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The recent hit-and-run death of Summerfield cyclist David Sherman has not deterred other cyclists from hitting the streets, but they are being more cautious.

“I try not to let things like that hinder my practice or goals,” said Meredith Murray of Asheville, who was going to bike Gran Fondo’s 32-mile ride with her dad, Dan Murray of Greensboro. Gran Fondo was a cycling event during the inaugural Festivale Italiano on Sunday.

Dan Murray, who lives in Irving Park, said the accident has made him more aware of his surroundings at intersections, and he’s trying to stick as close to the right side of the lane as possible.

Some bicycle advocacy Web sites suggest riding on the right side of a lane except when climbing curvy hills or when there are parked cars along the road, increasing the chance that a cyclist might be hit with an opening car door.

Cyclist Norma Scott of Burlington said she’s also more cautious when driving her vehicle — a large SUV.

Some cyclists are actively seeking justice for Sherman’s death.
Grayson Dawson of Eden has been charged in Sherman’s Oct. 24 death. Her first court date is Dec. 2.

Troopers said Dawson was driving northbound on North Church Street just north of N.C. 150 when she steered left of center and hit David Sherman head-on.

Witnesses said the vehicle that hit Sherman made a U-turn and left.
Sherman died instantly.

Dawson was charged last week with felony hit-and-run and death by motor vehicle.

Cathy Thompson of Greensboro lives just three miles from the accident site. “I want people to show up in droves,” she said of Dawson’s court date. “Do you think it will make a difference?” she asked Scott.

Thompson suggested organizing a group to attend the court session. “We’ll be his cheerleaders,” she said of seeking justice for Sherman.

Scott said she is watching the case closely and working to make sure eyewitnesses’ testimony is used in the case.

Scott said a bicycle response team, working another cycling event that day, was first on the scene. Sherman was not riding in that event. “Thank goodness they were there,” she said.

“It was sobering for all of us,” Dale Brown, owner of Cycles de Oro and organizer of Gran Fondo, said of the accident’s effect on the biking community. “So many of us knew (Sherman). It’s made all of us more concerned about sharing the roads.”

Brown believes more people will turn to bicycles as a mode of transportation as gas prices increase and people’s attitudes change about how they get around.

“Neither bikes nor cars are without criticism,” he said. Brown advocates awareness for both drivers and cyclists.

He suggested to Gran Fondo cyclists Sunday that they ride in single file, sharing the road.

Contact E.A. Seagraves at 883-4422, Ext. 241, or elizabeth.seagraves@news-record.com