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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.