Ask the SC Senate Transportation Subcommittee to Vote YES to Bike and Pedestrian Access!
The Safest Available Route Should Be Open to Bicycles and Pedestrians
April 5, 2012
Dear McCormick,
South Carolina state law currently restricts the use of anything but an automobile on “controlled-access roadways.” One example of a controlled-access roadway is the James Island Connector in Charleston. As is the case with the James Island Connector, these controlled access roadways are often the safest available routes for bicycles and pedestrians. The complete and overarching ban of bicycles and pedestrians on these roadways limits mobility and challenges safety.
But good news! South Carolina Senator Chip Campsen (R-Charleston) has introduced a bill amending the law, providing exceptions for bicyclists and pedestrians to use controlled-access roadways if deemed appropriate by the municipality in which the roadway is located—particularly if the roadway is the safest available route. This change to the law gives municipalities the option to determine whether the roadway can be used by bicyclists and pedestrians. Instead of having to follow an automatic ban, it would put the power to make a decision about access to roadways into the hands of those living in the communities where these roadways are located. The SC Department of Transportation has reviewed the bill proposal and has not objected.
The bill will be heard by the Senate Transportation Subcommittee next week, on Wednesday, April 11th at 10 am. Please contact the members of the Senate Transportation Subcommittee and ask them to support Senator Campsen’s proposed amendments!
Thank you,
Katie Zimmerman
Project Manager
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