Don’t Ban Bikes on the Connector!

Last Friday, news broke that the City of Charleston would be enforcing, within the next few months, a ban made official by the SCDOT: to prohibit bicycles and pedestrians from using the James Island Connector. Advocates from around the state agree that this is a step in the wrong direction. This ban would greatly affect the very limited connectivity that currently exists, and would force bikes and pedestrians to use the dangerous alternative–the Ashley River Bridge.

We encourage all South Carolinians to contact elected officials to oppose this action. We agree with our friends at the Coastal Conservation League in offering some better alternatives:

1. Lower the Connector’s speed limit to 40 mph  (adding less than one minute additional travel time for drivers)
2. Put rumble strips along the breakdown lane
3. Put signs up telling motorists to yield to cyclists, particularly at exits

Please use the League’s action center to contact your elected official and ask that the Connector be retrofitted for the safety of all users–not prohibited.

Thanks!