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December 2011
We are a member supported non-profit working to improve bicycling access, safety and education in South Carolina. |
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Wondering what is going on this weekend in the SC bike community? Check out our calendar for events and more.
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Your Action is Again Needed--Sign the Petition
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Over the past several months, we have asked you to contact your representatives in Congress to defeat repeated attempts to cut bicycling and walking out of the federal transportation funding bill. Each time, your voices have prevented these harmful measures. Now, the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works has released their draft for S. 1813 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), the bill to reauthorize transportation funding.
Bicycling and walking funding has been included in MAP-21, but suffered disproportionate cuts while the list of eligible projects to compete for the same funding was expanded. Worst of all, states are given the opportunity to opt out and spend all the money on highway construction. Given the option, most states like South Carolina are unlikely to use this funding on the necessary programs, therefore dedicated funding is especially crucial to ensuring our infrastructure grows in safe, sustainable ways.
We are particularly concerned and disappointed in Section 203 of this draft, which would introduce a mandatory sidepath law on all federally owned roads with speed limits exceeding 30 mph. This would remove our right to the roads in national parks and all other federally owned roads and is an enormous step backwards for cyclist rights. Over the past 20 years, the vast majority of states have done away with their sidepath laws--our own state bicycle laws passed in 2008 included.
The logic behind this clause furthers the trend of blaming the victim, taking the paternalistic stance that it is inherently unsafe for bicyclists to share the road with motorists. Please take a few moments to sign the League of American Bicyclists' petition telling the Senate that this is a terrible idea. We will keep you informed on this issue as it develops. Thanks!
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Open Streets Resources Now Available
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 The Alliance for Biking and Walking and the Street Plans Collaborative have officially launched OpenStreetsProject.org, an interactive endeavor to document the growth of such initiatives, foster development and allow advocates to share their work. A resource section features manuals, reports and a guide (to be released in a few weeks) to open streets projects as well as allowing organizers to add their own resources to the library and allowing advocates across the country to join together and further the movement.
Open streets efforts are events that close a route to cars for a period of time to allow residents to walk, bike, play and enjoy their community. There are numerous events hosted regularly around the country listed on the website. So far, South Carolina has two open streets intiatives: Spartanburg Sunday Streets and 2nd Sunday on King Street in Charleston- but we would like to see that number grow! We hope you will find this resource useful as you plan an open streets event in your community.
This new Open Streets website is just the first part of the Alliances' ongoing efforts to promote open streets in North America; stay tuned to the website for new initiatives, announcements by the Alliance and to find out how to begin your own open streets initiative!
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Phew--what a year! From exciting partnerships, to new campaigns, to events, and much more, 2011 has been an eventful one for the PCC. We hope you'll enjoy the following recap of 2011 (read the full narrative of our 2011 activities on our blog):
- Facilitated and oversaw the distribution of hundreds of bike lights, helmets and reflective gear to a dozen communities throughout SC (Jan-December)
- Represented SC on Capitol Hill during the National Bike Summit; orchestrated and attended meetings with all eight SC Congressional offices in DC (March)
- Assisted and facilitated in the silver award designation of Bicycle Friendly Community to Hilton Head Island (May)
- Personnel milestone: PCC hires second full time staff person (May)
- Launch of Safe Streets Save Lives, SC's first strategic campaign to reduce bicycling fatalities (May)
- Partnership with Palmetto Conservation Foundation to host Mia Birk for three-day Palmetto Joyride event (September)
- Host of Alliance for Biking and Walking's Winning Campaign Training (November)
- Partnership with Eat Smart Move More, SC and AARP of SC to host all-day Complete Streets workshop (November)
- Creation of SC Complete Streets Steering Committee to guide SC to improved statewide Complete Streets policy (December)
- Convening of SC task force of cities and towns to study bicycle policy and best practices for SC (December)
It's been a fabulous year, and we have many exciting advancements and events to look endeavor in 2012. None of our successes and projects would be possible without the support of our members and donors, so thank you for your continued engagement and investment in our mission to make SC more bicycle friendly. We look forward to working with you to make future efforts a reality.
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City Leaders Meet to Discuss Bicycling
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The PCC views the planning and engineering departments of cities and towns in South Carolina as effective and necessary partners in regional and statewide bicycle transportation progress. As SC town and city departments are building their capacity to accommodate bicycling, they are encountering similar challenges and fostering innovative ways overcome common barriers. These cities and towns are developing best practices, policies, and road maps to success that are crucial to navigating the complex local, regional and statewide bicycle transportation environment in South Carolina.
For this reason, the PCC is working to develop a venue for peer-to-peer collaboration among municipalities in South Carolina that are developing bicycle programs. This forum will involve South Carolina city, town, and county stakeholders that are working towards local and statewide bicycle improvements.
