In a few short weeks, over a thousand cyclists will descend on Washington for NC Cycle, a gathering of cyclists from all over the state. They will stay in hotels and homes they’ve rented for the occasion, eat at restaurants, shop in stores — all of it locally. That 1,500 cyclists and their support groups of friends and family are coming to town represents an economic boon for many.

One of the unique aspects of Beaufort County is the number of independent businesses that exist here. They are county’s economic foundation. But each of those businesses represents so much more than another door open for business. When one shops at a local business, it is not nameless, faceless people in an office somewhere far away, who are profiting — it is neighbors, family and friends. They not only rely on residents of the county to support their businesses, but on those people visiting from out of town. Visitors’ dollars are a welcome boost for Beaufort County business and business owners. To that extent, all visitors are welcome, and on the weekend of April 17-19, every driver Beaufort County needs to show their appreciation by sharing the road.

First, every vehicle driver needs to recognize that, as opposed to sitting inside a car, cyclists on the road are vulnerable. Cars are bigger, go faster and deliver a much bigger punch than any bike ever will. Yes, bicyclists do need to be responsible for their own safety, but in the case of a collision, a car’s going to win every time.

When encountering cyclists, slow down and give them a wide berth, a minimum of three feet. If that’s not possible because of oncoming traffic — wait. Wherever it is that a driver needs to be is not so important it’s worth risking someone’s life. When cyclists abound, drivers should be extremely careful at intersections, paying extra attention to whether cyclists are approaching from behind. And, as is always the case, the use of handheld devices can be very distracting while driving, often leading drivers to stray from lanes. Keeping cellphone use to a minimum when sharing the road with cyclists can mean the difference between a shared trip down the road and a trip to the emergency room.

For cyclists, Beaufort County is a wonderful place to ride, with its long, winding country roads through woods and across fields, offering glimpses of river and creeks along the way. For Beaufort County, cyclists are one source of much-needed income.

It’s time to share the road, and do it with a smile.