Happy to report that the House budget does not contain the Senate provision that threatened the NCDOT Planning Grant program that benefits our communities, especially the smaller towns. This issue will now be part of the Conference Committee discussions between the House and the Senate budget. Stay tuned to see the Conference Committee appointments and we will need your help in talking with these legislators to shore up support to protect the planning grant program. As a reminder, the Senate Budget Bill, SB 257, has a pedestrian provision that concerns the planning grant program. It … [Read more...]
Tour de Fat Bike Ride and Concert Events NEXT WEEK!
Tour de Fat Charlotte is coming next week! Here is a link to your complete Tour de Fat Guide. It has a ticket discount coupon link. We are doing a PROMOTIONAL BIKE RIDE at 6:45 on Wednesday May 24 from Spoke Easy - Women on Wednesdays (Bethanie's ride) is joining forces with Dread's biweekly ride and Sustain Charlotte. Plan on being at Duckworths Uptown for New Belgium Beer and ticket giveaway to Tour de Fat among other fun festivities. Launched in 2000, Tour de Fat is New Belgium Brewing’s philanthropic festival of bikes, beer and fun. Proceeds from the Tour benefit cycling … [Read more...]
Additional Comments on SB257
BikeWalk NC is contacting legislators regarding the Bike and Pedestrian Planning Grant provision in Senate Bill 257. Here are additional comments to support the letter: ADDITIONAL COMMENTS/CONCERNS WITH SB257 136-41.5. Return of Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grant funds. Project Implementation Timeline: The 6 year project window is a best case scenario in that it takes two years for the SPOT process, two years for design and two years for construction if the project is selected and immediately funded. It will likely take a community/firm around two years to … [Read more...]
Request for Proposals Open Now for 2017 Bike/Walk Summit in Wilmington Nov 3-4
Please consider speaking at the 2017 Bike/Walk Summit in Wilmington Nov 3-4. Click on this link to submit your proposal: Partnering with AARP, Cape Fear Cyclist, NCDOT and others, we plan to generate lots of information sharing and time for networking. Visit the Summit Website for the latest information about the summit. The theme this year is "Completing our streets....for all!" Here are the three main areas for breakout sessions: * Funding Complete Streets -With NCDOT's interest in re-invigorating our state's Complete Streets policy, we hope to have some speakers that will … [Read more...]
Get Out and Enjoy a Bike Month Event!
This May, BikeWalk NC encourages you to celebrate National Bike Month! In 1956, the League of American Bicyclists made Bike Month official. This is a prime opportunity for people of all ages to gather for events ranging from festivals to group rides to educational sessions, all inspired by the shared love for bicycling and the desire to help spread this love to others. The month offers opportunities to explore your community and the many reasons people choose to ride. It is an excellent chance for people to get motivated to go out and ride with others. Be sure to keep an eye out for a Bike … [Read more...]
Tour de Fat comes to Charlotte May 27th!
Tour de Fat is moving to Charlotte and coming soon! Launched in 2000, Tour de Fat is New Belgium Brewing’s philanthropic festival of bikes, beer and fun. Proceeds from the Tour benefit cycling and environmental nonprofits across the country. Tour de Fat has raised close to $5 million for nonprofit partners since its beginning. Please consider attending this years event and support BikeWalk NC! In 2017, Tour de Fat will expand to 33 cities across the U.S. and feature bigger bands. We are sad to see Tour de Fat leave Durham, but we’re glad that our state will now have two festivals: … [Read more...]
Tour de Fat Promotional Events Month of May
MONTH OF MAY TOUR DE FAT PROMOTIONAL EVENTS Look for MORE DETAILS SOON about these fun pre-Tour de Fat promotional events that will be hosted at various Duckworth’s Bars in the Charlotte area: Ballantyne (5/15) – Live artist demonstration Park Rd (5/18) – Musician on the patio Huntersville (5/22) – Live Art (sampling) or another option (Sumo wrestling tournament, Beer and Beer Cocktail Activation, Lip Sync Competition, etc..) Uptown (5/24) – Bike Ride with Spoke Easy, BikeWalk NC, Women on Wednesday, Sustain Charlotte, B-Cycle and other partners to promote bike advocacy … [Read more...]
2017 BIKE/WALK SUMMIT – NOV 3-4 Wilmington
HOLD THE DATE 6th Annual NC Bike/Walk Summit Proudly Presented by BikeWalk NC in Partnership with AARP and Cape Fear Cyclists Join cycling experts and advocates from the Southeast region at the 6th Annual NC Bike Summit! The event will be held from November 3-4, 2017 in Wilmington, NC. Keynote speakers will focus on Complete Streets and Livability as we work together to “Complete our Streets…for All!” The 2017 NC Bike Summit promises to be packed full of information useful to bicycle advocates, transportation planners, business owners, elected officials, tactical … [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...]
It’s October 1st – New Bike Laws Become Effective Today!
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 today, 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 … [Read more...]