RALEIGH – North Carolina communities
interested in participating in the 2018 Watch for Me NC program may now submit
applications to the N.C. Department of Transportation.
The nationally-recognized program focuses on bicycle and pedestrian
safety, education and enforcement. The 2018 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 provides hands-on training to law enforcement
while also educating the public as both must be engaged in the process to
improve bicycle and pedestrian safety,” said Ed Johnson, Watch for Me NC program
manager. “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. Communities may also be eligible to receive advertising such as
billboards, transit ads, and public service announcements. Applicants must
demonstrate support from local law enforcement agencies such as local government
and campus police, plus the capacity to participate fully in the program.
Interested communities are encouraged to register for NCDOT’s webinar on Feb. 14 at 10 a.m., where more
information about the program requirements and application process will be
provided. Applications are due March 23 and can be downloaded on the Watch for Me NC
website.