Associated Press

BROOKLYN, Mich. — The state Transportation Department won't be liable in the deaths of two women who were struck while riding bicycles in Jackson County.

The Michigan appeals court last week ruled in favor of the state in a lawsuit by families of Deborah Patterson and Mary Massengill. They were killed in 2016 when a 76-year-old driver hit them from behind.

Patterson and Massengill were riding in a bike lane on Wamplers Lake Road, near Brooklyn. Their estates argued that the Transportation Department had created a problem by making a bike lane without widening the road.

More on freep.com:

Project to widen bike lanes after deaths of 2 bicyclists

New Michigan law mandates 3-foot distance when passing bicycles

But the appeals court agreed with a lower court judge. The court says a "certain amount of risk is inherent" near moving vehicles.

The driver was convicted of committing a moving violation causing death.