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Bicycling is a fun, eco-friendly way to travel and exercise.

Traveling by bicycle alleviates stress, improves heart health, reduces carbon emissions, and improves mental health.

Bicycle Safety

In 2019, 18 people were killed and another 62 were seriously injured while biking on North Carolina roads (NCDOT).

Physical separation from motor traffic is best for bicycle safety.

Bicycle infrastructure, including protected bike lanes, separated paths, and greenways, provides the best protection for people traveling by bicycle.

An analysis by NACTO found that adding more bike lanes leads to an increase in people biking and a lower risk of cyclists being killed or seriously injured while riding.

Bicycles are vehicles. 

North Carolina law states that bicyclists are drivers of vehicles and may use the full lane.


The safest way to pass a bicyclist is to change lanes when traffic is clear.

 

Community Benefits

Active transportation infrastructure also benefits the community and local economy. One analysis of shared use paths (also known as “greenways”) in North Carolina found that they provide substantial economic benefits to the surrounding community. These benefits include:

  • $19.4 million in business output
  • $25.7 million saved from the increase in physical activity and reduction in congestion, traffic injuries,  and air pollution

DOE Road Safety Cyclist Safety

For more bicycle videos, visit the NC Vision Zero YouTube Playlist.

 

 

Quick Facts
North Carolina Bicycle laws
Bike At Night Icon
Bicyclists riding at night must have an active, white front light (visible from at least 300 ft) and a rear red light (visible from 300 ft) or reflective clothing.
Right of Road Icon
Bicyclists must ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as other traffic.
Bike Helmet Icon
Every person under 16 years old must wear an approved bicycle helmet when operating a bicycle on any public road, public bicycle path, or other public right-of-way.
Bicycles are vehicles and are allowed to travel on all roads except highways.
Drivers must leave at least two feet of space when passing a person on a bicycle.
Biking groups in NC
Images to Share

bicycle safety on the road

bicycle safety, report all bicycle crashed

bicycle safety for drivers, slow down

drivers change lanes to pass bicyclists

drivers slow down to go around bicyclists on the road

change lanes to pass, bicycle safety

slow down to go around bicycle safety

slow down to go around, bicycles on the road

share the road with bicyclists

every road user is a loved one

Resources

Learn more about the Vision Zero Initiative

Vision Zero Partners     FAQ