Bill Yoder, 73, was an advocate for alternative transportation methods.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A tragic crash that claimed the life of a Charlotte cyclist earlier this month is sparking renewed calls for safer streets across the city.
The victim, 73-year-old Bill Yoder, was riding his bike near the intersection of East Woodlawn Road and Park Road when he was struck and killed by a semi-truck. Yoder was the father of a staff member at Sustain Charlotte, a nonprofit focused on promoting safer and more sustainable transit options.
According to Sustain Charlotte, Yoder is one of nearly 30 people who have died in pedestrian-related crashes in Charlotte so far this year. The group says urgent change is needed.
“Many people are hit and killed while walking and riding bicycles every year. The numbers are not decreasing like we would like to see,” said Meg Fencil with Sustain Charlotte. “And when it is the father of one of our team members, it really hits close to home.”
Yoder, a father, cyclist, and beloved member of the community, lost his life doing what he loved.
“He was a very adventurous person, and he moved closer to Park Road to maintain his independence, to ride his bicycle for transportation, and that is how he got around, and tragically lost his life doing that. He leaves behind an incredible legacy,” Fencil said.
The intersection where the crash occurred is known to be busy, with fast-moving traffic that can be dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
“You definitely have to take your time when you are coming across the light,” said Peyton Brown, who lives nearby. “You have to be aware of the pedestrians walking and especially the cyclists.”
“This is such a busy and high traffic area, so it can be a little scary walking alongside the road with those fast-moving cars,” another resident said, adding that “just wider sidewalks” could be “more accessible for people.”
Sustain Charlotte reports that between January and April of 2025, more than 14,000 car crashes were reported in Charlotte. In nearly 70 of those cases, someone was seriously hurt or killed.
“Even if there is no intention, we have designed our streets in such a way that collisions between people walking and biking and cars often result in great violence that kills people,” Fencil said.
The organization is urging the city to implement low-cost safety improvements.
“Something called paint and post. You think of how we do some protected bike lanes, it’s a line of paint, but there is also a flexible vertical barrier that provides separation between people and cars and people on bikes,” Fencil explained.
Fencil also emphasized the importance of stronger enforcement of existing traffic laws.
“Addressing speeding, reckless driving, running red lights, blocking sidewalks — those are all dangerous and all need more enforcement,” she said.
But beyond infrastructure and enforcement, Fencil said a cultural shift is needed.
“I think one of the most important ways to honor Bill’s memory is by standing up for the victims of traffic crashes and not letting their lives become a statistic,” she said. “These are family members, friends, members of the community, and each life that is lost is irreplaceable.”
As Charlotte mourns Yoder’s loss, Sustain Charlotte hopes it will serve as a wake-up call and catalyst for meaningful change.
To honor Bill and others killed or seriously injured by traffic violence in Charlotte, the organization is asking neighbors to use their voice and to make a gift.
Contact Jesse Pierre at [email protected] or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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