1. Are you familiar with Carrboro’s 2009 Comprehensive Bicycle Plan? Which parts of the plan would you rank highest for implementation?
CHILTON: Yes. In some ways the most important parts of the plan are the ones that are least in local government’s control. What’s needed is nothing short of a culture-shift regarding what modes of transportation predominate. Private automobiles should not be the presumptive king of the road. We need to continue working with the Police Department to ensure that traffic law enforcement recognizes and supports this culture-shift through crosswalk enforcement, additional signage, and some tweaking of local ordinances relating to cyclists. In terms of physical projects, the most dire needs (excluding projects that are now in development) are along Estes Drive Extension and Homestead Road, though the outlook with NCDOT remains somewhat bleak. Probably our best shot at making further improvements to Estes (beyond the Wilson Park Mutli-Use Path) will be in connection with the Campus-to-Campus (C2C) Bicycle Route, which (through my work on the issue) is currently ranked as both Carrboro’s and Chapel Hill’s #1
bike/ped priority.
COLEMAN: Yes, I am familiar with and voted to adopt the plan. The key recommendation is the first one, the establishment of an engaged bicycle advocacy group. The Carrboro Bicycle Coalition is poised to take on that important role but will need active partnership with the town. As well as the tasks outlined in the plan, I would like to see town staff (with BOA participation) and the coalition analyze the criteria of the League of American Cyclists map and out an action plan to move us from silver to gold bicycle friendly status.
FOUSHEE: Yes, I am familiar with the plan. Smith Level Road is in need of bicycle lanes and signs, road widening from NC 54 to Rock Haven Road, provide colored bicycle lanes and clearly marked bicycle spaces.
JOHNSON: Yes, I am familiar with the 2009 Comprehensive Bicycle Plan, and I appreciate it’s thoroughness and its effort to engage all of the different stakeholders in the creation and implementation of the plan. We need to continue to encourage citizens to think of bicycles as their first mode of transportation rather than just a leisure activity. From a socio-ecological framework, the more people who bike the better. The more people who see people biking the better because our individual behavior influences other individuals and our communities behavior. People are healthier physically and emotionally if they exercise. We are reducing our carbon footprint and impact on the earth if we use less fossil fuels. Biking makes it possible for people to think about alternate modes of transportation, including public transit, walking, and (if they need to use their car) carpooling. Education is a major priority in the comprehensive bike plan. We need additional signage about bike routes and paths in our community. We need to ensure that we have neighborhoods-to-schools bike paths to encourage families to bike to school and to start children early in considering alternate modes of transportation. A good example of this is the widening of Smith Level Road and the bike path that will be implemented as part of that development. Another priority is the Estes Drive Extension and the Campus-to-Campus Bicycle Route, which is currently the number one bike/ped priority in both Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
LAVELLE: Yes, I am familiar with the plan, and I attended the workshops that Greenways, Inc. conducted in their preparation of the plan (my picture is on page B-3!). We are making some progress with parts of the plan – Smith Level Road, Weaver Street and the Main Street diet for example. In identifying what parts of the plan I would rank highest for implementation, I would consider danger, cost and connectivity. Areas that are clearly unsafe deserve to get the utmost attention, whether short-term (fixing potholes, uneven grates or railroad crossings) or longterm (Estes Drive alternatives). We should also move forward with parts of the plan that are relatively inexpensive to implement (for instance, marking some of the proposed sharrows identified in the plan, or widening the entrance and remarking the bike path near the PTA Thrift Shop). The suggested revisions to the Land Use Ordinance related to a reduction in the amount of required parking spaces and the design standards for bicycle parking should be investigated; they cost us nothing, and are worthy of consideration. However, cost cannot be considered in a vacuum. A great example of the consideration of cost is the decision the MPO-TAC has to make shortly regarding the future of the proposed ATT bridge over I-40 (the bids for the project came in well over what was budgeted). As for connectivity, bicycle routes that will provide for safe, efficient routes across and between towns (for example, the Campus-to-Campus connector) need to be finalized and budgeted.
2. Among the various modes of transportation, how important are bicycling and walking? What percentage of city transportation spending should be spent on biking and walking?
