MADISON,
Tenn.- Metro Police continue to investigate a hit and run that sent a
cyclist to the hospital, while local cyclists hope the accident brings more
attention to the need for safety.
The
crash occurred around 9 p.m. on Friday evening on Neelys Bend Road in
Madison. Police said the cyclist was riding in the shoulder when he was hit.
Witnesses who saw the accident say the
driver of the black four-door Tacoma took off north on Gallatin Road. The
victim was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, but they do expect
him to make a full recovery.
"It's a scary thought because
you never know when it could happen to you because we all ride at all times of
the day, early in the morning (and) late at night," Christopher Callis with
Halcyon Bike Shop said.
For many avid cyclists, hearing about
accidents or experiencing their own close calls is nothing new.
"I've had a close call at
least twice a week since I started riding six years ago," Callis added.
It's the chance they anyone else is
willing to take when getting on the road. Cyclists say having the proper
equipment is key.
"Stay reflective, ride defensively, take
the lane and make sure cars can see them and pass them safely," Walk
Bike Nashville Board member Pat Clements said.
Clements adds that taking precautions is
a shared responsibility, "The best thing is for cars to be aware
that bicyclists are going to be out there and be careful."
More people are ditching
their cars, instead choosing to pedal to their destination. The cost benefits
and campaigns like "Move in Harmony" promoted by Nashville Mayor Karl Dean can
be attributed to the increased ridership.
"It
saves me a lot of money on gas. It saves me a lot of money on insurance. I live
close by," Callis explained. "I have no excuse to drive a car six blocks."
While
the news of accidents are unnerving, they say it's not enough to trade in two
wheels for four.
Police have arrested an
accused drunk driver of a pick-up that witnesses say matches the description of
the one that fled the scene. However, the driver has not been charged in the
hit and run.
