Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
7 <br />In a recent related activity, the OUTBoard waspresented with a list ofresurfacing <br />projects at its Aprilmeeting, 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 Driveto 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 wideshoulders on Walker Road from NC 57 <br />to New SharonChurch Road, and on Lake Orange Road from NC86 to the End of <br />Maintenance on that road. <br />Charge 4. Current problem statement. <br />The problem is howto ensure the safety of all users of roads in our county. The majority <br />of the cyclists and motorists are respectfulof each other on ourcounty 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 isin those situations that conflicts between the two <br />groups can occur. <br />The OUTBoardwould like to seethe county embrace, promote, and fundprogramsthat <br />could help mitigatethese 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 thatoccur in a way thatfostersrespect, 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. Twothat 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 fromthe establishment's owners, posters <br />could be posted in several locations. These posters would include statelaws 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 withNCDOT in their"Watch for MeNC" bicycle and <br />pedestrian safety campaign. They provide a large amount of information <br />includingposters, 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 ina classroom setting with or <br />without assistance from local League of American Cyclists CertifiedCycling <br />4instructors. <br /> 29