Bicycle crashes in Greenville, SC

Cyclist injuries in Greenville County

Crash reports in Greenville County in 2024 recorded 43 pedalcyclists as victims: 4 killed, 5 with suspected serious injuries, 16 with suspected minor injuries, and 16 with possible injuries (SCDPS 2024 Fact Book, Greenville County). Statewide, one bicyclist was killed every 10.8 days in 2024 (same source).

Cyclists' rights on the road

A person riding a bicycle on a roadway has all the rights and is subject to all the duties of a vehicle driver under South Carolina's traffic code, except where the bicycle rules say otherwise or a provision can't apply by its nature (S.C. Code § 56-5-3420). In practice, a cyclist in the roadway is lawful traffic, and drivers must treat them that way at intersections, driveways and when turning.

What drivers owe cyclists

• Safe passing distance: a motor vehicle driver "must at all times maintain a safe operating distance between the motor vehicle and a bicycle" (§ 56-5-3435).
• No harassment: harassing, taunting, or maliciously throwing an object at or toward a cyclist is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of at least $250, up to 30 days in jail, or both (§ 56-5-3445).
• Same duties after a crash: a driver who hits a cyclist must stop, give information and help, and report an injury crash, just as after any other collision (§§ 56-5-1210, -1230, -1260).

Cyclists' own duties

Insurers often look at whether the rider followed the bicycle rules, so it helps to know them:

• Lane position: ride as near the right side of the roadway as practicable. Riding on the shoulder is allowed but not required, and you may use another lane if it's the only one that lets you continue on your route (§ 56-5-3430(A)–(B)).
• Riding abreast: no more than two abreast on a roadway, except on paths or lanes set aside for bicycles (§ 56-5-3430(D)).
• Passing: use due care when passing a standing vehicle or one going the same direction (§ 56-5-3430(C)).
• Signals: standard arm signals for turns and stops, though you don't have to signal continuously if you need the hand to control the bike (§ 56-5-3480).
• Carrying items: keep at least one hand on the handlebars (§ 56-5-3460).
• Brakes: the bike must have a brake able to skid the braked wheels on dry, level, clean pavement (§ 56-5-3490).

Evidence after a bike crash

• Your bike and helmet: keep them as they are. Damage patterns show the direction and force of impact.
• Ride data: GPS apps and bike computers often record speed and location. Export and save the file the same day.
• Camera footage: many riders use front or rear cameras. Save the original file, not just a clip.
• Passing distance: if you were sideswiped or "buzzed," note the lane width and whether there was room to pass safely.
• The report: make sure the officer recorded you as a cyclist and listed the driver's contributing factors (report guide).

Insurance for cyclists

The driver's liability coverage is usually the first source (§ 38-77-140). If the driver was uninsured or left the scene, look at any auto policy in your household. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage terms vary, and unknown-driver claims carry strict conditions (§ 38-77-170); see UM and UIM and hit-and-run.

Deadline

Cyclist injury claims generally have three years (§ 15-3-530(5)). Your bike and gear are personal property, and a claim for damage to them also generally has three years (§ 15-3-530(4)). See deadlines.

Common arguments in bike claims, and what the statutes say

• "The cyclist should have been on the shoulder." Riding on the shoulder is allowed, not required (§ 56-5-3430).
• "They were riding side by side." Two abreast is permitted on a roadway; more than two is not (§ 56-5-3430(D)).
• "I never saw them." Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any person propelling a human-powered vehicle (§ 56-5-3230) and must keep a safe distance when passing (§ 56-5-3435).
• "They had no lights." At night, § 56-5-3470 requires a front lamp and rear reflector, so lighting evidence matters on both sides.

Riding at night

At night, a bicycle must have a front lamp emitting white light visible from at least 500 feet and a rear red reflector visible from 50 to 300 feet in low-beam headlights. A rear red lamp visible from 500 feet may be added (S.C. Code § 56-5-3470). Lighting is one of the first things an insurer will check after an evening crash, so photograph your lights and reflectors in place before any repair.

Penalties for drivers who violate bicycle rules

When no other violation is cited, a driver who violates South Carolina's bicycle article faces a civil fine of up to $100. If the violation causes minor injury to a cyclist, the fine is up to $500, and up to $1,000 for great bodily injury (S.C. Code § 56-5-3500). A ticket isn't a civil judgment, but a citation noted on the crash report is something your claim file should include.

Questions to ask a lawyer about a bike crash

1. Was I riding where § 56-5-3430 allowed, and how will that affect the fault arguments?
2. Does a household auto policy's UM or UIM coverage reach me as a cyclist?
3. How are my bike, components and gear valued, and should I keep them unrepaired?
4. Was the driver cited, and how should we use that?
5. What ride data or camera footage should we preserve, and how?