CHILTON: As to importance, please see my response to Question 1. It’s difficult to express this as a percentage, but it should be a significant percentage of the budget. Depending on how one cares to analyze the town’s transportation spending, probably our largest expenditure annually is on the bus system. While the bus system is conceptually a lower ranking priority than truly sustainable transportation forms like biking and walking, in reality the bus system moves a tremendous number of people around our community and therefore is an important spending priority. Having just spend several million dollars over on greenways and sidewalks, I think the real question is whether the town will at some point need to consider an additional bond issue for bike/ped improvements. I think we do need to do that and that the BOA needs to explore this topic further.
COLEMAN: Bicycling and walking are fundamentally important both to our environmental sustainability goals (e.g. reducing carbon footprint) and to our socioeconomic goals of create walkable mixed-use communities. The second part of the question cannot be answered directly given the varied sources of funding. For example, Carrboro has spent millions on sidewalks thanks to citizen authorization of the sidewalks bond program. Many more sidewalks are built based on requirements placed on developers. On the other hand, most of our bike ways and greenways depend on substantial state funding via a variety of programs and require effective advocacy from Carrboro as well as town funding contributions (e.g. Smith Level Road improvements). Safe Routes to Schools is state funded but depends on staff and citizen leadership. I support the town using this diverse array of strategies to maximize our bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
FOUSHEE: Both bicycling and walking are important in our community because of recreational and health reasons. We should plan to spend 10-15% of our budget in these areas.
JOHNSON: I live and work in downtown Carrboro. I intentionally chose to buy a house and office downtown so that I could walk and bike to most of the places I need to travel. A significant portion of Carrboro’s current budget is focused on the bus system and it is important to have a bus system that encourages citizens to consider alternate modes of transportation. Tens of thousands of people ride the bus daily, and while this mode of transportation isn’t as ecologically sustainable as biking and walking, it is very important to our community. The Town and the Board of Aldermen need to continue to consider ways to allocate resources that encourage bike and pedestrian improvements.
LAVELLE: Bicycling and walking are very important, for so many reasons. Bicycling and walking provide personal health benefits, physically and mentally, and are the most environmental ways to get around. These modes of transportation allow us to really see our community, and feel more a part of our town. We should do all we can to make bicycling and walking safe and feasible for everyone. As for the second part of this question, giving a percentage might be misleading when related to other transportation costs (i.e., our million dollar investment in our transit system), but I would say it should be a priority. I also think there are ways to indirectly use government to advocate for biking and walking; for example, we could offer incentives to employees who walk or bike (or ride the bus) to work, or we could bring back the police bicycle patrol, as is done in many other cities.
3. How often do you ride a bicycle on Carrboro’s public roadways?
CHILTON: At least once a week. In fall and spring, several times a week.
COLEMAN: I ride with my son to McDougle Elementary and back most days and try to schedule meetings and errands immediately following so I can bike downtown for those purposes. I also ride regularly on weekends both for transportation and recreation.
FOUSHEE: I ride in Carrboro 3-4 days per week.
JOHNSON: I ride a bicycle on Carrboro’s public roadways at least three to four days a week. I work 3 blocks from my house and often walk to work. I walk to teach yoga at Carrboro Yoga Company and to Weaver Street, and I bike to teach yoga at Franklin Street Yoga.
LAVELLE: I love to ride my bike and wish my schedule allowed for more road time. I live in northern Carrboro at the end of Tallyho Trail in the Fox Meadow subdivision. Riding either up Homestead Road to Stratford Drive to get downtown or riding down Seawell School Road to Estes Drive to get downtown requires time, planning and a bit of bravado (something we do with trepidation with kids). Riding these routes has helped me be familiar with how challenging it can be for citizens to ride their bikes when safe corridors and connectors are lacking. We like to ride to events at Smith Middle School and Chapel Hill High School. We also enjoy riding on the new greenway leading up to Morris Grove School, and exploring Winmore and other nearby developments. Tangentially, I work in Durham at NCCU and lead efforts to have bike rides on the American Tobacco Trail with faculty and staff (see attached flyer). I take my bike with me nearly every time I visit my hometown, Athens, Ohio, where there is a wonderful bike path (the HockHocking Adena Bikeway which runs through Wayne National Forest: http://www.seorf.ohiou.edu/~xx088/) that runs for nineteen miles through beautiful scenery. We take our bikes on most of our vacations (these have included the Virginia Creeper Trail, Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine, and Hilton Head Island with its miles of bike paths).
