CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Roads that are more chaotic can be less friendly to pedestrians. Now, the North Carolina Department Of Transportation is working to identify and improve communities that lack access for biking or walking.
"I think healthy habits are becoming more of a priority for people these days across all demographics," Liz Macam with NCDOT said.
Macam said there are a million people in the state who do not own a car or do not drive, which is why it's very important to make updates to infrastructure ensuring its safe and accessible for all communities.
"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 efforts come as officials in Charlotte investigate a string of deadly crashes involving pedestrians, with three people killed in a span of 48 hours.
The city of Belmont is also hoping to address safety issues, approving a plan Monday night.
"In Belmont, they're looking at additions and improvements for connectivity and safety concerns," Macam said.
She said they're not just focusing on things like sidewalks and crosswalks, but recreational opportunities like greenways as well. NCDOT will pay for 80% of the cost to draft this new plan, with the city of Belmont covering the other 20%.
The state said they're also looking forward to instilling 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.
The project manager in Belmont along with city council members are hoping to engage with the public about the plans and will be holding a public hearing on Nov. 6.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.