Area cross-country cyclist killed in North Carolina

Albert Arnott, the Plymouth native who couldn’t walk but managed to power a bicycle across the country, was killed in a collision with a truck in North Carolina while pedaling his recumbent machine north on U.S. Highway 601 near Mocksville. The state Highway Patrol confirmed Monday.

Arnott, 60, was severely injured about 20 years ago while working as landscaper when he fell from a tree and suffered a traumatic head injure.

 He moved to Phoenix, Arizona, about three years ago and began riding the high-tech, low slung bike. A recumbent puts the rider in a position similar to a lounge chair, with feet in front of the rider and steering mechanism alongside the seat.

Arnott was in the Wilkes-Barre area for several weeks in late May and early June this year, and agreed to be interviewed for an article in The Times Leader. He said he had just bicycled from Los Angeles to New York via Washington, D.C., in a ride intended to highlight the need for term limits in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Arnott said he had written more than 40 books, mostly about politics, energy policy and homelessness, though only a few books could be confirmed on line.

When Arnott agreed to ride his bicycle for a photo outside the offices of bail bondsman and long-time friend Mike Smith in Wilkes-Barre, the front steps proved daunting. Arnott primarily slid down them on his rear, with help from several friends.

Once in the bike, Arnott pedaled slowly but with ease.

According to the Highway Patrol, Arnott was pedaling north when he was struck by a driver in a pick-up truck, also heading north. The investigation is still ongoing, but charges could be filed against the driver.

While most recumbents are two-wheeled and potentially more aerodynamic than traditional bikes, Arnott rode one with three wheels to compensate for balance problems.

Because of their low build, recumbents are often considered less visible than traditional bicycles. Arnott, like most who ride such vehicles, added a large, high, brightly colored flag to the bag of his recumbent to increase visibility. It was the well-known “Gadsen Flag” named after the American general who designed it, Christopher Gadsen. The yellow flag features a coiled rattle snake and the motto “Don’t tread on me.”