>> Pilot Program Efforts

In 2012 and 2013, the Watch for Me NC program was pilot tested in several Triangle communities, including: Apex, Carrboro, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Fuquay-Varina, Knightdale, Morrisville, Raleigh and Wake Forest. With the successful efforts by these local agencies in addressing bicycle and pedestrian safety, participation in the Watch for Me NC program is now being offered to communities across the state. To learn the details regarding the Watch for Me NC Triangle Pilot Program, click here to download a summary report. For the full NCDOT program report and evaluation, click here.

Pilot Program Partners

Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization St. Augustine’s College
City of Durham Town of Apex
City of Raleigh Town of Carrboro
Duke University Town of Cary
Durham Chapel Hill Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization Town of Chapel Hill
Durham Technical Community College Town of Fuquay-Varina
Governor’s Highway Safety Program Town of Knightdale
Highway Safety Research Center Town of Morrisville
Institute for Transportation Research and Education Town of Wake Forest
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Triangle J Council of Governments
North Carolina Central University University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
North Carolina Department of Transportation Wake Technical Community College
North Carolina State University William Peace University

Pilot Program Testimonials

“My community participated in the Watch for Me 2012-2013 campaign because we were concerned that motorists and pedestrians were not using a series of newly installed crosswalk and pedestrian refuge islands safely. We needed a way to reach out to provide pedestrian training and education, as well as stepped-up pedestrian and vehicle enforcement.

As a result of the Watch for Me NC 2012-2013 campaign, we are seeing improvements at our new pedestrian islands and crosswalks with more motorists stopping, as required by law, and more pedestrians taking the care and caution necessary to pass through safely. The campaign has helped familiarize residents with state laws for walking across the street, including the special care required at crosswalks, as well as safety messages that pertain to cyclists and motorists.”

Chris Blue, Police Chief, Chapel Hill Police Department

 

“Many people have seen the signs on the buses and are aware of the placards and banners around town; more people in the last year have brought up pedestrian safety as a concern to the Board of Aldermen. The general sentiment is that Carrboro citizens are aware that pedestrian safety is a concern and they are glad to see something being done about it.”

Seth LaJeunesse, Chair of Carrboro Transportation Advisory Board

 

“My community participated in the Watch for Me 2012-2013 campaign because we are committed to promoting walking and biking as alternate modes of transportation. The statewide campaign offers excellent messages for motorists, walkers and cyclists alike, to improve awareness of traffic and safety rules that help us all get where we need to go — more safely. As a result of the Watch for Me NC 2012-2013 campaign, we are better able to sustain a year-round public education effort through a supply of outreach materials, a well-designed communication plan, and general support from the campaign team.”

Catherine Lazorko, Public Information Officer, Town of Chapel Hill

 

“The unit was approached by several pedestrians and citizens thanking officers for [their] efforts.”

Sgt. Massengill, Durham Police Department

 

“[We received] positive feedback/gratitude from peds using the crosswalk during the enforcement effort, including Wake County District Court Judge (Ned Mangum).”

Officer Glen Sorrell, Raleigh Police Department