7/29/2019 Get Bikers Across the Ashley 2-22-13

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Get bikers across the river

B'usiness owners tend to measure

success in dollars - more isbetter.. So a report done for the Charles-

ton Metro Chamber of Commerce

. puts a new focus on the need for this area to

become more bicycle-friendly and to pro-

vide better public transit: Itwould payoff

financially.

Next Generation Consulting reported that

when the percentage of college degree hold-

ers in the community increases by 1percent,

the economic dividend is $865 per capita.

In the Charleston metropolitan area, thatwould mean a $570,200,215 economic im-

pact.

And what'was at the top of its list to make

Charleston more desirable for that sector

of the population? Make the area less car-

dependent.

That would entail investing in "a future-

friendly, innovative multi-modal trans-

portation system." SpecificallY1reliable and

convenient public transit, and safe walking

and biking routes.

Sadly,until local governments find a way to

provide for bikers and pedestrians to cross

rivers safely,the area's appeal to those want-

ing a healthy, active community with less

traffic, less air pollution and more sustain-

ability, is significantly diminished.

And until there is modern public transit,

like light rail, that provides commuters a

fast, attractive' alternative to driving, many

college-educated people will see this area as

provincial- and possibly unfriendly.

The Berkeley-Charleston-DorchesterCouncil of Governments has commissioned

a large study to address mass transit needs.

That's a good start.

Over the years, community leaders have

acknowledged the need for both better

public transit and better bike/pedestrian

routes. And indeed, some headway has

.been made.

But even after the overwhelming success

of the bike/pedestrian path over the Cooper

River Bridge, they have failed to conquer the

Ashley or the Wappoo.

It was two years ago that the idea was pre-sented to convert one lane of the east-bound

Ashley River bridge to bicycle use. Charles-

ton, Charleston County and the S.c. Depart-

ment of Transportation are still trying to nail

down an agreement about issues like mainte-

nance and operations involved with the new

lane. One thing making it tricky is that the

lane is to be temporary, and if it negatively

impacts motor traffic it would be converted

back to vehicular use.

A preliminary design by the county is nowunder internal review.

It was in June that the S.C. Legislature

agreed to allow bike traffic on the James

Island Connector. The city of Charleston

on Sunday advettised for bids to study

how bicyclists can be safely accommo-

dated.

There is no safe way over the Wappoo

bridge or the North Bridge over the Ashley

River.

Tom Bradford, director of Charleston

Moves, a non -profit organization that advo-cates for alternate forms of transportation,

says people are frustrated and angered by

the lack of progress. '

Making those transportation changes hap-

pen is a challenge, but it is also critical to

the area's future. Traffic is getting worse, and

at least one business executive, Matt Weis-

miller, president of Bechtold Corp., told New

Generation Consulting that it is "negatively

impacting our employees"commute times

and overall satisfaction with their work life."John Osborne, former chairman of the

Chamber's Young Professional group, said

he is optimistic - very optimistic. The busi-

ness community, he said, has caught on and

understands the need for safe bike routes

that people can travel to get to work.

Still,the wheels of government move all too

slOWly.And while it is important to make

decisions that promote safety and ensure

smooth operation, these changes should be

dealt with like a footrace, not a stroll.