08/27/2026
Dear Greenville Spinners Members,
It has taken me some time to reflect on and grieve the tragic incident last week in which two Milligan University students lost their lives and seven others sustained significant injuries. This senseless and infuriating tragedy was compounded by reports that the driver had a long history of driving infractions and substance-related traffic offenses across multiple states.
Media coverage has been extensive, and some of the resulting social media discussions have been deeply disappointing—particularly comments advocating for restricting bicycles from public roads.
I am reaching out to encourage each of us to consider how we behave whenever we ride. By riding safely, legally, and courteously, we can improve motorists’ perceptions of cyclists and give ourselves the best possible chance of returning home safely after every ride.
First and foremost, we must follow the rules of the road and ride in a safe, predictable manner. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety offers these basic guidelines:
* Ride as a vehicle and travel in the same direction as traffic.
* Obey all traffic signs and signals, except where state law permits cyclists to yield at stop signs or proceed through red lights after stopping and determining it is safe.
* Ride as far to the right as practicable.
* Do not cross a double-yellow line.
* When a bike lane is available, use it unless you need to leave it to turn, pass another cyclist, avoid an obstruction, or reach a destination in another direction.
* When riding in a group, do not ride more than two abreast.
* When riding after dark, use proper lights and reflectors to make yourself visible to motorists.
This year, South Carolina cyclists gained an important addition to our bicycle laws with the passage of the “Palmetto Stop.” For those unfamiliar with it, this is South Carolina’s version of the Idaho Stop. It allows cyclists, under certain conditions, to treat stop signs as yield signs and red traffic signals as stop-and-proceed signals when it is safe and lawful to do so.
The Palmetto Stop does not permit cyclists to disregard stop signs, enter intersections without yielding, or interfere with vehicles and pedestrians that have the right of way. Such behavior is dangerous and reinforces the perception that cyclists believe traffic laws do not apply to them.
Beyond our legal responsibilities, there are other things we can do to improve safety and strengthen relationships with the motorists who share our roads.
I strongly recommend equipping your bicycle with a rear-facing radar and light. This technology alerts riders to approaching vehicles while making cyclists more visible to drivers from a distance.
When a vehicle approaches from behind, I also make an effort to raise my hand in acknowledgment. This small gesture tells the driver that I am aware of the vehicle and helps humanize the person on the bicycle. When riding in a larger group, someone near the back can take responsibility for acknowledging approaching motorists when it is safe to do so.
More generally, I encourage you to wave to drivers whenever appropriate. Eye contact and a friendly gesture can create a moment of connection and help reduce the frustration that sometimes arises between motorists and cyclists.
There is another important issue we must address: cyclist behavior on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Frankly, the public perception of cyclists on the trail is not good. Local online forums regularly include complaints about cyclists passing walkers too closely, traveling at excessive speeds, failing to yield, and behaving discourteously.
The Swamp Rabbit Trail serves many different users, including walkers, runners, people walking dogs, rollerbladers, skateboarders, e-bike riders, commuters, tourists, and cyclists of all types. Although we cannot control everyone’s behavior, we can influence how the public perceives road cyclists—particularly those of us who “wear spandex.”
We must do a better job of riding safely and courteously. The posted speed limit is 20 mph in most areas and 15 mph within Greenville city limits. The trail is not an appropriate place for interval workouts or high-speed efforts. We should use it to travel safely through the city, connect to longer rides, and enjoy the experience alongside other trail users.
None of us is perfect, but these guidelines will help us share the trail more responsibly:
1. Remain within the posted speed limit—20 mph in most areas and 15 mph within Greenville city limits.
2. Slow down when approaching walkers or other slower trail users. Clearly announce “on your left” before passing, and provide plenty of space.
3. Do not attempt to squeeze through narrow gaps between pedestrians, cyclists, or oncoming trail users. Wait until you can pass safely.
4. Be courteous. Wave, speak, or offer a friendly greeting to the people you encounter. When I announce “on your left,” I often follow it with “good morning” or “good afternoon.” That small gesture frequently results in a friendly response.
It is an honor to serve as your president. I care deeply about your safety and the safety of everyone who rides a bicycle in our community. I ask each of you to take this message seriously, reflect on your own riding habits, and put these ideas into practice.
Our behavior matters. Every ride is an opportunity to model responsible cycling, earn the respect of those around us, and help ensure that everyone gets home safely.
Sincerely,
Robert Bailey
President
Greenville Spinners Bicycle Club
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