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South Carolina Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists are at major risk on South Carolina roads. While bike lanes are becoming more prevalent in metropolitan areas of the state, our roads mostly remain unmarked and unimproved for bicyclist safety. According to a 2018 study of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), from 2009 to 2017, South Carolina saw 4,570 reported bicycle accidents, resulting in 4,147 injuries and 146 deaths.
Under South Carolina law, a bicyclist is treated the same as a driver of any vehicle. The SC Bike Law puts it as follows:
“A person riding a bicycle upon a roadway must be granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to special provisions in this article and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.”
When You Are a Bicyclist
Bicyclists must remember that, unlike pedestrians who should walk facing traffic, bicyclists should ride with the flow of traffic and obey all traffic laws as if they were driving a vehicle.
When riding a bicycle, you must:
- Ride as a vehicle, ride with traffic, and obey all traffic signs.
- Ride as far to the right as practical.
- If a bike lane is present, stay in the bike lane unless your destination lies in a different direction. If you need to pass another bicyclist, turn left, or if a roadway obstruction exists, you would move outside of the bike lane.
- If you are riding in a group, do not ride more than two side-by-side.
- If you are riding your bike after dark, or even in low light conditions such as at dawn, dusk, or during inclement weather, use lights, reflectors, and bright colored and/or reflective clothing to help increase your chances of being seen by motorists.
For more information on laws pertaining to bicyclists, please visit Code of Laws – Title 56 – Chapter 5 – Uniform Act Regulating Traffic On Highways, Article 27.
When You Are a Car Driver
South Carolina motorists have an obligation to treat bicyclists as equal counterparts on the roads. Regrettably, motorists often treat road cyclists as afterthoughts on South Carolina roads, which leads to catastrophic accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also provides these safety tips for drivers regarding pedestrian safety:
- Yield to bicyclists as you would motorists and do not underestimate their speed.
- In parking lots, at stop signs, when backing up, or when parking, search your surroundings for other vehicles, including bicycles.
- Drivers turning right on red should look to the right and behind to avoid hitting a bicyclist approaching from the right rear.
- Obey the speed limit, reduce speed for road conditions and drive defensively to avoid a crash with a cyclist.
- Give cyclists room. Do not pass too closely. Pass bicyclists as you would any other vehicle—when it’s safe to move over into an adjacent lane.
The most common causes of South Carolina Bicycle Accidents with a car involved include:
- Aggressive drivers. Rushed drivers tend to become irritated with cyclists on the road. They attempt to speed past bicycles, holler at bicyclists, and tailgate. This behavior risks causing cyclists to lose their balance, which could cause a terrible accident. Cyclists deserve no less respect and consideration than any other occupant of the road.
- Failure to yield a right-of-way. This is a common circumstance of cycling collisions, which involves a vehicle altering their route or shifting lanes into a bicyclist’s path. The driver often does not register that the cyclist is in their path even while perfectly visible in a driver’s rearview mirror. This human flaw is known as inattentional blindness and is a fairly common occurrence. Drivers should always be on alert for all types of shapes and objects while driving.
- “Dooring.” Anybody who rides bikes on a South Carolina street probably realizes the threat of being “doored.” This action occurs when a driver or passenger opens their car door directly in the path of a riding bicyclist. Cyclists can suffer catastrophic injuries from this seemingly minor occurrence. An interesting technique known as the Dutch reach can prevent such accidents from occurring.
- Impairment. This may go without saying, but impaired drivers, those who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, are far more likely to get in any car accident, including an accident with a bicyclist.
- Poor visibility. Cyclists should take steps to increase their visibility. Flashing lights and reflectors, both on your bike and your body, should help accomplish this goal.
South Carolina Bicycle Accidents Caused by Defective Products
A cyclist can also be involved in an accident on the road, or offroad, because of the failure of a defective product. A defective product can have a design defect or a manufacturing defect. Under South Carolina product liability law, if you are injured because of a defective bicycling product, you can be compensated for your injuries and potentially for damage to your other equipment as a result of a crash. But this litigation is complex and you need experienced South Carolina Product Liability Lawyers at Strom Law Firm to help you evaluate your case.
This year, Trek recalled defective disc brakes after a series of bicycle accidents. There is also an active recall for Shimano PRO Vibe alloy stems. Go to the website for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to look up bicycles, helmets, and components that have been recalled if you believe you have experienced a product failure: You can also search for and report defective products here: https://www.saferproducts.gov/parts.
