N.C. BOARD OF TRANSPORTATION ADOPTS NEW VISION FOR PLANNING AND DESIGNING PROJECTS July 23, 2009

RALEIGH — The way the N.C. Department of Transportation plans and designs its projects is changing.

The N.C. Board of Transportation today voted unanimously to approve the Complete Streets policy at its meeting in Raleigh. The policy directs NCDOT to consider accommodating several modes of transportation when building new projects or making improvements to existing infrastructure.

In the past, the department had no set policy instructing staff to think about alternative forms of transportation when planning projects. Although some engineers did add resources for pedestrians, bicyclists and those who take public transportation to their designs, it was not a requirement.

“This policy creates a solid foundation on which we can build a better transportation system for all types of commuters,” said Transportation Secretary Gene Conti. “NCDOT is not just a road-building department, and this policy emphasizes our commitment to safe and efficient travel for everyone.”

The benefits of this new approach include:
• Improving safety;
• Making it easier for travelers to get where they need to go;
• Encouraging the use of alternative forms of transportation;
• Increasing connectivity between streets and transit systems; and
• Building a strong sense of community.

Under the new policy, the department will collaborate with cities, towns and communities during the design and planning phases of projects. Together, they will decide if the transportation options available will serve the needs of the people and compliment the context of the area.
Click Here for the Official Press Release

Mission Statement June 17, 2009

GETTING CONNECTED is a local citizens’ group aimed at the pursuit of new bicycle and pedestrian paths CONNECTING the extended neighborhoods of the Ogden Elementary School area. These paths are aimed along such roads as Covil Farms, Hawk, Red Cedar, Middlesound Loop, Darden, and beyond. This initiative has long been clearly established in the guidelines of the North Carolina Bicycle and Bikeway Act of 1974. These paths will not only CONNECT children and parents to the school but also CONNECT pedestrians and bicyclists to local attractions and amenities such as the brand new multi-use path along Military Cutoff, the beach, the Forum, Mayfaire, the Cross-City Trail and more. Furthermore, these paths will encourage people to get outside and enjoy healthy lifestyles and pursue alternate forms of transportation while feeling safe on these new routes.

GETTING CONNTECTED recognizes the benefits of this bicycle pedestrian path as an opportunity to:

• Provide Ogden Elementary School children safe and healthy access to their school in accordance with the Federal and State Safe Routes to School initiative;
• Reduce the continually increasing traffic in the areas around Ogden Elementary School, thereby making the roads safer for everyone;
• Improve the health of our citizens of all ages through safe and easy access for walking and bicycling;
• Provide better and safer alternative means to commute to nearby grocery and retail stores, banks, library, medical and professional offices, restaurants, and more, by CONNECTING the already established and underused bicycle pedestrian paths beginning at Military Cutoff Road and further connecting to Eastwood Road and beyond, thereby CONNECTING thousands of citizens in the greater Wilmington area in a healthy, safe, community spirited environment;
• Reduce carbon emissions thereby improving the quality of the air we all breathe;
• Reduce the amount of fossil fuels being burned and conserve energy, helping to break America’s dependence on oil by providing safe routes within our neighborhoods.

GETTING CONNECTED Steering Committee

Michael Bassano

Lorann Hellens

Ed Mondello

Bret Russell

Peg Schroeder

Adam Shay