Advocacy

August 5, 2016

The Transit and Cycling Connection – BWNC and the Wake County Referendum

As you consider the Wake County transit referendum that is on the ballot this November, we would like to point out the connection between walking, biking and public transportation. People of all ages are expressing interest in getting around without a car. Many urban areas are recognizing that to be prepared for the future, they need to build a modern public transportation system that relieves traffic congestion, grows their economy, and provides new and better transportation options for everyone. With greater investments in transit, improvement in bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure … [Read more...]

August 1, 2016

BWNC Bids Farewell to Don Kostelec

One of our most active board members, Don Kostelec, is moving to Boise, Idaho, to work for Alta Planning & Design. A big loss for BWNC and North Carolina. For the past four or so years, we have valued and benefited from his technical expertise, creative ideas and extensive network of contacts. He is amazing at identify issues and provide examples to illustrate change needed - he sees things that most of us overlook. We will miss his voice advocating for the underserved, under-represented populations in our state. We will also miss his sharp wit that always brightened our day when … [Read more...]

July 21, 2016

ADVOCACY SUCCESS – NEW LAW ALLOWS MOTORISTS TO CROSS SOLID CENTER LINE TO PASS BICYCLISTS

On October 1st it will be legal for motorists to cross the solid center line to pass slower-moving bicyclists. This is a big advocacy win for BWNC and the NC bicycling community as we have been advocating for this change for many years; read the BWNC discussion here. This provision is contained as Section 5.5a of House Bill 959: DOT Proposed Legislative Changes and reads as follows: (e) The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake and pass another on any portion of the highway which is marked by signs, markers or markings placed by the Department of Transportation stating or clearly … [Read more...]

July 18, 2016

Bike Law Changes in House Bill 959 Improve Public Roadway Safety

In addition to the important provision that allows vehicles to cross the solid center line to pass slower moving vehicles (a big win for the BWNC and the NC bicycling community), House Bill 959: DOT Proposed Legislative Changes modifies other bicycle safety laws. These new laws will become effective October 1st, 2016: Allowing vehicles to pass slower-moving bicycles and mopeds in a no-passing zone when all safety requirements are met (and with a very good four foot distance specified- read more here) Legalizing the commonly-used right-hand turn signal for right turns … [Read more...]

July 6, 2016

Recognition of Lauren Blackburn

BikeWalk NC recognizes Lauren Blackburn, the previous director of the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation, for her contributions to improving the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians on public roadways. Lauren served as the Division’s director for four years, during which various regional infrastructure plans were developed with the intention of prioritizing access and safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. Under Lauren’s leadership, the state revised the framework of North Carolina’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan to improve various … [Read more...]

May 25, 2016

Bike Safety Law Changes Proposed in House Bill 959

House Transportation Committee Chairs John Torbett, Frank Iler, and Phillip Shepard and HB232 bill sponsor Representative Jeter are working to improve bicyclist safety and reduce conflicts between motorists and bicyclists by proposing the adoption of many of the valuable recommendations from the HB232 Bicycle Safety Law Study conducted this past fall. We believe that implementation of House Bill 959: DOT Proposed Legislative Changes will add to the safety of all bicyclists and motorists on public roadways. Readers can view the entire proposed committee substitute here, but a … [Read more...]

April 29, 2016

NCDOT’s Weekly Video Promotes Bicycle Safety!

Wow, we are so excited that NCDOT in their NC Transportation Now weekly video promotes bicycle and pedestrian safety for May - Bike Month. Thanks Deputy Secretary Mike Charbonneau! We are so excited because they took footage from our volunteers working on additional safety videos to show: bicyclists riding two-abreast (which makes bicyclist more visible and thus is safer much of the time and easier to pass when in group formation) that all road users should share the road, avoid distractions, and that we all take a role in being safe that vehicles must yield to pedestrians Most … [Read more...]

April 28, 2016

Send Letter to US DOT to Urge Bicycling Consideration

The Federal Highway Administration once again ignored bicyclists when determining performance measures for our transportation system. Even though Congress just instituted a complete streets policy for the National Highway System (Main streets, arterials and other major roads), FHWA wants to measure performance of the system using a measure for drivers only. It measures congestion by measuring delay for drivers, but gives no credit to states or metropolitan areas that invest in biking, walking or transit facilities that reduce congestion. Finally, the rule sets goals for measuring … [Read more...]

February 26, 2016

How to Pass a Bicyclist

Motor vehicle drivers pass bicyclists safely countless times every day. When done improperly, however, the results can be tragic. Some drivers say that they are unsure of what to do when they encounter bicyclists on the road ahead. It's therefore important to increase public awareness of how to pass a bicyclist safely. Safe passing of a bicyclist on ordinary roads requires following three simple steps: 1. Slow Down. 2. Look and Wait until Safe. 3. Change Lanes to Pass. Let's look at each step in detail: 1. Slow Down Your first responsibility as a driver is to not hit other … [Read more...]