The League of American Bicyclists recognized Carrboro at the silver level, two levels away from the highest honor. The league recognized Chapel Hill at the bronze level, one level below silver.
Here’s what that recognition means according to Carrboro Transportation Planning Director Trish McGuire: “It means that we’re working to support cycling. We want to be among the communities that are recognized for valuing this mode of transportation.”
Every four years, this organization recognizes towns that excel in bike infrastructure, education for bikers and the public, encouragement of biking, enforcement of laws that protect bikers from drivers and town planning focused on biking.
Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt said he’s happy with the accolade but acknowledges a need for improvement.
“We’ve been reminded several times in the last year about how important bicycle safety is,” said Kleinschmidt. “We’ve had bicycle fatalities, many of which could have been prevented with better infrastructure, better signage, better bike and driver education.”
The league lists several areas of improvement for both towns in its “report cards.” The league says Carrboro should expand the network of bike paths and increase public education campaigns with a message to share the road with bikers.
And Chapel Hill’s report card says the town should hire a full-time bike and pedestrian coordinator.
The League of American Bicyclists also recognized UNC-Chapel Hill as a silver-level bikeable university.
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