South Carolina Ranked 49th in Nation for Bicycle Safety
South Carolina ranks 49th among states for bicycling safety according to a report released today by the Alliance for Biking & Walking. “Bicycling and Walking in the U.S.: 2012 Benchmarking Report” shows that while 2.1% of work trips in South Carolina are by bicycle or foot, bicyclists and pedestrians account for 11.9% of traffic fatalities in the state.
Lack of investment in bicycling and walking could be to blame. While 12 percent of trips in the U.S. are by bike or foot, 14 percent of traffic fatalities are bicyclists and pedestrians, and pedestrian and bicycle projects receive less than 2 percent of federal transportation dollars.
“A much greater investment is needed in biking and walking to increase active transportation,” says Jeffrey Miller, Alliance President/CEO. “The Benchmarking Report shows that biking and walking are smart and cost-effective solutions that will pay for themselves many times over in healthcare savings and impact on local economies.”
South Carolina spends just 0.6% of its federal transportation dollars on biking and walking, ranking 46th among states for investing in biking and walking.
“South Carolina could be an ideal place to ride a bike, but the lack of understanding about the importance of bicycling and investing in infrastructure holds the state back from fulfilling its potential,” said Rachael Bronson, executive director of the Palmetto Cycling Coalition.
Currently, South Carolina biking and walking funding works out to just $0.95 per person, compared to the national average of $2.17. Without funding, infrastructure cannot be improved to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians, keeping South Carolina the second most unsafe state in which to ride a bike.
While lack of investment in bicycling and walking has caused thousands of preventable deaths across the U.S., it doesn’t have to be.
Numerous successful projects across the state have been funded in part with federal dollars through threatened programs like Transportation Enhancements, including trails in Greenville, Charleston and Spartanburg. With continued investment, bicycling and walking can become easier, safer and a realistic transportation choice for South Carolina residents.
“Bicycling and Walking in the U.S.: 2012 Benchmarking Report” was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and made possible through additional support from AARP and Planet Bike. For more information and to download the report visit www.PeoplePoweredMovement.org/benchmarking.
Posted in Advocacy
No wonder South Carolina is 49th. Poor response to this posting may be an indication that South Carolina’s cyclists are not interested in this issue. They should be. The next victim might be you.
FJT, we’re pretty certain that the responses to our blog posts are not directly related to our state’s ranking for bicycle safety. It has much more to do with state policies and leadership, and although engaged bicycle advocates certainly helps our progress, the blame does not solely lie on the shoulders of a bicyclist.
We always try to keep our “blinker” lights on, and use safe practices when we ride on the road… that all being said, many bicyclists could ride safer, and most cars could be more accommodating. We had a Range Rover near Denmark, SC blast the horn at us and pass within a couple of feet last Saturday, even when the other lane was clear. More tolerance on both sides would help a lot. Many car drivers cannot accept bicycles as “real” transportation.
You’re absolutely right! As we often say, it takes two to tango, so both cyclists and motorists need to uphold their respective rights and responsibilities. Thanks for what you do, Gilbertine!
My opinion is that the reason cyclists receive no respect in SC is if your on a bicycle your not a native and probably a damn Yankee especially wearing those funny clothes. I see very few if any young kids riding bikes at least in the Aiken area. And yes I’ve had my share of close calls being passed within three feet at over 50 MPH !!