UPDATE: Three cyclists recovering after being hit by a car in Mount Pleasant

Joe Whiteley and David Thomas are seasoned cyclists, but the pair, along with a third cyclist, Cooper Crouse, had a close call on Sunday.

The three of them were riding their bikes down Center Street in Mount Pleasant, when a car turning onto one of the side roads hit them. Whiteley says he hit the passenger side of the car and was airborne before landing in the oncoming traffic lane. Thomas did not hit the car, but his bike ran into Whiteley’s bike, and he was thrown to the ground. Crouse landed on top of the car, his head hitting the windshield. He says his helmet saved his life.

Whiteley and Thomas walked away with only some cuts and bruises, and they were both able to ride their bikes home. Crouse had to be taken to the hospital, and was treated for a fractured collarbone and a broken knee cap, but he says it could have been much worse.

The cyclists say they want to get the word out that everyone needs to be safe, and prepared, when they’re on the road.

If you are going out for a bike ride, here are some safety recommendations by the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

- Protect your head, and wear a helmet.
- See and be seen. Wear bright fluorescent colors during the day.
- Avoid biking at night. If you do ride at night, equip your bike with head and tail lights and wear reflective clothing.
- Stay alert and keep a lookout for obstacles in your path.
- Be aware of the traffic around you.
- Learn the rules of the road, and obey them.

If you are unfamiliar with bike laws, click the following link to learn more: http://www.scdot.org/getting/BikePed/BP_links.shtml