NCDOT Seeking New Partners for 2017 Watch for Me NC Campaign…Program encourages pedestrian and bicycle safety

RALEIGH, NC (February 15, 2017)…The N.C. Department of Transportation is now accepting applications from communities interested in participating in the Watch for Me NC 2017 campaign. The nationally-recognized program focuses on bicycle and pedestrian safety, education and enforcement. The 2017 campaign is supported by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program in partnership with the NCDOT Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation.

“Watch for Me NC uses a comprehensive and data-driven approach to increase public awareness and help local governments improve bicycle and pedestrian safety,” said Ed Johnson, acting director of the NCDOT Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation. “Our goal is to reduce severe crashes and injuries in our communities through law enforcement training, public education, material and technical support.”

Communities selected to participate will receive free law enforcement training, technical assistance and safety tools provided by NCDOT and the UNC Highway Safety Research Center. Some materials include bicycle lights, reflective arm bands, bumper stickers, brochures, posters and banners with pedestrian and bicycle safety messages.

Previous Watch for Me NC participants are encouraged to continue their involvement in 2017. Those communities must submit an abbreviated application showing their commitment to meeting the program’s full intent.

Interested communities are encouraged to register for NCDOT’s webinar on February 21 at 1 p.m., where more information about the program and application process will be provided. Applications are due March 24 and can be downloaded on the Watch for Me NC website.