A tragic accident on Tuesday evening claimed the life of a cyclist in Pembroke, North Carolina. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) reported the incident occurred around 5:44 p.m. on Old Main Road. The cyclist, 67-year-old Gerry Lee Depagter, was traveling westbound alongside two vehicles when the fatal collision took place.
According to 1st Sgt. S.B. Lewis of the NCSHP, Depagter was not wearing reflective clothing or using lights on his bicycle, making him difficult to see as daylight faded. The first vehicle struck him when the driver could not detect the cyclist in time. As the driver attempted to pull over after the collision, a second vehicle, unable to react quickly enough, also struck Depagter. Both drivers escaped injury.
Depagter was pronounced dead at the scene, with NCSHP concluding that neither speed nor impairment played a role in the accident. The investigation determined that poor visibility was the primary factor contributing to the collision. The lack of reflective gear and lighting on Depagter’s bicycle likely left the drivers unable to see him until it was too late.
This tragedy highlights the dangers cyclists face, particularly during low-light conditions. It underscores the critical importance of wearing high-visibility gear, equipping bicycles with lights, and adhering to safety measures designed to protect cyclists on shared roadways. Motorists are also reminded to remain vigilant and cautious, especially in areas where cyclists may be present.
Old Main Road, where the accident occurred, serves as a stark reminder of the shared responsibility between cyclists and drivers to ensure road safety. NCSHP’s findings reinforce that even under routine driving conditions, accidents can have devastating outcomes. The incident also draws attention to the need for enhanced cycling infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes and improved roadway lighting, to prevent similar tragedies.
In the wake of Depagter’s death, local officials and community members may consider initiatives to improve road safety, including distributing reflective gear, organizing educational workshops, and advocating for better infrastructure. For the Pembroke community, the loss of Depagter is not only a profound tragedy but also a call to action to promote safer coexistence between cyclists and drivers on public roads.