Community Highlights

Cary is designated as a Silver-level community due to the city’s commitment to maintaining a safe and well-connected multi-modal transportation system, improving walkability in their Downtown, creating an extensive trail network, and dedicated staff resources. Highlights of Cary’s application include:

• The Town budgets $1.75 million annually for a citizen-based sidewalk request program, focused on filling gaps and improving pedestrian connectivity
• Cary has a citizen-based Greenway Committee and Transportation Working Group focused on multi-modal transportation.
• The Town of Cary has expanded its pedestrian count program to a network of 12 greenway counters. Given the popularity of the greenways for pedestrians, Cary will purchase and install 12 additional counters in the near future.
• Cary has several bike and pedestrian plans and projects underway, including a town-wide Bike & Micro-mobility Plan to provide guidance on future complete street designs and several buffered bike lanes, separated bike lanes, and enhanced pedestrian facilities. In 2021, Cary launched an online bike encouragement platform, LovetoRide.net.
• Cary’s ADA Transition Plan was completed in 2016, and since then, a large number of curb ramps have been repaired, replaced, and installed through Cary’s Street Improvement Maintenance Plan. The Go Cary ADA Bus Stop Improvement Project constructed 112 ADA compliant bus stops, ramps, crossings, and sidewalk improvements, with more planned for 2022.
• Cary currently has 80 miles of trails and greenways, with another 137 miles included in their Community Plan. All of Cary’s greenways are constructed with benches, directional signage, and public art to help foster a better walking environment.
• The Triangle Greenspace mobile application, Bike & Hike map and web page help navigate residents and visitors looking to travel Cary by foot.
• Cary’s Land Development Ordinance supports the creation of a highly connected transportation system through a connectivity index requirement and permanent pedestrian connections if a cul-de-sac is unavoidable due to site constraints. Sidewalks and pedestrian facilities are required as part of all development.
• The Cary Community Plan consolidates and replaces several individual plans. The Move Chapter is focused on improving multi-modal transportation in the town.
• In 2022, the Town initiated a $12 million Connecting Cary Sidewalks Project to build sidewalks that fill critical gaps connecting neighborhoods to parks, schools and activity centers.