An effort led by the N.C. Department of Transport-ation (NCDOT) is now under way to develop a new statewide bicycle and pedestrian plan that will help guide future investments to support biking and walking in North Carolina.

The plan, which will be developed in collaboration with state agencies and regional, private and industry stakeholders, will examine how to create a safer bicycle and pedestrian network that provides opportunities for physical activity and serves as an asset for economic development

NCDOT plans to hire a consultant to help facilitate the plan's development. The plan will be developed over a 12-month period through broad-based public outreach and involvement, and is scheduled to be finalized next spring, a news release said.

Some of the components of the process will include quantifying the economic and health impacts of bicycle and pedestrian investments, identifying strategies to improve safety and accessibility, examining how policies can better encourage biking and walking, determining critical regional needs and updating the state's existing 3,000-mile system of bike routes.

The plan will incorporate elements of the bicycle and pedestrian safety summits held last year, the department's long-range transportation plan, called the 2040 Plan, and the strategic prioritization process.