Common South Carolina Cycling Injuries
A cyclist involved in a South Carolina bicycle accident could suffer from a multitude of injuries. Unfortunately, in any bicycle accident, whether bike versus car or bike versus bike, a cyclist is fortunate to escape with her life. Severe, life-changing injuries are all too common in South Carolina bicycle crashes, including:
- Severe road rash. Road rash occurs when the momentum of the cyclist causes friction between the cyclist’s skin and the road’s asphalt or concrete. Such an injury causes significant burn-like wounds to the body, and can ultimately lead to infection and disfiguration. Road rash causes cuts and scrapes, bruises, and even burns, which can take weeks, months, or years to heal.
- Breaks, fractures, and tears. Often the best-case scenario for a bicyclist in an accident is a series of breaks, tears, and other orthopedic injuries. As anybody knows who has suffered such an injury, the medical bills for treating this type of harm can be incredibly high. Many times surgery is necessary to fix the issues.
- Spinal cord damage. A spinal cord injury can change a cyclist’s life forever. Such an injury can result in numbness, weakness, or even permanent paralysis. These injuries are often caused by a cyclist being thrown over their handlebars in a rash, colliding with the road, trees, or vehicles. A cyclist who suffers such an injury will likely take on tremendous expenses while seeking medical care.
- Traumatic brain injury. While South Carolina has no bicycle helmet requirement by law, helmets exponentially lessen the risk of losing one’s life or suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a bike accident, and should be worn whenever operating a bicycle on the roads. A TBI can occur when the brain suffers damage from a collision or shock to the head. A TBI can cause a victim to suffer long-term cognitive, physical, and mental impairments. Often, a TBI can cause temporary or permanent unconsciousness. A concussion is a form of TBI, and can cause a cyclist to suffer life-long headaches, confusion, and tiredness well into the future.
No matter the extent of harm a bicycle crash causes you or a loved one, the South Carolina Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Strom Law Firm have the passion and experience to assist you in recovering the compensation owed to you.
The Right Steps to Take Following a South Carolina Bicycle Accident
While it is impossible to truly plan for the disturbance caused by a bicycle crash, you can understand the essential steps you should take after a crash to protect you or your loved one’s rights and finances. Those steps are as follows:
Get the Medical Care You Need
Regardless of the amount of pain or discomfort after a South Carolina bicycle accident, always immediately seek medical care. The symptoms of many injuries slowly appear, but a physician can often quickly diagnose such injuries. Seeing a doctor also ensures that proper records are kept of your injuries for future insurance claims or litigation.
Preserve Any Evidence
Your bike is likely a vital piece of evidence in a potential legal claim. You should always preserve your bike and any other evidence to allow your attorney and any hired experts to evaluate its condition. While understandably difficult for any cyclist to resist, do not get your bike fixed or throw it out until the previously mentioned professionals have had the opportunity to examine it. It could prove crucial in proving liability and securing your compensation for your damages.
Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters or Their Lawyers
Most insurance companies will attempt to speak with you in an effort to settle your claim against the other driver. Do not speak with these companies. You should always have your case reviewed by a personal injury lawyer before settling too quickly. Many insurance companies will attempt to take advantage of accident victims in frantic and confused states of mind.
Contact South Carolina Bicycle Lawyers Immediately
There is no drawback to consulting our experienced South Carolina Bicycle Accident Lawyers. We will never charge for an initial consultation. We will help in assessing any legal rights to recover financial compensation you may have. A lawyer is also important to serve as protection from insurance companies trying to contact you for a quick settlement.
South Carolina Bicycle Accident Lawyers for Injured Cyclists
Strom Law Firm is experienced in representing victims of South Carolina bicycle accidents and other traffic accidents. Our lawyers are ready to meet with you in person at your convenience. You can also contact us online or by phone at (803) 252-4800 to schedule a time to talk with one of our South Carolina Bicycle Accident Lawyers.
Group Cycling Rides and Events in the Columbia, Lexington, and Chapin Areas*
Tuesday 6pm: (summer and fall ride)
Distance: 25 – 27 miles
Route : https://ridewithgps.com/trips/130734277
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/TriCityCyclers
This ride starts at The B Avenue Ball Park, 815 B Ave, West Columbia, SC 29169. There are options to ride your bicycle fast with the A/B+ Groups or ride a little slower with the “no drop” B-/C fun groups.
Wednesday at 6pm: (summer and fall ride)
Distance: 20-25 Miles
Route : https://ridewithgps.com/trips/132319172
This ride starts at Summit Cycles, 10171 Two Notch Rd # E, Columbia, SC 29229 and there are A, B, and C group riders.
Thursday 6pm: (summer and fall ride)
Distance: 25 – 27 miles
Route : https://ridewithgps.com/trips/130734277
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/TriCityCyclers
This ride starts at The B Avenue Ball Park, 815 B Ave, West Columbia, SC 29169. There are options to ride your bicycle fast with the A/B+ Groups or ride a little slower with the “no drop” B-/C fun groups.
