SC Bicycle News of the Last Week

Here's a roundup of the last week's news relating to bicycling in South Carolina.  From the mountains to the sea, we've got you covered!  You can always stay up to date on news by subscribing to our general news RSS feed, where we compile all of the latest in a FeedBurner site.

12/25/10.  In Greenville, a $5.1 million project to transform Church Street into a tree-lined boulevard with bike lanes near downtown Greenville could be about to take shape.  Unfortunately, to view this article you've got to be a subscriber and pay.


12/28/10.  A teenager riding his bike in North Charleston was struck by a truck and taken to the hospital.  No word on his injuries.  Police report that the cyclist contributed to the crash while listening to music in headphones and trying to pass the truck.  More here.


12/29/10.  Local advocates and residents in the Midlands wonder if the Columbia side of the Three Rivers Greenway will ever be finished.  More.


12/29/10.  In the City of Charleston, code enforcement is on the hunt to remove abandoned bikes that are unsightly and vandalized.  More.


12/29/10.  Speaking of greenways in Columbia, advocates and residents also want the rail//trail conversion to happen on the old railroad line near the Vista.  More in the Free Times.

***And we overlooked this from last Thursday!***

12/30/10.  Distractions also dangerous temptations to bicycle riders.  More.

Happy New Year from all of us at the Palmetto Cycling Coalition!

A post card celebrating the Jewish New Year.

Helmets, blinkie lights and reflectors, oh my!

As a Coalition, our work thrives on partnerships with other organizations and individuals.  One of our closest partners is the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), specifically the Division of Injury & Violence Prevention and Obesity Prevention & Control.  In partnership with Injury Prevention and Emergency Medical Services professionals at DHEC, we have created a fantastic program that provides helmets, blinkie lights, and reflective materials to those in need.  We are in the second year of this program, and are delighted to report that we will be distributing the following to twelve partners organizations around the state:

• 1300 helmets (of various sizes)
• 600 rear blinkie lights
• 600 front blinkie lights
• 975 reflective ankle bands
• 150 reflective vests

The communities that have received these items include: Orangeburg, Anderson, Charleston, Rock Hill, Columbia, Lexington, Greenville, Spartanburg, Hilton Head, Summerville, and Aiken.  Our partners in each community includes bicycle advocacy organizations and clubs, Department of Public Safety Officials, school teachers, public health officials, United Way and Salvation Army staff, other non-profit leaders, and boy scout leaders.

How exactly does this program work, with so many partners involved?  Here's the scoop.  DHEC has access to the resources and funding to purchase the safety items, but does not have the connections to the communities in need.  That's where we, the PCC, comes into the picture.  We coordinate with our local partners throughout the state to identify communities in need and determine quantities of each item to purchase.  We provide DHEC with these requests, and they order the items.  We then coordinate with our community partners to ensure that they receive the items and have the necessary tools and resources to effectively and thoughtfully distribute them to individuals with the most need. 

We like to call this the power of partnerships.  Although the PCC has neither the financial resources nor staff to single-handedly make this happen, we have partners on either end of the process who can help us.

Trying on the helmet for size at a Hispanic Health Fair in Charleston.

By early January, we will have all of the safety items in the hands of our capable community partners, who will be arranging events and opportunities to distribute the lights, helmets, reflectors and educational materials to those who do not have access to these resources.  We will be updating our event calendar and blog with details of these opportunities as they occur.

SC motoring fatalities down for 2011. But what about bicycle fatalities?

Our Department of Transportation reported yesterday that for 2011, South Carolina is on track to have fewer than 800 vehicular-related fatalities.  Historically, annual deaths on SC roads have been less than 800 only twice in the last 47 years--in 1963 and 1987.  DOT officials are using this as an opportunity to remind the motoring public to be extra cautious during the Holiday season where travel on SC roads reaches its peak.

DOT officials are associating this reduction in fatalities on several factors: the increased enforcement by Department of Public Safety (DPS); the increased use of seat-belts and child restraint seats; and the installation of rumble strips on more than 2,800 miles of state roads.

Although we're delighted by this news, we're wondering how bicycling-related fatalities are faring in comparison.  Yes, we are on track to have fewer fatalities this year than previous years (as we reported in a blog post earlier in the month); but, historically these numbers are not showing near the improvement as are general vehicular-related fatalities.  South Carolina's per capita fatality rate continues to be above the national average, and as the Alliance for Biking and Walking's 2010 Benchmarking Report revealed, we are still one of the riskiest states in the nation for bicycling.