4. What steps would you take to make Carrboro’s streets less intimidating and more accessible for bicyclists? What intersections or streets do you think are most in need of improvements?
CHILTON: I more or less addressed both off the questions in my response to #1. Estes Drive Extension is still the worst problem, and I say the biggest opportunity there will be through the implementation of the C2C Bike Route. The C2C will not only be important to UNC, but will also be a critical link between the Bolin Creek Greenway and both downtowns. As well that route will create a new level of connectivity for several existing high density neighborhoods near Estes Drive Extension – a huge opportunity in and of itself. On-going imporvements north of Homestead Road are helping increase suburban bicycle access at the north end of town, but Homestead Road itself needs work. Carrboro should get together with Chapel Hill and develop a long-term vision for the profile of Homestead Road and begin advocating jointly for that vision to be adopted by NCDOT.
COLEMAN: Improved signs and markings (like the sharrows now on W. Weaver St.) are important as are improvements in road design such as the proposed “road diet” (narrowing travel lanes with improved sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes) on West Main St. Share the road signs can help as can increased police awareness of bicyclist rights and safety. I believe there is an opportunity to build on Bike-to-Work Week events to increase motorist awareness of issues facing bicyclists. I also consider pedestrian improvements to be helpful to bicyclists. As we improve crosswalks and warning signs, we increase motorist awareness which helps everyone using the streets. Among our intersections needing improvement are some of the busiest like Greensboro/Main, Main/Roberson, and Greensboro/Roberson. Estes Drive Extension is an ongoing, active concern (partially to be addressed by the path to Wilson Park). There are also some complex intersections like W. Main/Hillsborough where bicyclists often ride in the turn lane making it unclear what their intentions are, cases where better road marking and signs can make a difference. We need to increase bicyclist awareness of the Libba Cotton Bike Path since the stretch from Main/Roberson to Main/Brewer has numerous curb cuts, can be very congested, and potentially quite dangerous.
FOUSHEE: Wider lanes and more visible signs. Ultimately, we would like to separate the bicyclists from the motorists. Main St. to Lloyd St., Main St. to Rosemary St. and E. Main St. to Chapel Hill Town limits.
JOHNSON: To ensure bicyclists safety I would take the following steps:
- Continue to work with law enforcement to ensure bicyclist’s safety in crosswalk and on roads;
- Encourage traffic calming and lower speeds in the urban core;
- Educate drivers to ensure understanding that they are sharing the road with bicyclists and pedestrians;
- Look for opportunities to increase the number of bike lanes in Carrboro, particularly neighborhood-to-school routes; and
- Continue the Town’s active role with the County to ensure people know where the bike lanes and paths are.
One of the intersections that is in most need of bike/ped improvements is Estes Extension. Currently, it feels very dangerous to bike from the railroad track on Estes Extension to Greensboro Road. The Campus-to-Campus Connector will be important to Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and UNC Campus. It is an important link between our Bolin Creek Greenways and our downtowns. The northern part of Carrboro needs work as well, and in the future Carrboro and Chapel Hill should continue to partner to build a strategic vision for the future of Homestead Road. The two municipalities should work with the NCDOT to have their strategic vision adopted.
LAVELLE: Our signage is good, but can be improved. Some bikers ride on the wrong side of the street, and better signage can help with this. I also think we should investigate any ordinances we have that may have unintended negative consequences for bicyclists. We should discuss ways to make sure citizens know to use bike lights and reflectors at night; this is a danger issue I see occur quite often. The “internal education” piece outlined in the Bicycle Plan and the pages that follow is a good summary of the pros of getting everyone informed about these bicycle issues. Intersections or streets in need of most improvement include the aforementioned Estes Drive and Homestead Road. Public comment has also convinced me that there are significant challenges at South Greensboro Street at Smith Level Road.
