The Department of Transportation has made recommendations in an attempt to improve bike safety in the state.
Back in June of 2015 the General Assembly passed a bill charging the DOT to look at bike laws and to make recommendations on how to improve safety for bicyclist and motorists.
Thinking of ways to make bicyclist safer is an important conversation said Earl McKee, chair of the Board of County Commissioners.
“We are looking at ways to try to increase the safety of the biking public and those in cars, so it’s going to be an interesting conversation, it may be a difficult conversation but it’s one that we are going to have to have,” said McKee.
The DOT recommends requiring bicyclists to be visible from 300 feet from the rear, that they use the right side of the lane on roads with posted speeds of over 35 mph and requiring permits for groups of 30 or more riding together.
The recommendations focus on rural roads where drivers and bikers often share the same lanes.
Public support for new regulations, however, is spilt. Many motorists who live in rural areas of the county say that they worry it is only a matter of time before a bicyclists is severally injured on the road, citing the use of heavy farm equipment and traffic.
“I think that our board is concerned about safety for everyone and access for everyone and finding some accommodation to ensure that we maintain that separation between the bikes and the cars that provide safety,” said McKee.
One Granville County resident who comes to Orange County specifically to ride their bike wrote to the board of commissioners against new regulations. In the letter they say they are worried that the new recommendations will keep bicyclists away and that means not spending money in Orange County.
“That is a very high level attraction for Orange County. We generate quote a bit of revenue to our local businesses because of the events and the recreational cycling that takes place,” said McKee.
McKee says in addition to any recommendations from the DOT, the county needs to increase the shoulder on more rural roads and create more bike lanes in busier areas. But he says it is important for people to keep an open mind about this issue because after all, the roads are a public good that everyone must share.
“That goes for people who have concerns with bicyclists being on the road period and that also goes to those who enjoy riding for recreation or to access work. I don’t think it will do anyone any good to take a hard and fast stand and refuse to be open to compromise,” said McKee.
The recommendations from the DOT have been received by the General Assembly and they will determine if those measures will become law.
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