1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

We need protected bike lanes in North Carolina. This week, a boy was killed by a drunk driver. Every week, I see erratic, possibly drunk, drivers on the road. We can only do so much to affect people's willingness to drive under the influence, but we can do more to protect cyclists and pedestrians from careless drivers . One of North Carolina's best features is the beautiful nature we are surrounded by. Bicycling is one easy way to enjoy our bountiful nature, even if we are confined to the cities. Especially as e-bikes become more popular and accessible, North Carolina will continue to become a desirable place to bicycle. Tax money from the sale of alcohol should be put toward the creation of protected bike lanes and other infrastructure improvements. As our infrastructure for people, and not cars, improves, our state will be ever more desirable. And for those of us who are already here, we don't need to choose between our lives and the lives of our children OR exercise and travel by bike in this state.