March 2, 2019 Dear Governor Cooper and members of the North Carolina General Assembly, Help make North Carolina safe for active transportation and invest in roadway designs that benefit cyclists, pedestrians, and entire communities! Active transportation promotes economic development, benefits our physical and mental health, and fosters a clean, energy efficient environment.. In 2013 when the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) adopted its goals of implementing its "comprehensive statewide plan for improving bicycling and walking conditions across North Carolina", it … [Read more...]
Paying for Shared Roads
By Steven Goodridge NCDOT and the state legislature are facing an inescapable reality: not only are fossil fuel tax revenues not keeping up with the costs of building and maintaining a road system that suits the speed and convenience preferences of motorists, but the state is also failing to protect public safety adequately on those state-maintained roads. The cause of the public safety problem on state-maintained roads is not the slow speed and vulnerability of bicyclists. Our humanity is a virtue for which we need never apologize. The cause of the safety problem is the high speeds at … [Read more...]
Historical Basis of Road Rights for Pedestrians and Bicyclists
Advocates for motoring sometimes call for elimination of bicyclists or pedestrians from roadways, or for increased regulatory burdens to be placed on bicyclists (ostensibly to equal the expense of motoring regulations). Their argument often begins with the motoring-centric assumption that roads are for cars, and that because motoring on roadways is regulated as a privilege, then any use of roadways is also a privilege, and not a true right. Historically and legally speaking, however, this claim is inaccurate. Recognition of an individual’s basic right to travel on shared roads dates back … [Read more...]
Cyclists and Peds Pay Fuel Taxes
Through taxes on food and supplements, bicyclists and pedestrians pay about as much per mile traveled as motorists do by Steven Goodridge "Bicyclists don't pay fuel tax" is a claim commonly used by detractors to disparage bicyclists as "freeloaders" who are presumably less virtuous than motorists, and thus less deserving of respect or protection of their travel rights on public roads. Bicyclist advocates usually respond to this attack with an explanation of why bicycle travel has much lower public costs than motoring in terms of roadway wear, space, pollution, and/or danger to the public, … [Read more...]
Bicycle Registration and Plate Proposal Draws Ridicule
A bill sponsored by NC House Representative Jeffrey Elmore (representing Alexander and Wilkes Counties) would require all bicycles operated by persons age 16 and over to be registered with the state DMV and equipped with a bicycle-specific license plate for an annual fee of ten dollars per bicycle. https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2019/Bills/House/PDF/H157v0.pdf Although the suggested purpose of the bill is to raise money for bicycle projects, bicyclist advocates around the state were immediately critical of the proposal. Terry Lansdell, executive director of BikeWalk NC, pointed out that … [Read more...]
Winter 2019 Newsletter
Happy 2019! Changes at NCDOT, priorities for BWNC this year, the AV Start Act, and more. Read on. ON THE MOVEThe Newsletter of BikeWalk NCFrom the Executive DirectorVictory in the fight for funds to make North Carolina a state where anyone can choose to bicycle, run, walk and use all forms of active transportation to improve our health, environment and economy requires correcting bad decisions of the past. It also requires bold new public policies that will improve our transportation networks for all. Policy makers across the state make many decisions that impact the lives of rural and urban … [Read more...]
Change Lanes to Pass- A Lesson in Safety
Consensus building around a better paradigm for bicycling safety by Steven Goodridge A driver pulling a wide trailer nearly sideswipes a bicyclist in Petaluma, California The Problem Unsafe close passing, especially at high speeds, is one of the most common safety concerns expressed by bicyclists who use our state’s roadways. Beyond just frightening bicyclists, unsafe close passing contributes to a large share of car-overtaking-bicycle collisions. Although darkness, impaired driving and distracted driving are factors in many overtaking-type collisions, a growing body of evidence … [Read more...]
Rules of the Road for Electric Scooters
What are the traffic rules for electric scooters such as the Bird? What should they be? These questions are being asked by a wide range of stakeholders following the sudden influx of scooter-share activity in urban areas. Electric scooter rental offers the instant ability to travel at 15 mph between downtown destinations without physical exertion (or sweating), and without the up-front cost of purchasing the vehicle. Although they may resemble a child’s kick-scooter, electric scooter-share vehicles are not toys; nor are they to be confused with disability-assistance devices that move at … [Read more...]
Summer reading for the younger set
Interested in sharing your love of bikes with a younger rider? Here are a few suggestions mostly for the elementary age child, compiled by BikeWalk NC intern, Charlotte Spence. … [Read more...]
Terry Lansdell Named BikeWalk NC Executive Director
BikeWalk NC is extremely pleased to announce Terry Lansdell as its new Executive Director. He will assume responsibilities June 25. Terry comes to BikeWalk NC from Clean Air Carolina where he held several positions, most recently that of Public Policy Manager. His background uniquely qualifies him to lead BikeWalkNC. In addition to his work with Clean Air Carolina, Terry has extensive experience with non-profits, including work with both Trips for Kids and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership. Terry’s work to advance sustainability is well known and was recognized by Sustain … [Read more...]
BWNC Seeking New ED as Lisa bids Farewell
BWNC is seeking a new executive director (click here for job posting) as I am leaving to join AARP. Those of you who attended the 2017 Summit in Wilmington know what a great partner AARP is for BWNC with their livability/age-friendly community work, so I hope to continue to support BWNC in my new role. The past three years with BWNC have flown by. I’ve enjoyed getting to know many of you and appreciate the great work you do and the support you've given me. NC is poised to make great strides - the BikeWalk “movement” has momentum. It helps that companies like Amazon specify they are looking to … [Read more...]
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