North Carolina
North Carolina is ranked the 18th-friendliest state for bicyclists. Advocates say there’s still room for improvement
Cyclists within the Carolinas say it is time to verify each states defend riders on two wheels.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina is the 18th-friendliest state within the nation for bicyclists, in line with the League of American Bicyclists. The report is predicated on surveys accomplished by state departments of transportation and state bicycling advocacy teams.
NC’s report card famous a number of bicycle-friendly actions within the Tar Heel State, like a statewide bike plan and funding for pedestrian and bicycle planning.
For biking lovers like Marilyn Jager, it’s necessary that roadways are protected for all who use them.
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“Biking has actually grown right here in Charlotte. It has been wonderful,” she mentioned. “and I do not see it stopping.”
Terry Lansdell, the director of BikeWalkNC, mentioned the design of the roads is essential to security.
“These areas will be improved by giving extra room for cyclists, creating extra passing alternatives for motorists, and making a roadway that has everyone represented on it: drivers, bus transits, pedestrians, and cyclists,” he mentioned.
He provides that velocity is one other concern.
“The way in which our roads are designed with increased speeds, and fewer lodging, much less house for bicycles or lively mobility or transferred transit to be part of it — these battle areas change into lethal,” mentioned Lansdell.
In actual fact, the report card additionally notes the speed of lethal bicycle accidents in North Carolina is increased than the nationwide common. Greater than 65% of these crashes occur on state-owned roads.
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“You are capable of survive a 25 mile an hour crash 80% of the time, however you are not capable of survive a forty five mile an hour crash 80% of the time,” mentioned Lansdell.
The state fell brief on the visitors legal guidelines & practices with a C+. It obtained a C for the schooling & encouragement side.
“We’re missing in driver’s schooling, in our faculties and for adults to change into higher drivers,” Landsell mentioned. “On our driving check, we solely have two questions out of the three check selections which have any bicycle questions in any respect.”
BikeWalkNC presents applications educating drivers bicyclists’ hand indicators, guidelines of the highway, and about sharing the highway. He mentioned it’s about defending essentially the most susceptible highway customers.
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Jager, who has been in an accident involving a motorist mentioned there are numerous facets of security that have to be coated.
“We’re so distracted with all of the electronics and the whole lot that we have now,” she mentioned. “Put your head down for a second — increase, that could possibly be a second of somebody’s life.”
The state additionally dropped in rating as a result of it solely requires drivers to present at the very least two ft of house when passing.
“The size of an arm is all we’re required to present now by legislation,” defined Lansdell. “We wish to give that a little bit bit extra, we wish to give it and get it to a few ft.”
Bicyclists applaud new protected lanes in Charlotte
He hopes this encourages the state to take extra motion to enhance the protection and accessibility of bicycling in North Carolina.
South Carolina is much decrease on the record for bicycle friendliness at forty third within the nation. The league suggests the state take a number of actions to enhance its rating, together with adopting a protected passing legislation of at the very least three ft and a statewide bike plan. It additionally recommends investing more cash on its roads to enhance infrastructure and bike security. Click on right here for South Carolina’s Full report card.
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