5. Carrboro has been designated a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Cyclists, the highest level in the Southeast, tied only with Gainesville, FL. How can Carrboro use this award to bring in bicycle tourism and other economic benefits?
CHILTON: I am extremely proud of Carrboro’s bike-friendly reputation, but we need to ensure that we do not rest on our laurels – there is still plenty of room for improvement. Laurie Paolicelli from the Orange Co Visistors Bureau and I have discussed precisely this issue and believe that there are significant opportunities. Laurie and I are actively pursuing press coverage of Carrboro which promotes Carrboro as a tourist destination for those interested in sustainable lifestyles. We’ve gotten great coverage from Mother Earth News (Six Greatest Places You’ve Never Heard Of) as well as Our State magazine. I believe there are more opportunities of this kind and I will continue to pursue them.
COLEMAN: To effectively build on the Silver designation in these ways, town staff will need to engage the Orange County Visitors Bureau and work with the Carrboro Bicycle Coalition (who better understand bicyclists) to develop a strategy. Bikecarrboro.com already provides a foundation for these efforts. Ongoing outreach and communication should include Carolina Tarwheels, Tri-cyclists, and Carolina Cycling Club as well as the local bike shops. Carrboro is already home to many road races and more formal (and informal) bicycle events should be incorporated. There are many great bicycling routes which return one to the pleasures of downtown Carrboro. A variety of measures can publicize these across the Triangle and beyond.
FOUSHEE: By continuing to improve on keeping the cyclists safe and happy in Carrboro by providing them with safe streets to cycle on. Resume the road races in the community.
JOHNSON: Carrboro receiving the Silver Bicycle Friendly Community Designation makes me very proud to live here. This award can help us attract visitors to our community who are interested in cycling, green vacationing, and sustainable living. Carrboro can use the award to work with the Tourists Bureau to promote the bike friendliness of our community. Carrboro can sponsor and support events and rides that will bring cyclists from out of town. We currently have a Thanksgiving Day run. What about a Thanksgiving Day ride or a Christmas Parade ride? The possibilities are limitless.
LAVELLE: Receiving this award was an honor for our community, and is a testament to our citizens, staff and board members who have worked endlessly on improving bicycle conditions for many years. As the Carrboro Bicycle Coalition is well aware, we already have a large influx of what I refer to as “serious” bicyclists most week-ends, and even during the week. We are fortunate that our county has a scenic and challenging countryside that provides a variety of loops for these bicyclists. We need to work with groups such as the Coalition to encourage or perhaps even sponsor events (from training rides to more competitive rides) that increase these visitors to our town. Soon we will have our first hotel in downtown Carrboro, and we could work on packages with the Orange County/Chapel Hill Visitor’s Bureau (on whose board I sit) that promote our town as a destination for serious bicyclists. Visitors who stay, eat and shop in our town would contribute to our sales tax base, one of the Town’s major sources of revenue. We should encourage more “family” rides such as the one offered in May during Bike Month. This event started in Chapel Hill, went to Carrboro, and finished up back in Chapel Hill. We should offer a “Carrboro Family Ride” along roads and greenways in Carrboro. These participants might spend money as part of these events, but even more, it might expose riders to the ease and possibility of doing these type of rides on a more regular basis.
Carrboro 2011 Candidate Survey
- Continue to work with law enforcement to ensure bicyclist’s safety in crosswalk and on roads;
- Encourage traffic calming and lower speeds in the urban core;
- Educate drivers to ensure understanding that they are sharing the road with bicyclists and pedestrians;
- Look for opportunities to increase the number of bike lanes in Carrboro, particularly neighborhood-to-school routes; and
- Continue the Town’s active role with the County to ensure people know where the bike lanes and paths are.
One of the intersections that is in most need of bike/ped improvements is Estes Extension. Currently, it feels very dangerous to bike from the railroad track on Estes Extension to Greensboro Road. The Campus-to-Campus Connector will be important to Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and UNC Campus. It is an important link between our Bolin Creek Greenways and our downtowns. The northern part of Carrboro needs work as well, and in the future Carrboro and Chapel Hill should continue to partner to build a strategic vision for the future of Homestead Road. The two municipalities should work with the NCDOT to have their strategic vision adopted.