Recently, BikeWalk NC staff had the opportunity to present the NC Friendly Driver Program to professional drivers at GoRaleigh and GoDurham. In total, the program has reached over 160 transit operators this year.
These conversations are an important part of building safer streets for everyone. By connecting with transit operators who are on our roads every day, the Friendly Driver Program creates space for operators to share the conflict points they are witnessing on local roadways and discuss real-world transportation challenges.
The program also helps foster a sense that we are all working toward the same goal of safer streets. During the sessions, staff highlighted how bus operators and cyclists often experience many of the same roadway challenges, including right-hook conflicts and vehicles blocking bike lanes and bus stops. Creating opportunities for these conversations helps build understanding between different roadway users and encourages safer interactions for everyone traveling throughout the community.
BikeWalk NC Board Member and former Charlotte Transit Operator Debra Franklin also assisted with the presentations, helping provide the perspective of professional drivers throughout the discussions and contributing valuable insight from her experience in the field.
One transit operator who attended the training shared:
“Now after that meeting I’m looking out for cyclists even more. Bikes and buses make an excellent combination to get around and should be working together to get us around safer. My patience and awareness for cyclists has improved thanks to the information that was shared.”
The Friendly Driver Program is designed to help communities encourage safer, more mindful roadway interactions through education and discussion. Thanks to continued support from the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP), BikeWalk NC has been able to expand the program’s reach and provide these important conversations to transit operators, schools, workplaces, and community groups across the state.
Interested in bringing the Friendly Driver Program to your community or organization? Contact Programs@BikeWalkNC.org to learn more.
