FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Alabama State Troopers continue to investigate a traffic accident that happened about 8:30 a.m. Saturday, on County Road 1 south of Fairhope in which three bicyclists were injured.

Bradford Barron Maples, 28, of Fairhope was charged with driving under the influence, taken to the Baldwin County Corrections Center. He was subsequently released on $1,000 bond.

According to Cpl. Steve Smith, public information officer, Maples, was driving a 2001 BMW when his vehicle struck Tracey Wall, Angela and Craig Ross, all of Fairhope.

Wall was taken by helicopter to the USA Medical Center in Mobile with injuries not considered to be life-threatening. At press time he remained in the hospital for observation. Angela and Craig Ross were taken to Thomas Hospital by ambulance and were treated and released.

Wall and Craig Ross work together at Spanish Fort Middle School. Wall is a special education teacher, and Ross is one of the assistant principals. Terry Wilhite, communications director of the Baldwin County Board of Education, said Ross returned to work yesterday.

According to the office of Judy Newcomb, Baldwin County District Attorney, once the investigation is complete, they will proceed with further charges, if any, that may be called for.

Cpl. Smith said the law for bicyclists is the same as it is for a motorcycle with a few added rules. All cyclists are to wear a helmet, ride with the flow of traffic and observe all traffic signals and signs. Smith said four-wheeled vehicles are responsible for slowing down and should pass cyclists with a safe distance between them, just as they would another automobile. Bicyclists, he said, are to stay as for to the right as possible to enable four-wheeled vehicles to pass safely. Smith added that if there is a bicycle trail or area designated for bicyclists, cyclists must use it.

Baldwin County Trailblazers, was founded in 1995 to help create walking and bike trails in Baldwin County. They are a grassroots organization that has been especially concerned that Alabama has been ranked the third worst state in the country for cyclist deaths in automobile crashes. To promote safety awareness, the organization created 90 signs that look like a standard caution road sign with the picture of a car and bicyclist next to each other and bears the words “Share The Road.” According to Jeff Hudson, Trailblazers board member, there are two of these signs on Baldwin County Road 1 near Mullet Point.

Terry Redfearn, former president of the Trailblazers, said that the group has been instrumental in getting bike trails along Baldwin County Road 1. He added there is a 41-mile loop that starts on Scenic Highway 98 in Fairhope and follows along the waterfront. It then continues along Scenic Highway 98 through Battles Wharf along through Point Clear and on south to Weeks Bay. He said that after the hurricanes, big trucks parked on the bike trail and broke up some of the concrete, but they are still there.

Redfearn said, “With gasoline prices rising and the push to be more environmentally conscious, motorists will have to expect to encounter more bicyclists.” He stressed the point that motorists should try to have more patience with bicyclists, because lifestyles are changing, and the economy may force more people to ride bicycles as a means of transportation.