shared responsibility for drivers and cyclists to use them safely. The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club has dedicated over 50 years to advocating for cyclist safety in Western North Carolina, working tirelessly to promote awareness and support initiatives aimed at creating safer biking environments.

One such initiative, “Strive Not to Drive Week,” is taking place from May 16 to May 24, encouraging the community to embrace biking, walking, and public transit as alternatives to vehicle use. Enhanced educational programs for safe cycling and walking are also being promoted alongside efforts for improved road infrastructure.

Asheville on Bikes is further committed to developing a safer and more connected mobility network within the city. Their focus includes investing in infrastructure improvements and promoting transportation education targeted at increasing awareness about the needs of both cyclists and pedestrians.

Data from a 2018 state study revealed a startling fact: Asheville led North Carolina in bicycle and pedestrian fatalities between 2010 and 2018. In response to these concerning statistics, certain infrastructure changes have been introduced, such as the reduction of lanes on Merrimon Avenue, aimed at enhancing the safety of cyclists and pedestrians alike.

A memorial service for Alex Rozos was conducted on August 2 at Cultivate Climbing in Asheville, where family and friends gathered to celebrate his life and advocate for necessary cycling safety reforms. Rozos Jr. expressed a heartfelt desire to protect other families from experiencing the profound grief that he and his family have endured following their loss.