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53 <br /> Message: Data are necessary <br /> 1) To measure the extent of a problem based on data and not on personal <br /> observations. <br /> 2) To determine if education mitigates or has any positive effect on behavior. <br /> 3) To have data available to present to NCDOT, which bases many of its <br /> decisions for infrastructure improvements on data. (If there is no collection of <br /> data, then proposed projects may score poorly.) <br /> Target audiences: Transportation planners, Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), <br /> overseers of BSTF implementation, NCDOT, law enforcement, EMT services <br /> Safety benefits: NCDOT is more likely to respond to a request for road safety <br /> improvements if data can be amassed to show the need and support for it. If county <br /> funds are being used to implement safety programs, data will provide taxpayers and <br /> the elected officials with information about the effectiveness of the use of those funds. <br /> IV. Safety Equipment for Cyclists <br /> Problem: Cyclists who cannot be seen are a danger to themselves and to motorists. <br /> Some cyclists may be unaware of the laws requiring lights. Many non-recreational <br /> bicyclists ride at night, making safety equipment for night riding especially important. <br /> For some, the cost of lights and helmets may be a hardship. New laws that went into <br /> effect in October 2016 require a front light, plus a rear light or reflective clothing in <br /> addition to a rear reflector. Also, parents and cyclists need to be aware of the law <br /> requiring helmets on anyone younger than 16 years of age. <br /> Goals: <br /> A. To strive to make all cyclists aware of the laws, to strive to have all bikes used at <br /> night equipped with required lights and reflectors, and to strive to have all children <br /> under 16 wearing helmets. <br /> B. To recommend best practices including use of lights during the day, wearing <br /> brightly colored clothing, and use of helmets for all ages. <br /> C. To make cyclists aware of the importance of being visible to others. <br /> Message: Cyclists must equip their bikes as state law requires for lights and reflectors <br /> when riding at night, and cyclists must be seen to be safe. <br /> Target audience: Primary: cyclists; secondary: bike shops <br /> Safety benefit: Visibility is a key component of safety. Cyclists must be visible to other <br /> road users at night. Helmet use has been shown in some studies to prevent or lessen <br /> head injuries. <br /> V. Education and Safety around Large Groups of Riders <br />