08/29/2024
Our safety campaign to educate & inform bicyclists about using lights on their bikes is off to a good start! A couple of riders heard about the campaign and stopped by police headquarters to inquire about the free light packs...now they're ready for takeoff! Press release below.
The New Bern Police Department (NBPD) will launch an educational campaign to raise awareness and promote safety. The campaign will address the pressing safety concerns of bicyclists in our
community who often ride without lights and reflective gear.
Our officers frequently encounter bicyclists disregarding this critical regulation (General Statute: Β§20-129 e). We want to take the opportunity to educate them when they are stopped. Our campaign aims to achieve four key objectives:
first, to intervene and prevent accidents;
second, to educate riders about the importance of safety gear; third, to promote a culture of safety among cyclists; and
fourth, to foster goodwill and trust between law enforcement and the community.
We are grateful to have the support of the New Bern Police Department's Citizen Volunteer Group a 501(c)(3) organization, which has invested in this initiative by purchasing an initial 50 bicycle lights. When an officer stops a rider without proper equipment, they will offer a free bicycle light with batteries to encourage compliance and enhance safety. We will track the distribution of these lights, including the location, date, and time.
To ensure maximum visibility, we will promote this program on social media. By taking a proactive approach, we can reduce the risks associated with bicycling and build a safer, more responsible community.