Even when road bikers are forced behind the wheel to get across town, they will now be able to advocate for the road bikers’ cause with a new specialty license plate featuring a “Share the Road” traffic sign.

The state will print the first batch of the specialty plates once 300 have been ordered. The specialty plates cost an extra $30 a year. Of that, $20 goes to the Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation for bicycle safety and education initiatives.

“We are very excited about this new way to support our bicycling community,” said Tom Norman, Director of the bike and pedestrian division. “With approximately 4 million North Carolinians owning a bicycle, it has become increasingly important for cyclists and motorists to understand the rules and the responsibilities of the road. We plan to use the money generated by sales of the plate, to provide bicycle helmets to disadvantaged children through local bicycle safety programs.”

The specialty plate for road bike lovers and sympathizers will add to the plethora of causes currently donning people’s bumpers, including the original specialty plate, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park plate, a Blue Ridge Parkway plate and Appalachian Trail plate.

To be one of the first 300 to sign up for a plate, go to www.ncdot.org/transit/bicycle/safety/programs_initiatives/sharetheroadplate.html or call 919.733.2804.