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May Traffic-Safety Initiatives

May is National Bike Month and the Chapel Hill Police Department is planning several pedestrian safety enforcement operations, in addition to normal patrols.

The Chapel Hill Police Department is planning several pedestrian safety enforcement operations in May, in addition to normal patrols. Scheduled special operations include – but are not limited to – the following dates:

• Wednesday, May 3, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Thursday, May 11, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, May 17, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Friday, May 26, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

*Dates and times are subject to change

In the spirit of National Bike Month, this month’s pedestrian safety initiatives will be in and near school zones. We encourage everyone traveling, regardless of your mode of transportation, to remember that community safety is a shared responsibility.

The Chapel Hill Police Department is also planning at least five speed enforcement operations in May – in addition to normal patrols – with the main goal of improving safety for everyone who shares roads.

• Tuesday, May 2, 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
• Tuesday, May 9, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 23, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 30, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

*Dates and times are subject to change

National Bike Month

May serves as a great reminder for drivers to reflect on the importance of safely sharing roads with bicyclists. This month includes National Bike & Roll to School Day, which is May 3.

Tips for drivers:

• Yield to bicyclists as you would other drivers and do not underestimate their speed.
• Drivers turning right on red should look to the right and make sure a bicyclist is not approaching from the right rear.
• Obey speed limits and be patient.
• Give bicyclists room. Do not pass closely. Pass bicyclists as you would any other vehicle – when it is safe to navigate around them.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has more educational resources here.

Vision Zero

On October 13, 2021, Chapel Hill’s Town Council adopted a Vision Zero Resolution, which states that traffic injuries and deaths are not inevitable “accidents” but preventable crashes. The Town committed to eliminating all transportation and mobility related deaths and serious injuries by 2031. This will be achieved through a comprehensive and holistic approach to designing safe roadway systems for all users no matter how they choose to move throughout the community. To view the resolution, click here.

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Cycle in for Coffee is this Friday, May 5, on the patio of Open Eye Cafe from 7:30 to 9 to talk all things bikes.

Chapel Hill Transit Offers Tar Heel Express Service

Chapel Hill Transit will provide Tar Heel Express Shuttle service from 6:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sunday, May 13, for the UNC-Chapel Hill Commencement Ceremony at Kenan Stadium.

Chapel Hill Transit will provide Tar Heel Express Shuttle service from 6:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sunday, May 14, for the UNC-Chapel Hill Commencement Ceremony at Kenan Stadium.

Shuttles will run continuously from Friday Center Park and Ride to Kenan Stadium every 10 to 15 minutes, including after the ceremony start time. The shuttles will stop at Gate 2 along South Road and can be boarded at the same location for return to the park and ride.

The shuttles are free for everyone and all buses are ADA accessible.

Ceremony attendees and graduates are encouraged to arrive at the park and ride lot at 8 a.m. or earlier. There may be traffic delays.

For additional information on the UNC-Chapel Hill Commencement Ceremony, please visit commencement.unc.edu/spring-commencement/

Chapel Hill Transit is the public transportation provider that serves Chapel Hill, Carrboro and UNC-Chapel Hill. For complete information about Chapel Hill Transit services, schedules, route changes, or directions to the nearest Chapel Hill Transit stop:

• Visit chtransit.org
• Email chtransit@townofchapelhill.org
• Call 919-485-7433

Mayor’s Bike Ride Canceled

The Mayor’s Bike-the-Trail Ride that was planned for Saturday, April 22, has been canceled due to possible inclement weather and may be rescheduled. Future date still left to be determined.

Bicycles provided for the first ten people that need a bike to ride for the event. Snacks, fruit waters and Earth Day Bags provided to all! Enjoy conversation with the Mayor celebrating NC Year of the Trail, Earth Day and Bike Season!

Chapel Hill Police Department is planning several pedestrian safety enforcement operations in April, in addition to normal patrols. Scheduled special operations include – but are not limited to – the following dates:

• Wednesday, April 5, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Thursday, April 13, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Monday, April 17, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 26, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

*Dates and times are subject to change

Each effort will focus on areas with heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic, including downtown, and mid-block crosswalks (ex. along the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Estes Drive corridors). We encourage everyone traveling, regardless of your mode of transportation, to remember that community safety is a shared responsibility.

The Chapel Hill Police Department is also planning at least four speed enforcement operations in April – in addition to normal patrols – with the main goal of improving safety for everyone who shares roads.

• Tuesday, April 4, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Tuesday, April 11, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 18, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

*Dates and times are subject to change

Pointers for Parents

The National Safety Council (NSC) has driving safety resources for parents of teenage drivers. Whether your child is just starting to learn or they’re heading out to drive on their own for the first time, the NSC has you covered. Sign up for pointers and lessons delivered straight to your inbox each week. This service is available in English or Spanish.

Vision Zero

On October 13, 2021, Chapel Hill’s Town Council adopted a Vision Zero Resolution, which states that traffic injuries and deaths are not inevitable “accidents” but preventable crashes. The Town committed to eliminating all transportation and mobility related deaths and serious injuries by 2031. This will be achieved through a comprehensive and holistic approach to designing safe roadway systems for all users no matter how they choose to move throughout the community. To view the resolution, click here.