Thursday 7pm: (Summer until the end of September)
Distance: 12 -15 miles
This casual no drop ride starts at Outspokin’ Bicycles, 3223 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205 takes you through some Columbia neighborhoods. Helmets and Lights are required for this ride.
Friday at 6.30pm: (summer only)
Distance: 17 – 22 miles
Route : https://ridewithgps.com/trips/131057734
This is ride starts at Cycle Center, 1001 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205 and takes you through some of the neighborhoods of Shandon and Forest Acres. This is a “no drop ride.”
Saturday 8am:
Distance: 40 – 50 miles
Routes : https://ridewithgps.com/trips/133299926 (40 miles), https://ridewithgps.com/trips/131859809 (50 miles)
What better way to start your weekend? This ride starts at the Dutch Fork Middle School, 1528 Old Tamah Rd, Irmo, SC 29063. There are options to ride your bicycle fast with the A/B+ Groups or ride a little slower with the “no drop” B-/C fun groups. Everyone regroups at a gas station in Little Mountain, and some decide to do an extra 10 miles to make it a 50-mile ride while the others would go back to make it a 40-mile ride.
Sunday 11am:
Distance: 22 miles
This is ride starts at Cycle Center, 1001 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205 and takes you through Cayce and West Columbia and bring you back to downtown Columbia, where you started.
Upstate South Carolina Group Cycling Rides: Greenville, Spartanburg, Reidville, Pickens, Oconee, Laurens, Anderson, Greenwood*
Rides organized by the Freewheelers of Spartanburg
Sundays
Downtown YMCA
Roll time: 2:30pm
Where: Downtown YMCA on Pine Street, Park next to the old Wendy’s.
Distance: 32 miles
Pace: 16-18 mph. Depends on who shows, regroups as needed. Zone going up Whitestone.
Terrain: rolling, flat.
Leader: Richard White
Reidville Elementary School
When: 2 pm
Where: Reidville Elementary School, 520 E. Main St. Reidville SC 29375
Distance: 28-30 miles
Pace: A, B, & C groups
Ride Leader: Larry Hart
The intent is to run 3 groups: A-group at 18+ mph, B-group at 17 mph, and a C-group at 15-16 mph. If we get enough interest and a ride leader, we’ll have a 14-15 mph group as well.
Mondays
RD Anderson Vocational School
Time – 6:00pm
Location – RD Anderson Applied Tech Center
1151 Center Point Dr. Moore, SC 29369
Distance – 30-32 miles
Routes vary, pace groups vary. Usually a fast and slow group.
Watermelon Ride
Required rear light- recommending having a front light also.
When: 6:00pm
Where: Lake Bowen Baptist
404 Sugar Ridge Rd Inman, SC
Pace: Group 1: 17.5+ and Group 2: 16.5+
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40359889
Tuesdays
Reidville Elementary School
When: 6 pm
Where: Reidville Elementary School, 520 E. Main St. Reidville SC 29375
Distance: 28-30 miles. Courses will vary.
Pace: B+ group
Ride Leader: Tony McAbee and others
Boiling Springs
Time: 6 pm
Where: Boiling Springs First Baptist, 3600 Boiling Springs Road. Park in the lot across from Firehouse Subs.
Speed: 18 mph+, steady fast and faster. 2 groups when we have enough people, A and B+ group.
Distance/route: 32 miles BSFB Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Time: 6:00pm
Where: Landrum, SC.
Park in large lot behind the Landrum Police Station (Lodge St.)
Route: 30mi ~1800ft. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40998288
Terrain: Rolling horse country
Lights: Rear ‘blinky’ light required, Front light recommended. Make sure they are charged.
Other: GROUP RIDE. This will be at a relaxed, no pressure pace determined by slowest rider. We usually have 3 “spirited” zones and re-group at stop signs.
Complimentary appetizers provided after by Hare & Hound for those staying for dinner.
EZ-PZ
When: 6 PM
Where: Downtown YMCA Parking Lot with the playground facing Pine St.
151 Ribault Street, 29302
Route: 28 miles, out past Pacolet and back. A few small hills, but mostly flat.
16 – 16.5 miles per hour, no sprints, no zones.
Stop for all mechanicals, no one left behind.
Thursdays
Reidville Ride:
When: 6 pm
Where: Reidville Elementary School, 520 E. Main St. Reidville SC 29375
Distance: 28-30 miles. Courses will vary.
Pace: All groups.
Ride Leader: Tony McAbee and others
Bronco’s Zone Ride
Time: 6 pm roll
Where: Bronco’s restaurant on Union Street. Park in the back right against the trees.
Route: 26 miles: Broncos Zone route 2 Zones Whitestone (4 mi); Hwy 9 into Pacolet (2.6 mi).
