What's even worse is not only is there a bike lane, there's a bike lane AND a shoulder! It's practically 10 feet of buffer, and it still wasn't enough. Looks like based on your description, it's at a curve, so likely the driver looked down during the straightaway, then continued straight as the road starts to curve. Absolutely nothing he could have done, and it was something probably completely unexpected. We're always on high alert on country roads like Redwood and Pinehurst, but when you have a huge buffer like that, you tend to let your guard down.
and of course no criminal charges will likely be filed. Poor driver had to answer their text message! Hopefully the family sues the person into oblivion, he was a high-wage earning known person, so the loss of his income is extra damaging to the family. If the criminal justice system will continue to downplay and show a lack of willingness to charge these reckless drivers, then civil court is all that's left.
Last edited by cthenn; 07-24-21 at 01:33 PM.