Orange County NC Website
7 <br /> In a recent related activity, the OUTBoard was presented with a list of resurfacing <br /> projects at its April meeting, and it endorsed the DCHC MPO's requests for wide <br /> shoulders as a part of the resurfacing on the following roads: Old NC 86 from Farm <br /> House Drive to New Hope Church Road, Arthur Minnis Road from Old NC 86 to Rocky <br /> Ridge Road, New Hope Church Road from Old NC 86 to NC 86. In addition, the <br /> OUTBoard endorsed the Staff's request for wide shoulders on Walker Road from NC 57 <br /> to New Sharon Church Road, and on Lake Orange Road from NC 86 to the End of <br /> Maintenance on that road. <br /> Charge 4. Current problem statement. <br /> The problem is how to ensure the safety of all users of roads in our county. The majority <br /> of the cyclists and motorists are respectful of each other on our county roads. There are <br /> some in each of these categories, however, who allow feelings of entitlement to the road <br /> to overtake their good sense, and it is in those situations that conflicts between the two <br /> groups can occur. <br /> The OUTBoard would like to see the county embrace, promote, and fund programs that <br /> could help mitigate these conflicts. First and foremost in these efforts would be a <br /> program to educate the public on the laws, and to humanize the potential conflict <br /> situations that occur in a way that fosters respect, understanding, and coexistence on the <br /> road. <br /> Charge 5. Addressing the issues. <br /> To improve the safety of bicycling and walking in Orange County, the OUTBoard <br /> recommends the following actions be adopted and implemented by the Board of County <br /> Commissioners: <br /> 1. Have current state laws posted at high-traffic rural spots. Two that were <br /> mentioned were Maple View and Honeysuckle Tea House. In addition, locations <br /> such as car dealerships, gas stations, schools, churches, and car repair shops <br /> should be approached. With permission from the establishment's owners, posters <br /> could be posted in several locations. These posters would include state laws for <br /> both cyclists and motorists. Include on the posters the importance of respect for <br /> all on the road. <br /> 2. Become a partner with NCDOT in their"Watch for Me NC" bicycle and <br /> pedestrian safety campaign. They provide a large amount of information <br /> including posters, bumper stickers, handouts with laws, reflective gear, and even <br /> bike lights. Combine this with a enforcement, education, and awareness program <br /> for cyclists and motorists.3 <br /> 3. Provide law enforcement officers with education tools explaining road cycling <br /> and the state's laws— such a program has been developed by the statewide <br /> advocacy group BikeWalk NC. It could be shown in a classroom setting with or <br /> without assistance from local League of American Cyclists Certified Cycling <br /> 4 <br /> instructors. <br />