NCDOT has released the results from their 2011 Statewide Questionnaire on Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety. The survey generated more than 16,000 responses. Some of the findings were:
• 72 percent of the respondents do not feel it is safe to bicycle in their community for recreation or daily needs. A lack of on-road bicycle lanes was cited as the top issue and most-needed safety improvement;
• Less than 43 percent feel it is safe to walk to destinations in their community for daily needs, with a lack of sidewalks cited as the top safety issue; and
• More than 90 percent said having a safe bicycle and pedestrian network contributes to their personal well-being and quality of life.
“Our citizens have sent a strong message about what they want,” said Deputy Secretary of Transit Jim Westmoreland. “The results of this outreach campaign underscore the importance of NCDOT and local communities collaborating on bicycle and pedestrian planning and identifying funding to meet critical needs; and additionally, will play an important role as we develop a plan for our state’s transportation future.”
The highest priority identified was a comprehensive implementation of NCDOT’s Complete Streets Policy at both the state and local level. Adopted in 2009, the policy demonstrates the department’s commitment to designing roads that enable safe access for all users.
The results of these statewide discussions will be used to support planning, decision-making and future investment in the state's bicycle and pedestrian network. Specifically, the results will be incorporated into the department’s 2040 Plan for the state’s future transportation network, which is currently being developed.
• 72 percent of the respondents do not feel it is safe to bicycle in their community for recreation or daily needs. A lack of on-road bicycle lanes was cited as the top issue and most-needed safety improvement;
• Less than 43 percent feel it is safe to walk to destinations in their community for daily needs, with a lack of sidewalks cited as the top safety issue; and
• More than 90 percent said having a safe bicycle and pedestrian network contributes to their personal well-being and quality of life.
“Our citizens have sent a strong message about what they want,” said Deputy Secretary of Transit Jim Westmoreland. “The results of this outreach campaign underscore the importance of NCDOT and local communities collaborating on bicycle and pedestrian planning and identifying funding to meet critical needs; and additionally, will play an important role as we develop a plan for our state’s transportation future.”
The highest priority identified was a comprehensive implementation of NCDOT’s Complete Streets Policy at both the state and local level. Adopted in 2009, the policy demonstrates the department’s commitment to designing roads that enable safe access for all users.
The results of these statewide discussions will be used to support planning, decision-making and future investment in the state's bicycle and pedestrian network. Specifically, the results will be incorporated into the department’s 2040 Plan for the state’s future transportation network, which is currently being developed.