Please use blinkies, front and rear. Regroup at end of zones and as needed.
Strawberry Hill
When: 6pm
Where: Strawberry Hill, 3097 Hwy 11 West at Martin Camp Road
Distance and pace: B ride 16-17 pace 28-30 miles
Route and leader: varies.
Other Great Cycling Routes in Upstate, South Carolina*
60 Miles: Hotel D – Over to Gravel up Cesar Head – Green River – Bobs – Watershed – Panther – Mtn View – Hotel D
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29500341
100 Miles: Travelers Rest – Cesar Head – Flat Rock – Watershed
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29500108
45 Miles – Watershed – Mt Olivet – Cabin Creek – Bobs Creek – Hotel D
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29016012
100 Miles – Furman – Sassafras – Rosman NC – 276
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/22056864
62 Miles – Blue Ridge Parkway Folk Art Center – Craggy Gardens – Mt. Mitchell
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28218252
60 Miles – North Greenville – Saluda – Green River
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/2164565
54 Miles – Hagood Mill Ride – Furman – Easley -Doodle Trail – Pickens/Hagood
https://www.strava.com/routes/2885882679684921860
50 Miles – North Greenville – Lake Lanier – Tryon – Callahan
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26819991
50 Miles – Hincapie Gran Fondo Medio Route
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20896305
35 Miles – Tigerville -Greenville Watershed – Saluda, NC (Wildflour Bakery)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28874765
22 Miles – Velo Valets – Paris Mtn. Foothills – Paris Mtn.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29294255
Riders Organized by The Greenville Spinners Cycling Club*
SCTAC – South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center
The Greenville Spinners Bicycle Club has a long history of hosting group rides from the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (SCTAC), formerly called Donaldson Center, an Army Airbase during WWII. The club leases the property from SCTAC and provides porta-potties trash cans, and a picnic table as a convenience for our members to meet up, park, ride and congregate.
Parking Lot Address: 642 Perimeter Road Greenville 29605
Tuesday Night Rides – 6:00 p.m. Start
The club currently hosts group rides beginning the first Tuesday in April. The rides occur weekly during spring and summer months, ending in mid-September when daylight starts dwindling. The kickoff rides for the 2023 season will start at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4 (weather permitting).
A & B group race-pace rides start near the Spinners’ paved parking area and ride clockwise around Perimeter Road, escorted by a Greenville County Sheriff’s deputy. A & B group participants are asked to donate $5 to reimburse the costs of the police, porta-potties and the lease on the property.
The C-Country Loop rides, which vary in distance and pace, will start from the “Club Loop” Drive area. These rides are led by ride leader volunteers to help maintain the posted pace and ensure safety for all riders. There is no fee to participate in the C-Country Loop rides.
We highly encourage all riders to be Spinners Members in good standing. Membership benefits include discounts at local bike shops, free admission to official club rides and time trials, and supplemental insurance on all official Spinners’ rides. It also helps pay for the club lease on the property and year-round porta potty rentals. See the membership page for more information on these and other additional benefits.
https://www.greenvillespinners.org/membership-account/membership-levels/
A & B pace/Perimeter Road lap rides gather here:
https://goo.gl/maps/UYVjW6duyww
A & B Perimeter Road Ride ($5 donation as per Greenville Spinners website)
Distance: 7.2-mile loops around Perimeter Road
Pace: 20+ mph. Riders in this group are expected to be able to handle close group riding with race-oriented simulation.
C – Country Loop rides begin from here:
There are great ride options for everyone participating in the SCTAC rides. Group rides are organized by average speed with dedicated leaders to ensure structure, safety, and that the group maintains the posted average speed.
Group | Distance | Pace (average mph) | Route Markings
“Bridge” | 20 miles | 12-13 mph | Orange
C14 | 22/24 | 14 mph | Yellow
C15 | 22/24 | 15 mph | Yellow
C17 | 31/33 | 17 mph | Green
C18 | 31/33 | 18 mph | Green
C19 | 31/33 | 19 mph | Green
C21 | 31/33 | 21+ mph | Green
*Pace groups are to stay within 1 mph of their designated speed
Links to C – Country Loop Route Maps:
Green: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29346741
The classic 31-mile loop riding south through smooth country roads and low traffic neighborhoods.
Yellow: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29346756
This 22-mile route follows a similar route to the Green loop but with less elevation
Orange: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29346777
This 20-mile route has even less elevation and is a great ride for beginners or those who desire a more casual, social ride pace.
Note: Groups are requested to take a right-hand turn (counter-clockwise) as they return Perimeter Road to avoid the peloton of A & B loop riders riding clockwise.
*Strom Law Firm is not affiliated with any of the entities organizing these group ride events, and makes no representation or warranty of safety to anyone choosing to engage in these activities.
