Carter County man says he raised cyclist safety concerns before deadly Milligan crash

CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. — A Carter County man, Brandon Koski, has been vocal about cyclist safety concerns on Laurels Road for years. He has lived along the road for eight years and reported increasing traffic issues, including tailgating and passing on double-yellow lines. Koski contacted various authorities, including the Carter County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), Carter County commissioners, and Milligan University cycling coach Zack Nave, to address these concerns. Koski sent emails to the Carter County Sheriff's Office in July 2025, raising issues about speeding and cyclist safety, specifically mentioning the Milligan University cycling team. He also purchased protest signs to urge drivers to slow down, though he was away on his honeymoon when they arrived. The fatal crash involving the Milligan cycling team occurred on Highway 19E, not Laurels Road. After the crash, Koski has escalated his concerns, contacting Tennessee state representatives Renea Jones and Timothy Hill to propose changes to state law regarding speed limits in areas with vulnerable road users. TDOT reviewed Laurels Road (SR-361) in response to Koski’s request, finding missing regulatory and warning signs, which were replaced, and missing speed-limit signs contributing to higher speeds. TDOT plans to re-evaluate speed limits post-improvements but notes initial observations do not support further reductions. The section of SR-361 between SR-362 and SR-359 is not designated as a bicycle route, with no reported crashes from 2015–2026. TDOT also addressed drainage issues near Koski’s property, reinstating a curb and implementing temporary fixes, including re-ditching the road. A permanent cross-drain is planned, requiring nighttime work and utility coordination. TDOT will review guardrail requirements for the area. Koski remains hopeful about enforcement improvements and continues to advocate for safer road conditions.