North Carolina is one of the most dangerous places for bicyclists in the country

North Carolina is one of the most dangerous places for bicyclists in the country. That's according to "Watch For Me NC", which is a program organized by the state Department of Transportation. The group says more than 850 cyclists are hit by vehicles every year in the state.

In addition to bicycle and vehicle crashed, they say there are also too many close calls where passing vehicles barely miss hitting a cyclist. Highway Patrol Troopers say if you want to pass a bicyclist, the law says you need to give them at least 4 feet of space...This will help prevent tragic accidents and keep drivers from getting hit with charges and fines. Trooper Doug Coley said, "you know they are approaching that bicyclists at a faster speed and they get up on them before them before they know it and dart up on them really quick and rather than taking their time getting around, so everyone needs to share the road."

When it comes to a cyclists versus a one and-a- half ton metal vehicle, the vehicle is going to win every time. The Bicycle Post Service Manager wants to remind drivers that at the end of the day, cyclists just want to safely get home to their families.

Service Manager David Carson said, "Giving a cyclist four feet its the difference between a guy going out and not being able to make it home and a guy being able to go home to his family"

Law Enforcement and cyclists recommend drivers avoid distractions to prevent accidents of all kinds.