North Carolina’s bicycle route system was developed in response to the 1974 Bicycle and Bikeway Act. The system was created on roads across North Carolina that were safer for bicycling, designating a network of “bicycling highways” that provided access to small towns, state parks, historic sites and other points of interest. These routes generally parallel the major highways along which cyclists often wish to travel but offer a more lightly traveled alternative than the busy, major roads that are familiar to most people.
Given the extensive development that has occurred across North Carolina since the 1970’s and associated changes to the roadway network, the N.C. Department of Transportation recognized the need to re-evaluate and update the state bike route system in 2013, as part of the statewide bicycle and pedestrian plan, called WalkBikeNC.
NCDOT is now initiating another update to the route system, based on a more current review of existing and planned bicycle facilities throughout the state. The public is invited to help identify additional potential changes to the system, based on recent roadway projects, local planning, and local knowledge and understanding of the routes. To provide input, please visit the NCDOT State Bike Route System Public Input Map. Input will be accepted until March 14, 2022.
