There are several Speedway Boulevards in the US. They are essentially driveways from interstate highway interchanges to NASCAR tracks. Like this one at Talladega Superspeedway.
Outside of race day, traffic is very very very light on such roads.
BTW, at 8:00AM, the sun *might* have been a factor from Route 77 to just past Alfred Road (~700 Speedway).
And on that brief stretch it pretty much doesn't matter if they were travelling ENE or WSW.
Travelling ENE, the driver may have difficulty seeing a person on a bike, but the person on the bike should be able to see the approaching car.
Travelling WSW, the driver should have no difficulty seeing a person on a bike, but the person on the bike might have trouble seeing the approaching car.
But in the 1000 block at 8:00AM? Nope.
p.s. It was cloudy.
Paul, take good care of yourself and your friend. You are part of a community of mourners right now.
-mr. bill