Good people of Cary,

May is finally here!

We’ve had a good influx of new subscribers (thank you!) after some Instagram/Facebook reels were favored by the algorithm. If you’re new here, welcome!

If you’re subscribed to this newsletter and don’t follow The Cary Report on Instagram or Facebook, you totally should. I might be biased, but I post a lot of content that is different from this newsletter that you may be interested in.

Link to Facebook.

Link to Instagram.

Alright, enough preamble - we have a stacked issue this week. Expect to learn about a consequential rezoning request, new businesses moving into Cary, Black Creek Greenway Phase 2 completing (and Phase 3 starting), and more!

We also have a very exciting announcement coming in June! I can’t share too much just yet, but keep an eye out in the next coming weeks for some big news.

Thank you for continuing to support local,

James

The Black Creek Greenway's Phase 2 reopened on May 1, and it is a big deal.

The newly reopened stretch runs from Livingstone Drive to Weston Parkway and includes something Cary has never had before: a 285-foot pedestrian bridge over Black Creek at Cary Parkway. The bridge sits about 50 feet above the creek, making it the tallest pedestrian bridge in Cary. It weighs over 400,000 pounds and is made from weathered steel, with large leaf-patterned panels inspired by the surrounding tree canopy.

The project also added a 650-foot sidewalk connection along Cary Parkway where there was no crossing before, plus a new traffic signal with pedestrian push buttons at Cary Parkway and Norwell Boulevard.

This renovation has been underway since June 2024, funded in part through the 2019 Shaping Cary's Tomorrow Bond Referendum. Phase 1 wrapped last year. Phase 2 just opened. And Phase 3, the final stretch from Weston Parkway to the Old Reedy Creek Trailhead, has begun.

Unfortunately, this means that the beautiful section of the greenway that runs along Lake Crabtree will be closed until Phase 3 is completed at some point this winter.

Keep an eye on the progress and detour routes here.

Even with that section closed, Black Creek Greenway is a wonderful greenway, and the perfect one to check out during bike month (if you aren’t afraid of a couple hills).

Additional reading: Town of Cary, Black Creek Greenway Official Page

GoCary was just named the safest fixed route transit system operating under 1 million miles per year in North Carolina, and also the safest demand response transit system operating under 750,000 miles per year. Both awards came from the North Carolina Public Transportation Association at their annual conference this past week.

This is the third time GoCary has earned both statewide safety honors at the same time.

The awards are based on preventable accidents per 100,000 miles driven, covering the period from July 2024 through June 2025. Transit Design and Construction Manager Jorge Salazar and Senior Transit Planner Mark Eatman accepted on behalf of GoCary.

"Providing safe, reliable service is at the core of everything we do at GoCary," said Transit Director Kelly Blazey. "This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and our commitment to ensuring every rider can travel with confidence."

If you have never tried GoCary, the fixed route service is still fare-free through June 30, 2026. All buses are ADA-accessible and come equipped with bike racks, which is worth noting this month given that it is Bike Month. You can plan your trip and track buses in real time at GoCary.org or by downloading their app.

Additional reading: Town of Cary

Here are some places to explore, events to attend, and general information about how bike month is being celebrated in Cary.

All month long:

Cary is running Bike Cary Bingo: a self-guided challenge where you explore different spots around town by bike and check items off a bingo card for a chance to win a bike safety bundle.

There is also a Black History Bicycle Tour available as a self-guided route any time this month, exploring historic landmarks across Cary.

And if you ride to the Bond Park boathouse, you can get a free snow cone just for showing up by bike. You should probably do this every chance you get.

Coming up this month:

May 6 — Bike to School Day The national Bike & Roll to School Day falls on May 6 this year. Register your school and get resources at walkbiketoschool.org.

May 6 — Litter Sweep at Speight Branch Greenway 6 p.m. Keep Cary clean while getting outside. Cary provides all the tools. You just have to register first.

May 15 — Bike to Work Day Leave the car at home and ride to work. The Town has tips and resources if you want help planning your route.

May 18 — Fix-a-Flat Workshop at Trek Cary 6–7 p.m. Free, hands-on, open to all skill levels. You will learn how to fix a flat tire, replace a tube, and handle basic preventative maintenance.

May 20 — Litter Sweep at Green Hope School Greenway 6 p.m. Same setup as the May 6 sweep. Register first.

May 21 — Light Up the Night Ride Downtown Cary, 7 p.m. starting at the Cary Regional Library. Hosted by Cary On Bikes and Oaks and Spokes. Family-friendly 6.5-mile route with a one-mile slow roll through downtown to start.

Full event details at carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/bike-cary/classes-events.

Interested in partnering with us? Reach out at [email protected] and let's find something that works for you.

Thursday Night Music Club: The Barefoot Movement Thursday, May 7 | 7:30 PM | The Cary Theater | 122 E Chatham St

The Barefoot Movement is a Nashville-based string band playing acoustic bluegrass and Americana.

Get tickets

Triangle B Corp Spring Market Friday, May 8 | 6–8 PM | Cary Founded | 167 E Chatham St, Suite 300

This spring market, hosted by our partners at Cary Founded in downtown Cary, brings Triangle B Corp companies together. Shop local, meet purpose-driven business owners, and explore the Cary Founded space if you have not been yet.

Get tickets (free)

Ritmo Latino Festival Saturday, May 9 | 11 AM – 6 PM | Downtown Cary

Presented by Diamante Arts and Cultural Center. Two stages of live music, food vendors, dance performances, a KidZone, and free dance lessons for adults. Free admission.

More info

You’ve probably been to Koka Booth Amphitheatre for a concert or event if you’ve lived in Cary long enough, but have you been on the greenway surrounding it?

The trail is a 1.8-mile paved loop that circles Symphony Lake right along the edge of Koka Booth Amphitheatre. It is flat, shaded in stretches, and follows the water the whole way. On a good May afternoon it is hard to beat. You get lake views, the amphitheater in the background, and almost no crowds compared to some of the busier greenways.

The trail connects west across a floodplain and links into Swift Creek Greenway along Regency Parkway if you want to keep going, which makes it a solid option for anyone looking for a longer ride during Bike Month. Easy for all fitness levels. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Bikes too.

There’s a lot of wildlife in the lake right now. Expect to see ducks, turtles, and more.

Address: 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC 27518

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Official Website

Thanks for reading! If you liked or disliked this issue, feel free to reply and let me know! I love hearing from you.

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