Cyclists, police-reform groups to rally in Durham Monday night. Here’s what they want.
Two rallies are planned Monday evening in downtown Durham, with both groups heading into City Hall afterward to demand a larger share of the city’s budget.
At the City Council’s 7 p.m. meeting, the public will weigh in on the budget for the first time.
The City Council began workshopping the budget earlier this month and must pass it by the fiscal year’s July 1 start.
Last year’s budget totaled $570.4 million, with more than 23% going toward public safety.
Expanding the HEART program
Backstory: One group is campaigning for Durham to expand the reach of its HEART program.
The city sends unarmed specialists instead of police to some 911 calls.
HEART aims to limit potentially dangerous interactions with police and connect residents with mental health resources.
- But, since last summer’s launch, the teams’ hours are limited. and they only work in 12 police beats.
What’s happening: Have a HEART Durham is rallying at 6 p.m. outside City Hall.
- They want 24/7 citywide access to the trauma-informed care HEART provides.
They’re asking people to stick around and speak during the public hearing.
More details: The HEART program has attracted national praise and is popular among City Council members.
- Durham Beyond Policing rallied to expand HEART last month.
Safer streets for bikers
Backstory: Another group is rallying for safer streets for walking and biking.
- A cyclist was seriously injured recently when he hit a pothole after swerving into traffic on Main Street to avoid hitting a car parked in the bike lane.
What’s happening: Bike Durham is rallying at 6 p.m. at the intersection of West Morgan, Watts and West Main streets.
- They’ll then ride to City Hall in a self-protected bike lane and speak during the public hearing.
“The person at the back of the line will ride in the space between the other riders and the curb, protected from car and truck traffic.”
More details: The group is calling for a full-time staffer dedicated to Vision Zero.
- It’s an international campaign to eliminate traffic fatalities.
- Durham signed on in 2017, but hasn’t seen traffic deaths come down.
- They’re also requesting protected bike lanes, sidewalk repairs, better traffic calming and citywide connectivity.
Durham’s 2023 budget
What’s next: City Manager Wanda Page will present her recommended budget to the City Council May 15.
- Another public hearing will be held June 5.
- The budget will be adopted June 20.
This story was originally published March 20, 2023 at 1:25 PM.
