BPAC outlines 2026 work plan centered on police coordination, driver-focused outreach

Planning staff and members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) discussed a draft 2026 annual work plan at their December meeting, emphasizing closer coordination with the Mebane Police Department and targeted driver outreach to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety.

The planning staff member leading the work-plan item said the draft will be the commission's first full annual plan and solicited member input on priorities. The chair urged that the BPAC prioritize "greater coordination with law enforcement," noting recent grant activity and regional safety work that could shape local efforts.

Commission discussion focused on the balance between education and enforcement. The chair said research shows education and signs alone are often insufficient and that "enforcement is the number‑one predictor of change for drivers," arguing for an enforcement component paired with public education. A committee member proposed hosting a neutral community input forum that would bring BPAC members, police officers and city staff together to clarify enforcement practices and expectations for crosswalks and shared-road interactions.

Members suggested practical measures including crosswalk enforcement, driver-focused messaging, and more direct communication between police and pedestrian/cyclist communities so residents feel supported when reporting dangerous driving. One committee member urged exploring a reporting option beyond 911 for repeated roadway offenders; staff said they would raise that idea with the police department.

The chair also asked the group to align the BPAC work plan with the recently approved comprehensive master plan's walking-and-biking sections when proposing priorities and discretionary capital projects.

Next steps: planning staff will compile the feedback and continue drafting the 2026 work plan for further discussion in January.