And although rumble strips do help mitigate run-off-the-road crashes and may have helped in this reduction of road fatalities, they continue to pose a safety hazard to other road users, namely bicyclists.  Read more on this issue here.

DOT and DPS are also attributing these improvements to safety campaigns that have been underway for a few years now.  These campaigns encourage seat belt use and target DUI prevention.  We'd like to see a similar strategic and long-term campaign by our Transportation and Public Safety officials to address the safety and infrastructure needs of bicycling and walking in SC.  According to the Benchmarking Report, 5% of trips in South Carolina are by bicycle or foot, yet bicyclists and pedestrians make up over 12% of traffic fatalities and receive just 0.4% of federal transportation dollars.  In 2011, we are advocating for a stronger investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety of all road users--not just the motoring public.

Tis the Season!

Like many of you, we mailed off our Holiday cards for wishes of healthy Holidays and a happy New Year.  However, if you don't receive a card from the Palmetto Cycling Coalition, do not be distraught.  We sent these cards only to a lucky few--our Senators and Congressmen representing South Carolina in our fair nation's capitol.

Timing for these seasons greetings couldn't be better.  We are gearing up for the National Bike Summit in March 2011, and are also preparing for in-district visits with our House members in January and February.  During these in-district meetings, we will be meeting with our re-elected members, Clyburn and Wilson, reminding them of our efforts in South Carolina and of the positive outcome of continued bicycle and pedestrian funding.  We also hope to meet with our freshmen Representatives, Tim Scott, Jeff Duncan, Trey Gowdy, and Mick Mulvaney, to introduce our efforts and ensure they realize the good of our mission.

And speaking of Congressional seats, it looks like South Carolina is among eight states to get a new seat in the House of Representatives.  Since 2000, the state's population has grown over 15%, justifying the need for district reallignment and the addition of a new seat.

Gone to the Movies

This recent news report reminded us of the lovely film Beauty and the Bike.  During last May's bike month, the Coalition partnered with Columbia's local indie theatre, the Nickelodeon, and offered a screening of Beauty and the Bike, along with Contested Streets.

We have a copy of both films in our 'library,' and are more than happy to loan them to anyone who may be interested.  Both films explore the theme of reclaiming streets for people and not just cars.  Specifically, Beauty and the Bike follows several young beauties and dares to explore why British girls stop cycling when they become teenagers.  This simple question drives their campaign to improve infrastructure and transportation policy in their community.

Contact Rachael if you're interested in either film.  A screening makes for a fabulous bike month event, which is just a few months away for 2011!

Hard Scrabble Widening, Part II

If you were unable to attend the SCDOT Public Meeting on the widening and improvements to Hard Scrabble Road in NE Columbia, do not despair.  We've got you covered...but, you still have work to do!

The meeting was of a format that is very standard for public information meetings.  The first hour of the meeting was a session where the design plans were made available on large poster-board for the public to view; representatives of SCDOT and their partner in the project, the LPA Group, were available to answer any questions or provide further insight.  Then, at six o'clock, there was a short presentation about the project provided by the Project Managers from both SCDOT and LPA Group.  After this presentation, representatives were again available to answer questions.

As stated during the presentation, the purpose of the meeting was to explain why SCDOT has proposed the project to widen Hard Scrabble, to provide preliminary widening design alternatives, and to gather input from the public about these initial plans.  Since the project is still in its early stage, the plans are not yet definite or set in stone.  This is why it is so crucial to be involved from the beginning--it gives the public an opportunity to share their thoughts before plans are finalized.

Resources shared with the public from the meeting can be found in a pdf document here.  The conceptual design alternatives for the roadway can be found on pages four and five; as a bicyclist, you are most interested in how the plans accommodate bicycle road users. 

