Watch for Me NC

Jacksonville Friends Taking Break From BikingThe Watch for Me NC (WFMNC) safety campaign aims to reduce pedestrian and bicycle injuries and deaths through a comprehensive, targeted approach of public education, community engagement, and high-visibility law enforcement. Jacksonville's campaign is part of the larger statewide Watch for Me NC program to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety. The program began as a pilot in 2012 and has continued to grow since its inception. The City was a partner in 2015 and 2016 and has once again joined the WFMNC program for 2019.

The campaign offers training for staff and law enforcement, as well as, campaign materials that can be used to spread awareness and inform citizens. Additional safety tips and resources may be found here: Safety Resources

Watch for Me NC Applicable Laws

  1. Driver Laws
  2. Pedestrian Laws
  3. Bicyclist Laws
  • Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians at marked crossings and unmarked crosswalks at intersections except where there is a traffic or pedestrian signal. (§20-155)
  • Drivers must stop for pedestrians at stop signs and flashing red lights and must yield for pedestrians at flashing yellow lights. (§20-158)
  • Drivers making right or left turns must allow pedestrians to cross first, unless pedestrians are prohibited from crossing. (§20-173) Pedestrians or bicyclists on sidewalks have the right of way, so drivers must let them pass before turning into or out of driveways and parking lots. (§20-173)
  • State law prohibits drivers from passing vehicles stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks. (§20-173(b))
  • It is incumbent upon drivers to make sure the road is clear of pedestrians before pulling forward or backing up. (§20-154)
  • Changes made to §20-150(e) under Session Law 2016-90 allow a driver in a marked no passing zone to pass a bicyclist (moving in the same direction, and when the driver is not making a turn, and when safe conditions exist) if the driver provides a minimum of four feet of passing distance between the bicyclist or completely enters the left lane.

For more information on the statewide program visit WatchforMeNC.org 

If you have questions or comments about the program, contact Stephanie Kutz at 910 938-6453 or at skutz@jacksonvillenc.gov

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