NC Cyclists Can Now Get Vital Information From One Source

People choose bicycling or walking over motor vehicles for many reasons ranging from health to enjoyment. Some places are safer than others, while others are more scenic in nature.

Until recently, bicyclists and pedestrians had two basic choices: they could take chances when planning their commutes, or they could spend significant time doing research to plan a route.

A Five-Pillar Plan Helps Meet Biker and Pedestrian Needs

There aren’t many individuals willing to spend hours on the Internet trying to research their planned travel routes or learn more about safety issues that the state plans to address. This is why our Charlotte bicycle accident lawyers applaud the recent launch of the new WalkBikeNC.com website. Although still in a fledgling state, this site provides one place where riders and pedestrians can get state-specific information in a number of areas, including:

• Safety: North Carolina is dedicated to reducing the number of annual fatalities to bicyclists and pedestrians. This page provides links to current map information, as well as state plans to continue to improve safety conditions.
• Health: The state recognizes existing barriers to the use of healthy modes of transportation and addresses its improvement goals on this page.
• Economy: Recognizing the financial benefits of bicycle and pedestrian travel, this page identifies planned steps to promote alternate modes of travel.
• Mobility: Since bicyclists and walkers reduce traffic congestion while requiring relatively minimal infrastructure, this page shows how these modes of transportation increase mobility for all individuals traveling on the road throughout the state.
• Environment: This page addresses the stewardship of the environment and explains how North Carolina’s goal to improve coordination between state agencies and conservation groups can contribute to a healthier environment.

Non-Motorists Need to Know State Laws Too

Keep in mind that bicyclists and pedestrians do not need licenses for their chosen mode of travel. However, they are still subject to most of the same laws that motorists must follow. The requirements for obeying traffic signals, yielding right-of-way, and even one-way street laws also apply to bicycles. Similarly, while pedestrians are generally subject to different laws, they do have many rules to follow so they can be safe.

At present, the new website does not yet provide a link that puts this type of information in front of the public. However, everyone should obtain a copy of bikeped-laws-guidebook A Guide to North Carolina Bicycle and Pedestrian Laws. Review this information on a regular basis to help everyone enjoy North Carolina’s roads.