CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina's population is quickly growing and with that comes more traffic congestion. 

In Charlotte, city leaders are trying to get half of the there residents to ditch their cars and opt for other modes of transportation by 2040. It's part of the city's newly released Strategic Mobility Plan.

The plan calls for a 50-50 mode share, aiming for 50% of all travel to happen through walking, cycling or public transit. 

"While the aspiration is to achieve a 50-50 mode share, the outcomes include maintaining travel times, improving transportation equity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving public health," according to the plan.

Debra Franklin, a retired CATS bus driver, takes public transit five days a week to work in Uptown. She rarely drives her car because of rising gas prices and to support her "green lifestyle." 

"Anything I can do to help the environment," Franklin said. "People like to say for their grandchildren, but I like to say for myself." 

Franklin participated in the planning process. She serves on the Bicycle Advisory Committee, which reviews bicycle plans and makes recommendations on implementing bike polices and policy strategies.

"These were ideas that came from every neighborhood in Charlotte," Franklin said. "They really invested time doing all these surveys and getting people to respond to what we needed... to get around and be successful." 

Franklin runs the Bicycle Oven Company and teaches bicyclists how to safely navigate the streets in Charlotte. 

She said the city and state saw a bicycling boom during the pandemic, but traffic deaths between drivers and pedestrians also increased. 

"If we can educate the motorists, the pedestrians and the bicyclists, we can get that down to zero percent," Franklin said. "That is my goal."

Franklin said she would like to see more investments in protected bike lanes and slower speeds throughout Uptown.

"And as far as every community, I want them to have the opportunity to have transit, bicycling and walking in their neighborhood," Franklin said. "And I can see that happening."

Charlotte City Council is expected to consider the Strategic Mobility Plan for adoption on June 27. It will also need funding on federal, state and local levels.