LOCAL NEWS — Lynchburg has become a mecca of sorts for bikers. Each weekend, hundreds of them roll into Moore County to tour the Distillery and shop the Square. In several weeks, hundreds of cyclists will also head into our county for the annual Bike to Jack and Back charity ride. Like any good host, we should all do our part to keep local roadways safe for them. This includes not blowing grass clipping into public roads.

It may seem innocuous, but loose clipping on asphalt cause bike tires to lose traction with the road, creating a slippery situation. One biker compared it to hitting black ice or hydroplaning in a vehicle. The difference? Landing in a ditch in car can certainly be a headache, but losing control of a bicycle or motorcycle can cost a life.

According to recent crash data released by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, there were 168 motorcycle fatalities in our state last year. That’s the highest number in the last 10 year period.

Not only is it dangerous for bikers to blow grass clippings toward the road, it’s also illegal, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) officials. It’s the same as leaving trash in a public roadway, one Trooper said.

Luckily, the fix is easy. Mowers can simply avoid the problem altogether by reversing the direction they mow to direct the chute towards the center of the yard and not the street. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}