It’s one of the first things parents try to teach their children, but now, signs going up across Lake Norman are meant  to give a refresher course on sharing.

Local cycling groups have been working with the Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson to try to improve safety after one of the worst summers for wrecks on record. Earlier this month, “Share the Road” signs went up on some of the busiest area roads for cycling. The signs were placed on Ramah Church, Grey, Hiwassee, McCord and Black Farm roads among others.

“We wanted everyone – cyclists and drivers – to be more vigilant and just aware of what is going on around them,” Gene DiMenna, owner of the Carolina Bicycle Company in Huntersville. “I think we’re starting to see the benefits from that hard work.”

The improvements follow one of the worst summers

It was one of the worst summers on record for cyclists after a slew of wrecks with cars sent a number of them to the hospital.

“Since Billy (Doherty’s Aug. 19) wreck, I don’t think I’ve heard of any others or even heard a customer complain about a close call,” DiMenna said. “I don’t know if you can attribute all of that to the campaign we’ve been working on, but that’s a great sign.”

Doherty was dragged nearly 70 feet after he collided with a delivery truck along East Rocky River Road in Davidson. He declined to comment for this story.

“Everything that happened over the summer really brought together the (cycling) clubs and got everyone looking at fixing the problem,” said Matthew Cross, assistant manager of The Spirited Cyclist in Huntersville. “I think the groups have always been quick to find ways to make cyclists and drivers safe … And I think we’re seeing improvements because of that work.”

When to expect more cyclists
Cycling groups will take the streets in their largest numbers on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. On Tuesday and Thursday, expect to see more riders as the weather cools in the The Park in Huntersville around 6 p.m. On Saturdays, riders begin at the Spirited Cyclist in Huntersville around 8 a.m. and travel through Davidson. Expect to see large groups on cyclists on Ramah Church, Grey and Shearer roads.