DAPHNE, Ala.— The need for increased bicycle safety awareness has resurfaced after a fatal incident Thursday.

Clifford Williams, 47, of Daphne, was riding his bicycle along County Road 64 in Belforest when he was struck by a 2002 Dodge Intrepid around 8 p.m., according to the Alabama State Troopers’ office.

The motorist, Rodney Burroughs, 52, of Silverhill, was not intoxicated, according to an Alabama State Troopers spokesperson, and no charges have been filed.

Williams was dressed in camouflage pants and a dark-colored T-shirt; he lacked reflective or fluorescent safety materials, as required by state traffic law.

“People can’t avoid what they can’t see,” Alabama State Troopers Cpl. Joe Piggot said. “Without proper lighting and reflectors, it’s impossible for drivers to see them.”

The state’s traffic law also requires that bicycles have a front-side lamp that shines at least 500 feet and a red reflector attached to its rear.

Williams’ bike lacked an attached headlight.

Piggot suggested that cyclists should dress in bright colors when riding at night and that their bikes should have the necessary safety accessories.

“Obviously not being seen is not in your best interest,” Piggot said. “Wear contracting clothing; bikes need to have proper lighting.”

Daphne City Council President John Lake raised the issue of increased bicycle safety awareness after his wife, Emiko—who was wearing a helmet and white gloves—was struck by a car while riding her bike in mid-October.

She was uninjured, but was “shaken up” when she was knocked to the ground, according to the councilman.

Lake addressed the Public Safety Committee in December and suggested that bells be installed on all bicycles and that all cyclists, by law, should have to wear a helmet.

Lake confirmed with police Chief David Carpenter at a City Council meeting Monday that all cyclists up to age 17 must wear a helmet.

He also expressed the need for ‘Share the Road’ signs to be placed on public roadways. The campaign—sponsored by The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration—places signs on major thoroughfares to promote safety and awareness.

Mayor Fred Small said he hopes that landscaping improvements will help drivers see clearer at night.

“We’ve got shrubs being trimmed and new stripes put down across the streets,” he said.

“We need rules and regulations in the city,” Lake said. “I’m putting together a brochure to educate bike riders.