The holiday season is here, and we are proud to celebrate our work to continue making Durham a great place to live, work, and play for everyone. It has been quite a year for our department. Join us as we reflect on what we accomplished and where we are now for the first six months of 2023.
January 2023:
We began 2023 receiving 4.3 million dollars to fund two new GoDurham electric buses and three miles of the R. Kelly Bryant Bridge Trail construction.
Where Are We Now?
This month, we added six new electric buses to our bus fleet. The Department used auxiliary funding sources to support the additional four buses. Director of Transportation Sean Egan recently spoke with CBS 17 about the impact of zero-emissions buses in Durham and the plans to continue electric bus expansion. During the interview, he stated, “I think there’s a real sense of pride that we’re taking this step toward environmental sustainability.” GoDurham’s current bus fleet is 12 percent electric. By 2035, we plan to have an all-electric bus fleet.
The R. Kelly Bryant Bridge Trail is still in its design phase, and construction is planned for 2026. General Services is leading the design and construction of this project and Parks and Recreation will operate and maintain the trail when it is complete. The team is currently working to secure additional funding and to revise the design to raise the trail from the floodplain.
February 2023:
15 GoDurham bus operators reached 17 million miles without a preventable incident. The group was honored with multiple ceremonies, celebratory dinners, custom jackets, and a Proclamation from City Council.
Where Are We Now?
The bus operators are continuing to lead the way to expand their mile count for safe driving in the Bull City. The new electric buses enhance the bus operator’s driving experience due to further training and because the zero emissions buses significantly reduce noise compared to our diesel engine fleet.
March 2023:
Safety Improvements on Erwin Road were implemented in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s resurfacing plans. We installed high visibility crosswalks and green paint and bike boxes to help enhance the visibility of cyclists along this road. While bike lanes could not be added to the full length of the corridor because of traffic volumes and roadway capacity, our department made plans to improve cycling and walking conditions on nearby streets.
Where Are We Now?
Bike lanes were extended, and buffers were added on Anderson Street to Flowers Drive. At Anderson Street, the bike boxes allow cyclists to turn ahead of traffic, and green markings bring additional attention to conflict areas. In addition, all crosswalks on the corridor between Main Street and Cameron Boulevard were upgraded to continental markings (ladder-style), which provide better visibility for pedestrians. Leading pedestrian intervals were also added to every applicable pedestrian signal on the corridor.
Our department has installed numerous biking and pedestrian safety improvements across the City. We also have the Neighborhood Bike Routes and CMAQ Bike Lane projects to bring in a series of new and protected bike lanes.
April 2023:
We host the Sustainable Transportation Expo at Durham Central Park every Earth Month. This year, we showcased the new GoDurham electric bus, organized a traffic garden for youth, and provided free bike helmets to kids. Staff connected with community members and informed them of sustainable and cost-effective travel options for their commutes.
Where Are We Now?
Way to Go Durham has participated in multiple events in the community this year, including Golden Modes, National Night Out, and Move a Bull. Staff are preparing for next year’s events for engagement and outreach.
May 2023:
We celebrated National Bike Month with events across the City, including the Bike Month Kick-Off, Ride of Silence, Bike, Walk, Roll to School Day, and weekly group rides across the City’s trails. Our community partner, Bike Durham, led the efforts, and our staff participated as vendors and attendees.
Where Are We Now:
The Fiscal Year 24 budget approved funding to hire a Vision Zero Coordinator and additional Transportation Planners in the transit division. These roles are crucial to improving multimodal safety across the City and for developing strategies to make safer streets for everyone. Plans include reducing speed, increasing road safety education for drivers, and restructuring roads for multi-modal use, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Additionally, our staff has continued participating in bike-themed events, including October’s Bike, Walk, and Roll to School Day at Lakewood Elementary School, Bike Repair Workshops, and the Move a Bull Sustainable Transportation Expo hosted by Bike Durham.
June 2023:
Our partner, GoTriangle, hosted the Golden Modes, an event celebrating commitments to sustainable transportation from commuters and business owners. Way to Go Durham participated as a vendor and engaged with residents, commuters, and business owners for additional sustainable travel tips across Durham.
Where Are We Now:
Way to Go Durham has continued contributing to the data collected and displayed during the Golden Modes Awards Ceremony by promoting Share the Ride NC and the Employee Commute Options Survey amongst businesses in the Triangle region.
The first six months of 2023 have been an experience of learning and growth as we expand our transportation reach across the Bull City. Stay tuned for next month’s newsletter to learn about what we accomplished in July-December 2023 and our plans for 2024.