
A Tennessee man has been indicted for a hit-and-run accident on the Natchez Trace Parkway involving a cyclist/NPS file photo
Parkways, places like the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Natchez Trace Parkway, are designed as scenic byways, where the top speed is 45-50 mph and the idea is to enjoy the landscape, not race past it. They also are routes that attract cyclists, and that can be dangerous for both cyclists and motorists.
In early July, a cyclist near the northern end of the Natchez Trace Parkway was riding with friends when he was clipped by a black Volvo and left with serious injuries. While the driver of the Volvo failed to stop, one of the cyclists in the group had a video camera that recorded the incident.
National Park Service rangers and Williamson County Sheriff’s deputies identified Marshall Grant Neely III, 58, of Franklin, Tennessee, as the driver of the vehicle who left the scene. On July 27, a federal grand jury in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee, indicted Neely on three felony counts: reckless aggravated assault, lying to a federal agent, and obstruction of justice, according to a Park Service release.
On July 28, park rangers arrested Neely at his home without incident.
Natchez Trace Parkway Superintendent Mary Risser reminds all visitors that the Parkway is a 444-mile long national park that welcomes millions of visitors every year. Motorists and bicyclists have a shared responsibility to use the Parkway in a responsible manner. Individuals observing aggressive drivers or any unsafe act are encouraged to contact the Natchez Trace Parkway at 800-300-PARK (7275).
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