The inaugural meeting of this forum will occur this December, in which attendees will discuss core challenges and opportunities relating to bicycle transportation policy in SC. Formal establishment of this forum will be discussed, as well as issues relating to the forum's governance and membership.
Stay tuned to learn more details about the developments of this forum, which cities and towns have signed-on, and how to engage your community!
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November's Complete Streets Workshop & Next Steps
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 Two weeks ago we hosted a Complete Streets Workshop at the South Carolina Farmer's Market in West Columbia. The event was a great success with nearly 50 people in attendance from various regions of the state, representing diverse professional backgrounds. For a recap of the event, read Phoebe's blog post.
In order to facilitate the next steps of this Complete Streets campaign, PCC, AARP, and ESMMSC are organizing a diverse forum of stakeholders from around South Carolina to facilitate policy change relating to Complete Streets. An inaugural meeting of these stakeholders will convene on December 7 to discuss the needs and strategies of Complete Streets on a statewide level. This session will be facilitated by Barbara McCann, Executive Director of the National Complete Streets Coalition.
Stay tuned learn the developments from this timely and exciting meeting. |
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Wheel Movement Roll-out: Ride and Community Meeting
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 The local advocacy organization Wheel Movement, based in Augusta, GA, was launched in 2011 thanks to a grant from our friends at Georgia Bikes. Wheel Movement will work to provide educational programs, conduct community outreach initiatives, and engage in advocacy efforts that not only generate, but also sustain a positive cycling environment throughout the Augusta region.
The organization is hosting a 'roll-out' (pun intended!) event this Saturday in Augusta. The day will begin with a "Ride of Celebration" honoring Dr. Matthew Burke, Dr. Dan Dickinson and Johnathan Tisdale, at 9:30am. Following the ride, at approximately 11:30, Wheel Movement will hold an open community meeting to outline the bicycle advocacy group's strategic plan. The organization will also launch its inaugural membership campaign. Light lunch will be provided.
For more information, visit their facebook page or blog.
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Economic Study of Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Trail
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Several groups in the upstate are partnering with a professor at Furman University to study the economic impact of the 9.5 mile section of the Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Trail that extends from Travelers Rest to Greenville. Partners in this effort include Greenville County Recreation District, Upstate Forever, and Furman University.
With this study, researchers will examine real estate values, interview business owners, real estate agents, transportation professionals, and local government officials, and conduct intercept surveys of trail users. Funding for this project comes from diverse sources. Read more on our blog! |
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Charleston's Partnership for Prosperity Update
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 Balancing neighborhood needs with business and industry needs between US 17/Crosstown in Charleston and the airport in North Charleston is the top priority for the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Government's Partnership for Prosperity: Master Planning for the Neck Area. In this effort, planners have developed a working vision and have examined how the area's housing, recreation, and business opportunities could work with future roadways, bikeways, walkways, and transitways.
If you want to learn more about this plan, join project manager Whit Blanton on Thursday, December 8th for a neighborhood update from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at Burke Middle/High School in Charleston (244 President Street). Find out more information here.
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Columbia's Bike PARC Launch Event
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There is a need for accessible bike racks in the City of Columbia. Public Art Bike Racks will provide much needed bike parking while supporting the arts and beautifying the city. USC is working with Sustainable Midlands to get one or more of these bike racks installed on USC's campus.
The Bike PARC Launch event will feature free food and drinks, a showcase of public art bike racks in other cities, a raffle (you could win a bike!), and an opportunity to get involved and support the project. Happening TONIGHT, December 1, 5-8pm, at the corner of Main and Taylor Streets.
Questions about Bike PARC? Contact Mary Roe, Deputy Director of Sustainable Midlands.
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December Gear Review: Evo Thunder Gloves
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Each month, our friends at Hawley share a review on the latest gear that is passing through their hands and on its way to your local bike shop. Below you will find a portion of the gear review for December; to find out the rest, visit our blog. As always, thanks to Ken Klatte, Production Artist with Hawley, for this sneak-preview.
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A lot goes through your mind when you're trapped in a torrential downpour on your road bik e when it's 50 degrees. Apart from the usual abject hopelessness and thoughts of "just ending it so I don't have to endure this anymore!", the mind turns to what to wear for future bouts with rain and cold.
I thought of this as I rode down an extremely cold and wet mountain decent 2 weeks ago. As my hands were pummeled by a stinging rain and stiff headwind, I ruminated on how completely awesome my sample pair of Evo Thunder gloves were doing. Made from sturdy yet flexible neoprene, the gloves were like miniature scuba suits for my hands...
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Read the rest on our blog! |
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We need the support of cyclists like you to continue our efforts of making SC more bicycle friendly. The PCC is the voice for cyclists across South Carolina. Please support us with your donation today.
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