RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation is accepting proposals from communities for the 2018 Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grant Initiative. The program provides funding for municipalities across the state to develop comprehensive bicycle or pedestrian plans.

Smaller communities with populations of less than 5,000 can also apply to develop combined bicycle and pedestrian plans. Additionally, communities of any size may apply for the development of a corridor/area plan. Counties with a population of less than 50,000 are also eligible to apply for a bicycle or pedestrian plan.

The deadline for applications to be submitted is Thursday, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. Award recipients will be notified by March 2018.

Proposals are divided and judged in geographical groups to help establish equitable distribution of funding across the state. The selected recipients commonly incorporate a diverse mix of municipalities from large cities to small towns.

Plans funded are not for one specific project, but represent a comprehensive strategy for expanding bicycle and pedestrian opportunities within a given municipality. The plans address facilities, programs, policies and design guidelines that encourage safe walking and bicycling.

This program is sponsored by the department’s Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation and the Transportation Planning Branch. Since 2004, approximately $5 million has been awarded through this program to 181 municipalities and two counties across the state.

For more information on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grant Initiative, contact Nick Scheuer at 919-707-2608 or nrscheuer@ncdot.gov.