Local Cyclists Share Tips on Safe Biking After Death of a Fellow Rider

"A lot of it is finding people to ride with because out in West Texas there aren't that many," Morgan- Fleming said.  "I am the only high school cyclist that I know of."

At 17 years old Alexander Morgan-Fleming is one of the youngest cyclist in West Texas.

Morgan-Fleming is a member of the West Texas cycling association-the same club as Paul Nichols.  

"Paul was like not a mentor but he always pushed me," Morgan-Fleming said.

"We all believed that he knew what he was doing," Davis said. "It just goes to show you can never be too cautious."

Nichols was killed Wednesday afternoon when he was hit by a car while riding his bike on a Lubbock county road.

Friday Morgan-Fleming and DFC Bicycles owner, Greg Davis, are sharing their tips on safe riding, so what happened to Nichols, doesn't happen to anyone else.

"As far as cars I mean they are scary," Morgan-Fleming said. "But most bicycling accidents are slipping on gravel, not making a turn, I've done that one. Bicyclist on bicyclist, those happen."

What is the best way to avoid these accidents?

Davis said all you have to do is pay attention.

"Surroundings are changing constantly when you are on a bike," Davis said. "Particularly if you are in an urban environment or out in the country on the road. So you've got to be aware of what's coming up and what is coming up behind you."

Another tip from Davis is to be careful when using headphones.

He said you may miss an important warning.

"If they've got earphones it is blocking out one of the senses we use most often to try and warn us that you've got something going on that you need to be aware of," Davis said.

But Morgan-Fleming said the best way to learn about any hobby is to join a club.  

"You learn more about safety from the club," Morgan-Fleming said. "The club will teach you how to draft. Like Paul he was the one who taught me. They once again teach you about yelling 'car back' they teach you the best way to pass people when you need to."