PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Almost 2 percent of crash fatalities in North Carolina in 1995 were bicyclists, of whom 42 percent were comprised of children 16 years of age, or younger. In most instances, these fatalities involved young, inexperienced riders, with no proper instruction and no protective equipment.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of the North Carolina Bicycle Safety Program was the reduction of bicycle-related fatalities and injuries, particularly for young riders 16 years of age, or younger. This goal was addressed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), through the following objectives:

• Conducting bicycle safety programs
• Purchasing equipment such as safety helmets
• Developing a promotions campaign

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
The activities undertaken through the Bicycle Safety Program were coordinated by NCDOT Traffic Safety Information (TSI) Officers. The TSI Officers assembled volunteers from the community to promote bicycle safety through Bicycle Safety Rodeos, using the NCDOT's "Basics of Bicycling" curriculum. Community volunteers were recruited from local parks and recreation departments, bicycle dealers, civic clubs, law enforcement offices and schools to manage 81 Bicycle Safety Rodeos in each of the eight State Highway Patrol districts.

To conduct Bicycle Safety Rodeos, program coordinators required transportation of a large amount of equipment. Through the efforts of TSI Officers and community volunteers, two trucks were donated to transport equipment, one from a local moving company. This allowed for expansion of the program and for simultaneous events to be held in different locations in the state.

With the help of the local media, events were publicized, and the message of bicycle safety became ingrained in the public consciousness. In addition, conducting the Bicycle Safety Program has been designated as part of the routine duties of the TSI Officers.

RESULTS During 1996, the Bicycle Safety Program achieved the following results: More than 460 volunteers assisted in presenting 81 Bicycle Safety Rodeos to 5,799 children statewide Over 80 organizations were actively involved in the program More than 250 helmets were donated by community members throughout the state Participation awards were presented to rodeo participants who completed the lecture, bicycle inspection, and skills test portions of the program

FUNDING   Section 402: $4,689   State/In-Kind Donations:   $9,000 CONTACT     Lieutenant Jim Sexton North Carolina State Highway Patrol 512 North Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27611-7697 (919) 733–5282