LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)– Concerns about Evangeline Thruway made it to the round-table Wednesday; this comes after the bicyclist struck by a vehicle April 24 on the thruway, died.

The victim has been identified as 64-year-old Paul Camp of St. Martinville. Investigators said Camp was riding a bicycle and attempted to cross the thruway near Chalmette Drive when a vehicle traveling south hit him. The driver of the vehicle was not injured.

Bicyclist in April NW Evangeline Thruway crash has died

The Lafayette Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee of the Lafayette Consolidated Government worked on their 2024 Non-motorized Priority List; One person inquired about the Evangeline Thruway.

“Not doing anything is contributing to more fatalities,” resident Nureakea Ross explained to KLFY News 10.

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After the meeting, Ross said she believes when road projects are proposed the Evangeline Thruway should be on the list.

“You [reporter] saw the news of multiple fatalities occurring in the month of April. I believe not doing anything is the worst thing we can do right now,” Ross said.

Ross recommends more speed enforcement to radar speed trailer signs for drivers to be reminded of how fast they’re traveling.

“Too often the burden is placed on pedestrians when these incidents occur,” Ross said.

Another roadway is Johnston Street where some are fearful of using the bike lanes. Matthew Holland is the secretary and treasurer of the advocacy organization Bike Lafayette.

“Sometimes they are riding down the turn lane because it feels safer than being on that narrow shoulder,” Holland said.

People want to walk or cycle around the city safely.

“You have to think very differently when you are on a bike about the way you are going to get around because you are so vulnerable and you move at a different speed” Holland said.

Ross believes local, state and federal entities have to come to a meeting of the minds.

“Anything that we can do we need to keep doing it. One thing we can do for sure is increase the enforcement along Evangeline thruway,” Ross added.

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