Important bicycle legislation to be heard this week

photo credit: Charleston Moves

As a recent post at the PCC blog points out, “the bicycle ban that went into effect earlier this year on the James Island Connector in Charleston has brought attention to the fact that South Carolina law (56-5-3860) prohibits bicycle use (and other activities) on state controlled access highways.”  You may remember that signs like the one shown here were posted on the James Island Connector following the tragic death of Dr. Mitchell Hollon, who was killed while riding his bicycle across the bridge last year. 

The Coastal Conservation League and Charleston Moves have worked with Senator Chip Campsen (R-Charleston) to introduce a bill (S.1375) that will allow local governments the option to file exemptions to the law, putting decisions about restricted highway access in the hands of the local municipality and not SCDOT. Local governments know better than the state how to manage the roads in their communities, so please take a minute to voice your support for the amendment.  You can also show support by attending the Senate Transportation Subcommittee meeting this Wednesday, April 11^th at 10am at the Gressette building in Columbia.