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March 2012
We are a member supported non-profit working to improve bicycling access, safety and education in South Carolina. |
Support the PCC and bicycling in SC. Get your Share the Road license plate today.
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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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Congress went on recess for an in-district work week February 20-24. Progress in the Senate has slowed as they debate the sections of the transportation bill; this gives advocates an opportunity to round up support for the Cardin-Cochran amendment (which we emailed you about early in February). In the House, advocates are continuing to build support for the Petri amendment, which would restore dedicated funding for biking and walking.
 In SC, we take this brief reprieve to continue to organize ourselves for the National Bike Summit. We are currently working to schedule meetings with each member of Congress on this annual visit to DC and the capitol. With the help of volunteers and our friends at Palmetto Conservation Foundation, we are developing comprehensive materials that review bicycling advancements (and threats) in each Congressional district. We will bring these materials to each SC Congressional office that we visit on March 22.
As these issues move along, please stay tuned for ways in which we will need your continued support. Your voice does count! |
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Recent Fatalities & Safe Streets Campaign
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 Like many, we are immensely saddened and frustrated by the series of bicycle fatalities that have happened in the the last six weeks in our state. There is no reminder more grim or disheartening of the lack of safety and prioritization that exists for bicycle users in South Carolina. And if these tragedies weren't enough, we certainly have the statistics to prove it.
In an effort to get to the heart of these challenges, and to decrease the number of bicycle-related fatalities on SC roadways, we are gearing up on our safety campaign.
In just a few weeks, we will be unveiling the second phase of our Safe Streets Save Lives campaign, where we are putting the safety video's that we produced in 2011 to good use throughout the state with targeted promotion and public education. This campaign, a partnership with Bike law, began in May of last year; we have since grown our partnership and tripled our funding. Stay tuned to our website, blog and facebook page for more on this exciting development to be revealed in just a few weeks!
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 We are very excited to share news of an exciting event planned for this October! Our sister organization just over the Savannah River, Georgia Bikes, has invited us to join them in their annual bicycle conference. The event will take place in Augusta, Georgia, and the local sponsor is newly formed bicycle advocacy organization Wheel Movement.
The conference will be a gathering of advocates, professionals and interested stakeholders from South Carolina and Georgia to discuss the ways in which we can make our communities and states more bicycle friendly--and how partnerships and sharing of best practices can foster these common goals. The PCC is honored to join these fine organizations in this exciting event, and we look forward to the ways in which this opportunity can strengthen our common voice and collectively improve bicycling in the region.
Stay tuned for a firm date, as well as details about the workshop sessions, events, and fun to be had.
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It has been an eventful time in our state legislature this session, with two bills moving forward that can have an impact on bicycle safety and transportation in the state.
South Carolina is one of only eight states without any bans on drivers texting, though that may soon change. A new law to ban texting while driving is moving smoothly through the legislature. The bill was expected to face more opposition, but the only questions and concerns are focused on enforcement.
With another bill, the Department of Transportation may soon be facing an overhaul. The House Judiciary Committee has given a favorable report to the bill that would eliminate the SCDOT Commission in favor of transferring control to the Secretary of Transportation. Currently, the Secretary manages day-to-day operations, while the seven-member Commission sets policy and approves projects. The plan would create a new 17-member advisory panel that would make recommendations to the Secretary on local road and bridge needs, but would not set policy.
For a full review of these pieces of legislation, visit our blog. 
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Two months til bike month!
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Bike month is literally just around the corner, and we hope that you are working with your community to plan some great events. If you're looking for some last minute inspiration, check out the League's bike month planning guide for tips on event in your community, and visit our May 2011 newsletter to see what events occurred in your community last year.
Statewide, we are working with the League, Kimberly Clark and Bikes Belong on a national bike commuter challenge, in which we will be asking you to ride your bike and log your miles. Stay tuned for more on this and please join us in this exciting challenge!
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Partnership for Prosperity in Charleston Area
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Last fall, we shared news of the regional planning effort that is shaping the future of the tri-county region of Charleston, affectionately known as the Neck. Sponsored by the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments (BCDCOG), the Charleston Partnership for Prosperity Plan will include strategies to improve bike routes, greenways and sidewalks throughout the area
Today, March 1 (5:30-8pm), stakeholders will be presenting the draft master plan recommendation of the study. This open house will take place at the Military Magnet Academy Cafeteria, 2950 Carner Avenue, North Charleston.
Read more about this planning opportunity on our blog, and if you live and ride in the tri-county area of Charleston, this meeting is a must!
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Aiken/Augusta Region Bike/Ped Plan
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Interest in bicycling and walking is growing in the Augusta-Aiken region. Whether it is for transportation, exercise, or relaxing with the family, more and more people see bicycling and walking as an important part of their quality of life and health. In response to community interest, Aiken Regional Transportation Study (ARTS) and Aiken County have developed bicycle and pedestrian plans outlining new policies, programs, and the expansion of a safe and inviting network of bicycle and pedestrian routes.
The results of a planning process that began ten months ago will be unveiled at two public meetings in March. Bicycling and walking in the Augusta metro area and the urbanized area of Aiken County will get a boost as the diverse study team present the recommendations of the bicycle and pedestrian master plan for the ARTS region and the urbanized area of Aiken County.
We can never emphasize enough the importance of YOUR participation in the transportation planning process. If you live or ride in the Aiken/Augusta region, come learn about and offer your input on proposed improvements to biking and walking infrastructure (paths, sidewalks, wide outside lanes on roadways, among others) and proposed education, enforcement, and encouragement programs for
the region!
The meetings are occurring on Thursday, March 22 (5-7 pm) and again on Wednesday, March 28 (5-7 pm). For more information, visit Bike Walk ARTS.
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March Gear Review: Jet Black Flight Sunglasses
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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 February; 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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Jet Black sunglasses
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For a cyclist, the harsh, consistent glare of a noon day sun or the brutal headwind that dries your eyes out like a smoked salmon are reason enough for sunglasses. However, for the occasional cloud of dust or debris kicked up by a passing truck or for the mountain biker riding on tree limb strewn trails, sunglasses are the only thing between your eyes and serious ocular injury.
After losing my beloved Smith sunglasses, I was in the market for a new pair but with a lower price point. Following an exhaustive search, I settled upon the Jet Black Flight. Three things drew me to these sunglasses. Eye coverage, lens options and price. The Flight has a larger lens, which covers more of your eye and the surrounding area on your face. Lateral glare is reduced but the side venting makes sure moisture doesn't build up on the inside of the lens. Speaking of lens, the Flight comes with three distinct options. The "blue" is great for sunny riding conditions. The "amber" is for overcast skies as it brings out clarity and contrast in your surroundings. I used the third lens, the "clear", for racing and cold night rides this winter. MSRP $39.99.
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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 membership contribution today.
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