According to the plans, SCDOT is considering one of two alternatives.  The first is to widen the roadway from two travel lanes to four, with a center turn lane and sidewalks + bicycle lanes on both sides of the roadway (as pictured above).  For this option, the intended bike lane width is four feet, which does not include concrete curb and gutter dimensions (far edge of the roadway that gathers a lot of debris and incurs the most encroachment from weeds, grass and rainwater).  The second option is to eliminate sidewalks and bike lanes, and instead include a multi-use path on one side of the roadway to extend from Farrow Road to Lake Carolina Blvd--which is not the entire length of the project area (see page two or image below for a map). For the multi-use path option, the planned width is 12-feet, which would be separated from the roadway with a 10-foot utility corridor (likely just a grassy right of way).

The anticipated incorporation of bicycle lanes or a multi-use path in this project is good news, but your next logical questions, to list a few, ought to include the following: Do the dimensions of the bike lane meet minimum Federal design guidelines; is the bike lane width appropriate considering the marked vehicle speed; how often will the lanes/path be swept and cleaned of debris and weeds; how will the bike lanes be marked through intersections or lane merges; will all road hardware that is utilitzed (ie. drainage grates) be bicycle-friendly?

SCDOT is accepting public comment on this project, and you can either mail or email your input.  Your comments will be accepted until January 7, 2011.  At the very least, we encourage you to let them know how crucial safe bicycle accommodation is along this corridor.  They need to know how much the public supports such facilities on new roadways!  Additionally, we've compiled a few further recommendations that we encourage you to share:

• Although the bike lane width does meet Federal standards and design guidelines established by SCDOT, the width is inadequate for high traffic volumes and speed that is expected along Hard Scrabble Road.  Because of this, advocates recommend that the bike lane be a minimum width of five feet;
• Although the multi-use path would be a nice amenity along the Hard Scrabble corridor, advocates generally feel that given the extensive amount of driveways and entrances along the road (for commercial, residential and subdivision purposes), a multi-use path would not be ideal or safe;
• Bike lanes ought to be dashed in segments where frequent crossing occurs at intersections;
• A maintenance schedule should be incorporated along this corridor to ensure that the lane is frequently swept clean of debris and road hazards (without regularly scheduled maintenance, safe bicycling conditions cannot be maintained and the facility may become underutilized);
• Any road hardware should be bicycle-friendly and not jeopardize bicycle travel;
• Bike accommodations should be maintained along any bridges built along the corridor;
• Any road hardware built on the bridge deck ought to be bicycle-friendly.

Again, please submit your comments to the Project Manager on or before January 7, 2011.  In your comments, include your name, mailing address and phone number, and be sure that you refer to the project (Proposed Hard Scrabble Road, S-83, Widening Project, Richland County).  You can mail (address below) or email your comments to the Project Manager:

Mr. Ladd Gibson, P.E.
SC Department of Transportation
PO Box 191
Columbia, SC 29202-0191

 Thank you for taking the time to do this!  You play a crucial role in shaping our future transportation options.

Bicycle//Pedestrian Master Plans Around SC

A growing number of communities across the US and in South Carolina are creating Bicycle and/or Pedestrian Master Plans.  These are plans for developing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in a community, with emphasis on promoting bicycling and walking as a viable transportation option and fostering a practical, safe, and enjoyable environment for bicycling and walking

The Master Plan presents a comprehensive review of the many policies, procedures, and practices--as well as the physical infrastructure of your community--that affect bicycling and walking. It recommends the ways a community can make bicycling/walking safer and more convenient, such as street improvements, bicycle parking facilities, new city policies, and education programs.

In 2006, the Columbia Area Transportation Study (CATS) orchestrated a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for the Midlands region of South Carolina.  This plan can be viewed here.  

In 2009, the City and County of Spartanburg, the Spartanburg Area Transportation Study (SPATS), and the Mary Black Foundation created a comprehensive countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.  This plan can be viewed here.

 

Of course, a natural setback of any developed plan is that it runs the risk of not being implemented and simply sitting on a shelf 'collecting dust.'  Our friends at Bikeville in Greenville are launching an ambitious Bicycle MP for the City that certainly will defy this stereotype.  Be sure to check out the FAQ section of that website; it shares important information about the plan and process.  It is crucial that citizens be active in this process and share their feedback.  A community workshop occurred last month, and another workshop in on the books to occur in early 2011.

