The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is looking to identify and improve communities that lack access to walking and biking.
"I think healthy habits are becoming more of a priority for people these days across all demographics," Liz Macam with NCDOT said.
According to Macam, North Carolina has a million people who do not own a car or drive, which is why improving infrastructure for all and ensuring it's safe and accessible for all communities is a priority for the state.
"We not only want to make sure that the pedestrian plans and the bicycle plans are good, but we also make sure that they're being created in a way that they instill safe habits," Macam said.
The city of Belmont is looking to improve safety concerns, approving a plan Monday night.
"In Belmont, they're looking at additions and improvements for connectivity and safety concerns," Macam said.
Belmont isn't just focusing on things like sidewalks and crosswalks, but recreational opportunities such as greenways, according to Macam. NCDOT will pay for 80% of the cost to draft this new plan with Belmont paying the other 20%.
North Carolina is also looking to instill safety measures for drivers including lowering speed limits in areas that see a higher volume of pedestrians.
NCDOT said their goal is not only to address the needs that exist now, but also develop plans that will shape the community in the future.
"We are considering many things as other transportation and infrastructure projects are either updated or improved," Macam said.
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Source: WCNC.com
