GODWIN, Cumberland County, N.C., Sept. 15, 2026 — A bicyclist died early Tuesday morning, September 15, after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 95 North near Godwin, according to state troopers.
The crash reportedly happened around 3 a.m. on I-95 North under the Sherrill Baggett Road Bridge, between Exit 65 and Mile Marker 66, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said. The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.
Troopers said the bicyclist may have been struck by more than one vehicle after the initial impact. That detail remains under investigation, and no additional details about how the crash unfolded have been released.
Interstate 95 North was shut down near Exit 65 and Mile Marker 66 while troopers worked the scene.
Authorities had not said by early Tuesday when the highway would reopen.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
Why Cyclists Are So Exposed When Struck on Highways Like I-95
A bicycle offers no crumple zone, no airbag, and no metal shell between a rider and an oncoming vehicle. When a car and a bicycle collide at highway speeds, the rider absorbs the impact directly, often thrown from the bike on contact. That basic lack of physical separation is what makes these crashes so often fatal, regardless of how the collision started.
Nighttime hours add another layer of risk. Low light makes a bicyclist harder to see, especially on a highway shoulder or travel lane where drivers do not expect to encounter a rider at all. Reduced visibility, combined with higher travel speeds on interstates, cuts down the time a driver has to spot a cyclist and react.
Secondary impacts, where a rider already on the ground is struck by additional passing vehicles, are a particular danger on multi-lane highways. Once a person or bicycle ends up in a travel lane, following drivers may have only seconds to notice and steer away. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 49,989 pedalcyclists were injured in traffic crashes in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a cyclist do after a crash involving a car?
Call 911 immediately, move to a safe location off any travel lane if possible, and avoid moving an injured person unless there’s immediate danger. Wait for law enforcement to arrive and document the scene if it’s safe to do so.
Do cyclists have the same rights to the road as drivers?
In most states, including North Carolina, bicyclists are legally entitled to share the road with motor vehicles and must follow similar traffic laws, though riding is generally prohibited on interstates and other limited-access highways.
Are bicycle crashes more common at intersections?
Many bicycle crashes do cluster at intersections and driveways, where turning or crossing vehicles fail to see a rider. Crashes on open highway stretches, like this one, are less common but tend to involve higher speeds and more severe outcomes.
What injuries are most common when a cyclist is hit by a car?
Head trauma, broken bones, and internal injuries are frequently reported, since riders have no structural protection and are often thrown from the bicycle on impact.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Godwin, NC
Anyone involved in or witnessing a bicycle crash near Godwin should call 911 right away and stay on scene until help arrives, if it’s safe to do so. Even if injuries seem minor at first, a medical evaluation is worth getting, since some injuries like concussions or internal trauma don’t show symptoms immediately.
Getting a copy of the official crash report from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol can help clarify what happened once the investigation concludes. Take photos of the scene if you’re able, and get contact information for any witnesses nearby. For families dealing with the aftermath of a crash like this, patience with the investigative process is often necessary, since highway crash reconstructions can take time.
