Cyclists concerned about safety of Ben Sawyer Blvd after fatal crash

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD)- A bicyclist died over the weekend after police say they were hit by a car on Ben Sawyer Boulevard, Sunday around 4:30 p.m.

Now some are questioning the safety of that road, saying there needs to be more protections for people on bikes.

64-year-old David Murray, a visiting business professor at the College of Charleston, died from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bike.

“We are saddened to hear about the untimely death of David Murray, a visiting professor in the School of Business. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues during this time.”

College of Charleston

Hoyt Simms works at a bicycle repair shop, Crafty Cranks, and rides his bicycle to work every shift.

The repair shop, located on Ben Sawyer Boulevard, is just steps away from where a bicyclist was fatally hit on Sunday.

Simms said witnessing the aftermath was sobering, “I would say I’m shocked, but I’m not terribly surprised. I’m fortunate that that’s not me today, but it could be me later.”

Simms says every time he bikes on the boulevard he feels unsafe.

“When the cars cross where the pedestrians are walking they’re going 40 mph. You can’t have cars going that fast and have people on bikes and walking at the same time and expect it to be safe,” Simms said.

Simms says he thinks bicyclists should be protected more, but Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie says that’s something the town has invested millions in.

“Right now we are finishing and are about to open the new biking lane over the Shem Creek Bridge, Mount Pleasant Way is a big part of that so you don’t have to be sharing the big road,” Haynie said.

Haynie says there are more road safety projects coming, “The big safe streets grant that we got a while back, we’re spending all that money to make it safer for everybody, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.”

Haynie explained the town is working hard to improve safety on the roadways, but it’s up to drivers, bikers and pedestrians to do their part as well.

“All the infrastructure in the world will not keep people safe if they don’t drive safely, cycle safely, or walk safely. So I’m just begging everybody, be extra careful especially this time of year,” Haynie said.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department is still investigating the fatal bicyclist crash.