Taking on SCDOT: STAY TUNED!

Last week we got the news that SCDOT was not going to put bike lanes on the newly-resurfaced portions of Maybank Highway. It appeared to be a no-brainer. We had phoned early as workers started the resurfacing to make the suggestion.

Later, having gotten no satisfaction, the decision was made to conduct the petition drive. As you know (many of you helped with this) we collected almost 2000 signatures in approximately five days.

SCDOT did bend to the point that the outer lanes were widened to 14', and they made it sound as though they were considering the bike lanes. But ultimately, last week I was told the department declined to stripe them.

Two days later, at a meeting we had with Charleston County officials on a number of issues, the subject of Maybank Highway was raised and Councilwoman Colleen Condon suggested that county workers undertake the striping project at county expense. It was quickly endorsed by Deputy County Administrator Kurt Taylor who is in charge of expenditure of all half-cent sales tax money. The promise of stripes was official.

Then, we made the decision was reached to "take the gloves off" and roundly criticize the DOT for its lack of flexibility and the horrible effect this has on pedestrian and bicycle safety.

We invited other organizations (Palmetto Cycling Coalition, Coastal Conservation League, MyBikeLaw.com) joined us for this news conference. Coverage was excellent, with all three major network affiliates attending as well as Robert Behre of the Post&Courier.

The news conference produced two calls for changes in leadership of the DOT. I am attaching my statement. There will be substantial coverage of this overnight and tomorrow morning.

Additionally, we have had detailed conversations with two members of the DOT Commission, Danny Isaacs and Ken Willingham. We have their attention -- at least for the moment.

Here is a copy of the Charleston Moves statement. Click on the image to read in its entirety.
Charleston Moves News Release: Maybank Hwy. Bike Lanes