>> Hendersonville

Watch for Me NC in Hendersonville

  • Watch for Me NC participant: 2018-2019
  • Population: 13,954
  • Lead agency: Hendersonville Police Department

Background
Hendersonville is located in Henderson County. Promoting and encouraging multimodal travel are major priorities for the city. Hendersonville has long participated in active travel and pedestrian safety efforts such as WalkWise and DriveSmart. Hendersonville recognizes that bicycling, both as a form of transportation and as a recreational activity, can benefit the community’s mobility, safety, health, economy, environment, and livability. Overall, the aspirational vision of Hendersonville is to create a bikeway system that is connected, safe, and comfortable for riders of all ages and abilities.

Partnerships
The Hendersonville Police Department leads Watch for Me NC efforts and collaborates with other local and regional agencies such as the City of Hendersonville, Henderson County Public School System, Friends of Oklawaha Greenway, Hendersonville Fun Friends group, Active Routes to School, Pardee Hospital (UNC Health Care), and Hendersonville Formation. Additionally, partnerships with Safe Routes to School and the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club have been particularly helpful in spreading the Watch for Me NC message.

Education and Enforcement Activities
Hendersonville continues to improve safety for all road users through a number of education and enforcement events. The Hendersonville Police Department established daily radar and high visibility enforcement at Highway 64 West and Valley Street to address speeding in school zones. School officials and crossing guards appreciate the presence of the officers during arrival and dismissal hours.

Key Outcomes

  • Strong partnerships with the City of Hendersonville Downtown Development and Planning Departments
  • Established signage along bike routes
  • Focused efforts on improving school safety through education and enforcement

Lessons Learned
Funding and staffing issues have been their biggest challenge to establish their Watch for Me NC program. Secure funding and dedicated law enforcement hours would help the community reach their enforcement and education goals.