Siler City, NC – The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office is working with Siler City Police, Pittsboro Police, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol to prepare for the anticipated passage of the Walk for Peace through Chatham County later this month.
The Walk for Peace is a long-distance pilgrimage led by Buddhist monks traveling on foot from Texas to Washington, D.C., to promote messages of peace, compassion, and nonviolence. Based on current information, the group is expected to enter Chatham County and walk through Siler City on or around January 21; however, timing and routing remain subject to change due to weather and travel conditions.
“Events like this require thoughtful planning so people can safely express support while also protecting those traveling on foot and the drivers sharing the roadway,” said Sheriff Mike Roberson. “We appreciate the public’s cooperation as multiple agencies work together to ensure this visit passes through our county safely.”
With the walk expected to progress through a heavily traveled stretch of U.S. 64 in Siler City, officers will be prepared to manage traffic flow and pedestrian safety as conditions require.
“Our focus is on balancing public support with roadway safety,” said Siler City Police Chief Brian Regan. “Establishing a designated viewing area allows community members to show their support while helping us minimize risks for pedestrians and drivers alike.”
Based on the walk’s anticipated route, a designated gathering area is being identified for the public who wish to offer encouragement or observe the walk. If the monks proceed along U.S. 64 through Siler City as expected, the designated area will be along the southbound side of the highway in the area near Wendy’s and Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. Supporters would be asked to park in the nearby Walmart parking lot, gather only in the designated area, and avoid stopping along road shoulders or attempting to walk alongside the group.
“By planning alongside our partner agencies,” Pittsboro Police Chief Shorty Johnson said, “we can anticipate traffic and safety concerns and ensure the walk proceeds smoothly as it passes through Chatham County.”
Motorists should remain alert for increased pedestrian activity and possible brief traffic impacts, particularly along major roadways. Drivers are urged to slow down and follow any directions provided by law enforcement officers on scene.
The Walk for Peace has drawn attention along its route as the monks move quietly through communities, engaging with the public through peaceful presence rather than demonstrations or speeches. The group has been accompanied for much of the journey by a rescue dog, Aloka, who has become a symbol of the walk’s message.
Additional updates and safety information will be shared as the walk’s schedule and route become more certain.