>> Clayton

Watch for Me NC in Clayton

• Watch for Me NC participant since: 2018
• Population: 21,405
• Lead agency: Clayton Police Department

Background
The Town of Clayton in Johnston County is a premiere community for active families. A portion of the North Carolina Mountain to Sea Trail runs through the northern end of the town, and a local multi-use path runs from the southern end of town into downtown.

The Town of Clayton has made significant efforts towards bicycle and pedestrian safety. It has a Comprehensive Bicycle Plan and the town’s Comprehensive Growth Plan and Long Range Transportation Plan include considerations for pedestrians and bicyclists. Long range transportation plans call for more multi-use paths and new residential developments must include sidewalks. Additionally, the Clayton Police department has certified bicycle officers, conducted bicycle rodeos, provided bicycle education, and distributed free bicycle helmets when available for over 20 years.

Partnerships
The Clayton Police Department leads the Watch for Me NC program as well as the NC Vision Zero program. The Department is hoping to create a strong partnership between the two initiatives to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in the town. The Clayton Police Department also collaborates with various partners including Safe Kids of Johnston County, local schools, and other town departments including Planning, Engineering, Parks and Recreation, and Economic Development.

Education and Enforcement Activities
The Town of Clayton incorporated Watch for Me NC into various events such as their Walk/Bike to School Days, National Night Out, and their Let’s Go NC! program.

Key Outcomes

• Developed a task force that meets with various community stakeholders

Lessons Learned
The Watch for Me program helped strengthen relationships with other community partners. Continuing to foster this collaboration will lead to more success in the future for the program.