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CAPE FEAR CYCLISTS RESOLUTION REQUESTING ACTIONS TO IMPROVE CYCLING SAFETY IN THE CAPE FEAR REGION, ESPECIALLY ON RIVER ROAD WHEREAS, the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County and the other municipalities represented by the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) are steadfastly committed to the promotion of safe bicycling for both transportation and recreation; and WHEREAS, cyclist accidents and deaths have demonstrated an urgent need to take actions to improve cycling safety in the Cape Fear Region, especially on River Road which has the region’s premier bicycle lane, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Cape Fear Cyclists request that NCDOT, New Hanover County, the City of Wilmington and the WMPO BikePed Committee work cooperatively to take the following actions that will enhance cycling safety: Speed Limits: Ensure that the streets and roads shared by bikes and motor vehicles have posted speeds that are consistent with safety. More specifically, request an immediate evaluation of the speed limits on River Road. Law Enforcement: Ensure that the streets and roads shared by bikes and motor vehicles are routinely patrolled and that posted speeds are enforced, especially on River Road where speeding is prevalent. Traffic Calming: Take the following specific actions to moderate motor vehicle speeding on streets and roads shared by bikes and motor vehicles, especially on River Road where speeding is prevalent. Install stop signs or traffic lights at major intersections. Of particular concern at present are the intersections of River Road and Sanders Road and River Road and Halyburton Parkway. Conduct periodic safety, sobriety and compliance checks on streets and roads shared by bikes and motor vehicles, especially on River Road. Awareness: Post additional “Share the Road” and Bike Lane signs, especially on River Road. Prepare Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for airing on local media Maintenance: Ensure that existing bicycle lanes are properly maintained, free of gravel, sand and trash and free from encroaching vegetation. Of particular concern are the bike lanes on River Road. ADOPTED by the Cape Fear Cyclists on April 18, 2011. Craig R. Mann, President, Cape Fear Cyclists |