The Augusta Regional Transportation Study (ARTS) is reviewing and updating their Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan for 2011.  Additionally, Aiken County is also seeking an expanded analysis and supplemental study for the County bicycle and pedestrian system.  According to ARTS,

"In response to the new livability and sustainability communities program focus that has been initiated through the US Department of Transportation we will seek to develop a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan that not only identifies projects, but also develops the framework for a dynamic multi modal program that can be embraced by the public and easily re-evaluated on a regular basis."

Finally!  We just heard word that the Advanced Materials Center (ACM), a 260 acre research campus in Anderson SC, has completed its Master Plan which includes significant bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure throughout. The campus is being developed in phases, and the funds are Federal with a local match from Innovate Anderson.  SCDOT is asking for input on this funding, and you have until December 21 to share comments with them.  For further information about the ACM Master Plan, contact Rachael.

We're thrilled to be seeing this momentum towards master plans throughout the state that include bicycle and pedestrian components.  These are crucial steps towards getting more infrastructure on the ground and making our streets safer for all.

The Data Roundup

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has released 2009 data on bicycle fatalities, and the PCC has been investigating where South Carolina ranks in terms of these numbers.  In 2009, a total of 11 fatalities involved a bicycle rider, whereas in in 2008 a total of 16 bicycle fatalities occurred.  This is good news, as it means a decrease in bicycle fatalities and it nears SC standing relative to the national average.  Since 2000, the per capita bicycle fatality rate in SC has more than doubled the national average six years total; the chart to the right  illustrates the significant discrepancy between US and SC bicycle fatalities per capita.  However, in 2008 and 2009 bicycle fatalities have been on the decline in our state.

Analyzing this data a little closer, we investigated the fatalities that have occurred in the last five years in terms of age of the bicyclist and time of day that the crash occurred.  Approximately half of those bicyclists who were killed on SC roadways between 2005 and 2009 were between the age of 35 and 54.  And just over half of bicyclists killed on roadways between 2005-2009 were riding just after sundown--specifically between 6pm and midnight.  These facts come as no surprise to many bicycle advocates and are fairly consistent to national averages of fatalities by age and time of day.  The PCC's Vital Visibility program, in which we partner with DHEC to distribute blinkie lights and reflective apparel annually, is an effort to address the prevalence of bicycle fatalities occurring at dark.

Finally, according to the American Community Survey, bicycle commuting in South Carolina is on the rise from 2008.  In 2009, %0.30 individuals commuted to work, whereas in 2009 only %0.23 commuted by bicycle.  Bike commuting topped out in 2007 in South Carolina, at %0.71 mode share, which was likely a result of the significant rise in gas prices.  Although bike commuting has not returned to the pre-2007/pre-high gas price level, commuting is generally on the rise in SC and is holding steady at the national level.  Check out what our friends at the League have to say about these numbers and the American Community Survey in general.

Be a Part of Hard Scrabble Road Widening Project

Do you want safer places to ride your bicycle?  Do you want to see more bike lanes in South Carolina?  Do you want to be a better bicycle advocate?  If you answered YES to any of these questions, then step one is to become involved in transportation projects.  This is where you as a citizen and tax-payer can ensure that bicycle facilities are included in the roads that you travel everyday.

We cannot underscore the importance of being a part of the road design process.  This process is typically very complicated and may extend over many years, but with the knowledge and proper tools, advocates can influence this process in many ways and throughout the length of the project.

For residents of Richland County and Northeast Columbia, there is a valuable opportunity to be a part of a road widening project while it is in its early stage.  SCDOT just announced their proposed project to widen Hard Scrabble Road.  On December 14, 2010, from 5-7pm, they are hosting a public information meeting to allow residents to drop-in and learn more about the project.  This meeting will take place at the Ridge View High School Auditorium, located at 4801 Hard Scrabble Road.  A short presentation will be made at 6pm and project staff will be available to answer questions and present materials.

Not only will this meeting provide you an opportunity to learn more about the project, but you will also have the opportunity to:

• Submit requests and provide input on alternatives and recommend inclusion of bicycling accommodations if they do not currently exist;
• Get to know the project manager, Ladd Gibson (who coincidentally also oversees many other road projects in the region);
• Question assumptions and check for incorrect data.

It is crucial to make suggestions early in this process, as changes are difficult to incorporate further along in the process.  Your presence at the December 14 meeting is so valuable!  Read more information about the project here and make plans to be at the meeting.

For more information on how to be involved in the road design Process, check out this incredible resource produced by Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling.