BikeWalkNC

North Carolina’s advocate for safe cycling and walking

BikeWalkNC

Winter Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Winter brings crisp air, festive charm—and unique challenges for pedestrians. Whether you’re walking for health, commuting, or simply enjoying the season, colder weather and shorter days can increase risks on the road. Reduced daylight, slippery roads, and fogged windshields can affect drivers’ ability to see and respond to pedestrians. In addition, we know that many drivers do not see as well at night, and many drive distracted without their full attention on the road. Because of this, as a pedestrian, you must take steps to protect yourself and ensure you stay safe when sharing the road.

  • Wear Reflective Gear: Short days and overcast skies mean reduced visibility for drivers. Make yourself stand out by wearing reflective clothing or accessories, like armbands, vests, or shoe clips.
  • Use Lights at Night: Carry a flashlight or use a wearable light to increase your visibility in low-light or nighttime conditions. These help drivers see you from a distance.
  • Don’t Assume Drivers See You: Snow, rain, or fog can impair a driver’s vision. Always be cautious, even if you have the right of way.
  • Avoid Distractions: Keep your focus on your surroundings. Refrain from texting, scrolling, or wearing noise-canceling headphones when near traffic.
  • Stay on the Sidewalk: If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and stay as far to the side as possible.

While it’s the responsibility of all road users to look out for one another, taking proactive steps to stay visible and predictable can make a big difference for pedestrians during winter.

Got a tip for staying safe as a pedestrian?

We’d love to hear your advice! Share your ideas with us at outreach@bikewalknc.org, and we might feature them in a future newsletter or post.

Stay safe this season,
The BikeWalk NC Team

Make a Difference This Giving Tuesday: Support Safer Streets for All

This Giving Tuesday, we’re reaching out to ask for your help in making North Carolina a safer place for everyone—whether on foot, bike, or wheels. We Are All Pedestrians, and we believe every person deserves safe, accessible routes to travel, connect, and explore.

Every dollar raised goes directly toward creating a North Carolina where walkers and bikers of all ages and backgrounds can travel without fear. Your support allows us to advocate for essential policy changes, educate communities on road safety, and champion better-designed infrastructure across the state. With your help, we’re pushing for projects that protect the most vulnerable road users and build a brighter, safer future for everyone.

How You Can Make an Impact:

  • Donate: A gift of any size brings us closer to our vision of safer streets and paths for all.
  • Spread the Word: Share this Giving Tuesday message with friends, family, or social media followers who believe in making North Carolina a safer place.
  • Engage: Follow us on social media, stay updated on our initiatives, and join us in advocating for safe streets in your community.

Together, we can create the change we want to see on our streets and sidewalks. Thank you for your support and for being a part of the BikeWalk NC community this Giving Tuesday. Your contribution—whether big or small—makes a meaningful difference.

With gratitude,

The BikeWalk NC Team

Cars, Bikes and Safer Streets for All: Creating Communities Where Everyone Can Thrive

Loving cars and advocating for safer streets can go hand in hand. One of BikeWalk NC’s Board members, Steven Goodridge, shares how we can create healthier, more vibrant communities by finding common ground among drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Here’s the message:

Cars are great, but car dependency isn’t. Parents shouldn’t have to worry about kids crossing dangerous streets or being chauffeured everywhere. Safer, walkable neighborhoods promote independence and connection.

Biking and walking save money. Relying on a car for short trips can be costly, while biking or walking is an economical, practical choice for families and businesses alike.

Healthy communities thrive. Walking and biking improve public health and increase life expectancy, all while reducing healthcare costs.

This is a non-partisan issue. Safer streets support family values, economic efficiency, and the freedom to choose how we travel — benefits that resonate with people across the political spectrum.

Creating walkable, bikeable communities doesn’t mean giving up cars. Instead, it’s about balancing our transportation options and ensuring everyone can move safely and efficiently.

Curious to learn more? Read the full article to discover practical steps for fostering safer, more connected neighborhoods where walking, biking, and driving coexist.

Let’s build a North Carolina where streets are safer, healthier, and more inclusive for everyone.

read the full article

Honoring Lives & Building Safer Streets: World Day of Remembrance

As we approach World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on November 17, we’re reminded that each of us—whether we walk, bike, or drive—is connected by the simple truth: We Are All Pedestrians. This day honors the lives forever changed by traffic incidents and calls us to work together for safer roads.

At BikeWalk NC, we’re committed to advocating for safer, more inclusive streets where everyone, especially vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists, can travel safely. Through improved infrastructure, education, and policy, we’re working toward a North Carolina where no one has to worry about the risks of simply getting from one place to another.

We invite you to join us in honoring this day of remembrance by supporting safer street initiatives in your community, sharing the message of #WDoR2024 on social media, or simply reflecting on how we can all help create safer environments. Together, we can build a future where no one has to fear for their safety on our roads.

Thank you for being part of BikeWalk NC and for supporting a vision where everyone—young, old, on foot or on wheels—has the right to travel without harm.

Success Stories from Around the State

The NC BikeWalk Summit brings together advocates, planners, and community leaders from across the state to share ideas, celebrate progress, and push forward the mission of safer, more connected communities. This year’s summit featured inspiring stories from five organizations making real change across North Carolina through active transportation initiatives.

Photo Credit: Hillsborough Photography

In this session, representatives from Asheville on Bikes, Fairview Habitat for Humanity, Major Taylor Cycling Club of NC, Friends of the Ecusta Trail, and Three Wheel Therapy share their experiences, successes, and challenges. Each organization offers unique insights into how local efforts are transforming communities, proving that grassroots initiatives can have lasting, meaningful impacts.

Featured Organizations:

  • Asheville on Bikes: Demonstrating how consistent advocacy and community engagement have led to a more robust bike network in Asheville, improving mobility and sustainability.
  • Fairview Habitat for Humanity: Sharing how active transportation is integrated into affordable housing developments, ensuring that residents have safe, walkable access to essential services.
  • Major Taylor Cycling Club of NC: Highlighting their efforts to make cycling more inclusive by providing opportunities for underrepresented communities to get involved and feel a sense of belonging.
  • Friends of the Ecusta Trail: Showcasing their initiative to turn an abandoned rail corridor into a multi-use trail that promotes health, tourism, and environmental stewardship in western North Carolina.
  • Three Wheel Therapy: Focusing on the therapeutic benefits of cycling, this organization shows how biking programs can foster mental and physical well-being while building community connections.

This session offers valuable insights for transportation advocates, planners, and community leaders looking to drive meaningful change in their own communities. You’ll walk away inspired and equipped with practical ideas to support safe and equitable transportation in your area.

watch the session
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