North Carolina — An Ordinance Prohibiting Bicycles and Pedestrians from Certain Roadways Introduction: North Carolina has implemented an ordinance aimed at promoting road safety by restricting the access of bicycles and pedestrians on specific roadways. This regulation ensures the smooth flow of vehicular traffic, reduces potential accidents, and improves overall transportation efficiency. This article provides a detailed description of this ordinance, highlighting its objectives, scope, and potential benefits. Keywords: North Carolina, ordinance, bicycles, pedestrians, roadways, road safety, traffic, accidents, transportation efficiency. Types of the North Carolina ordinance prohibiting bicycles and pedestrians: 1. Urban Areas Ordinance: This specific form of the ordinance is implemented in densely populated regions of North Carolina, including cities and towns. It focuses on controlling bicycle and pedestrian traffic on busy urban roads with high vehicle volumes and limited infrastructure provisions for non-motorized transportation. The Urban Areas Ordinance restricts bicycle and pedestrian access during peak traffic hours to ensure better traffic flow and reduce the risk of accidents. 2. Interstates and Highways Ordinance: The Interstates and Highways Ordinance targets major expressways and highways within North Carolina, aiming to maintain uninterrupted vehicular traffic flow. These roadways often have high-speed limits, limited access points, and are designed primarily for motorized vehicles. This ordinance prohibits bicycles and pedestrians from using these types of roadways to minimize potential hazards and maintain an efficient transportation system. 3. Rural Roads Ordinance: The Rural Roads Ordinance applies to roadways located primarily in rural and less-populated areas of North Carolina. These roads typically lack dedicated bicycle lanes, sidewalks, or other infrastructure to accommodate non-motorized traffic safely. The ordinance restricts bicycles and pedestrians on such roads to prevent accidents and facilitate smoother vehicular travel, considering the higher speeds and limited visibility often associated with rural environments. Objective and Benefits: The North Carolina ordinance prohibits bicycles and pedestrians from certain roadways to achieve several key objectives and benefits, which include: 1. Enhanced Road Safety: By restricting the presence of bicycles and pedestrians on certain roadways, the ordinance aims to reduce the risk of accidents and potential conflicts between different modes of transportation. This promotes safer road conditions for all users, particularly by minimizing hazardous interactions between vulnerable road users and motor vehicles. 2. Improved Traffic Flow: The ordinance helps maintain a consistent traffic flow on roadways with high vehicle volumes by eliminating potential disruptions caused by slower-moving bicycles or pedestrians. This ensures smoother and more predictable travel for motorists, reducing congestion and optimizing the overall transportation efficiency in affected areas. 3. Efficient Utilization of Infrastructure: By limiting bicycle and pedestrian access to specific roadways, the ordinance recognizes the varying infrastructure demands of different transportation modes. It helps allocate limited resources towards enhancing dedicated bicycle lanes, pedestrian paths, and other facilities, where necessary, ensuring better usability and safety for non-motorized travelers in designated areas. Conclusion: The North Carolina ordinance prohibiting bicycles and pedestrians from certain roadways reflects a strategic approach towards balancing road safety and transportation efficiency. Through targeted control over the access of non-motorized transportation, this regulation aims to create a safer environment for all road users while optimizing traffic flow. The specific types of ordinances implemented, such as the Urban Areas Ordinance, Interstates and Highways Ordinance, and Rural Roads Ordinance, demonstrate North Carolina's commitment to tailoring regulations to suit different road characteristics and regional needs.