The March 10 death of cyclist Garrett Wonders tragically demonstrated the hazards of cycling in South Carolina and underscores the necessity for a greater state commitment to make the roadways safer for cyclists, as well as motorists. So far, the financial support for bike lanes and bike paths has been comparatively modest.
The Department of Transportation last year spent $2.4 million on bike lanes and wide, paved shoulders and $2.1 million on paths that can be used by both cyclists and pedestrians. Over the last six years, DOT has spent an average of about $700,000 on bike paths. The overall DOT budget is $862 million a year.
Petitions were presented by Lowcountry cycling groups to Gov. Mark Sanford, following the completion of his recent family cycling excursion from the mountains to the sea. It should help that the state has a chief executive who recognizes the health and recreational benefits of cycling.
Safety is the paramount concern, and modest funding could support the addition of bike lanes and bike paths for commuters and recreational cyclists. The steep rise in gas prices will almost certainly encourage commuter cycling, if safe routes can be provided. The petitioners recognize the practical benefit of cycling to and from work, and included estimates of the frequency they would use their bikes for commuting, if it could be done safely.
Support from local communities also is essential. Local governments should be willing to support bike lanes and paths with funding, and insist that state projects in their jurisdictions accommodate cyclists, and where warranted, pedestrians. Cyclists and pedestrians are both accommodated, for example, on both the new Cooper River bridge and Stono River bridge between Johns Island and James Island.
The rising level of automobile congestion in the Lowcountry can't be curtailed without alternatives. Mass transit is one necessary alternative, and cycling is another. Cyclists should be able to travel on any urban or rural secondary road without having to fear for their safety.
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