Last week, a cyclist was struck and injured by a hit-and-run driver in Blowing Rock. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened on Thursday at about 11:42 a.m. Very little information has been released about this incident, but we do know that a cyclist was struck by a southbound Toyota Sienna van on Highway 221/ Blowing Rock Highway. Initial reports indicate that the driver crossed the centerline near Hemlock Ridge Road, toward Linville. The van went all the way into the northbound lane and hit the cyclist. The driver kept going after striking the cyclist.

Cyclist With Life-Threatening Injuries Air Lifted to Hospital

First responders rushed to the scene, where the cyclist had to be airlifted to Johnson City for treatment of life-threatening injuries. At this time, there has been no word on that person’s current condition or on the full extent of injuries involved. He was reportedly cycling with a group, including his daughter, who did witness the incident. State Troopers are trying to locate the driver and the van.

The van has been described as a 2005-2010 Toyota Sienna with front right headlight and front right fender damage. No information has been released on the development of this case, but anybody with information about the driver of the van is being asked to contact authorities.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Crashes in The U.S.

  • In 2017, there were 5,977 pedestrian fatalities in the U.S.
  • Between 2016 and 2017, there was a 1.7 percent decrease in pedestrian fatalities.
  • On average a pedestrian was killed every 88 minutes in a crash in 2017.
  • Pedestrian deaths accounted for 16 percent of all traffic crash fatalities in 2017.
  • In 2017, there were 783 cyclist deaths in the U.S.
  • Cyclist deaths accounted for 2.1 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2017.
  • In 2017, 75 percent of cyclist fatalities occurred in urban areas.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents in Asheville

Cyclist and pedestrians are still two of the most vulnerable user groups on roadways in the U.S. Unfortunately, even with helmets and other protective gear, they’re at the mercy of the motorists they share the road with. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident in Asheville or in any of the nearby Western North Carolina communities, contact the skilled and proven team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 828-303-2842 for a free case consultation today.