A bill that would allow the City of Charleston to adopt an ordinance applying to the state for an exception to the freeway bike ban has been introduced in Columbia. We've been working with the Coastal Conservation League and its State Capitol staff on the legislation. It's also been reviewed inside Charleston City Hall.
The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Dist. 43. It simply would give local units of government the option to seek an exception to the law banning cyclists (and other modes) from “freeways” whenever there isn’t a reasonable alternative route. It is SB 1375. Click here to read it in its entirety.
Outlook for passage? Good. Strategy: quiet diplomacy.
One factor gives us pause: just how quickly this bill is considered. If it doesn't receive a hearing before the end of this month, the process could take considerably longer. So we're working to convince key legislators to take it up quickly. We've counted at least 22 other states where such exceptions have been written into law.
You'll recall Jan. 23, the day the signs went up. After a lot of hard work and coaxing and cajoling to prevent it, the workers posted them and we sprung into action. We -- and everyone -- were outraged that this "ban" would force cyclists to use the Wappoo Cut Bridge, a hellish crossing if you've ever tried it.
Generally, the ad hoc meetings we organized to deal with the crisis took the position that diplomacy and legislative work was the best priority. We're hoping that there are no hitches and that the positive outlook about this legislation is rewarded with quick and positive action.
There's been a marked decline in the number of cyclists on the Connector even though the Charleston Police Department pledged to issue only warnings for a period of time. Ominously, there have been reports of motorists taunting cyclists on the Connector. There was even a report that a motorist used his vehicle in an attempt to "herd" a cyclist toward the outside wall. Such reports have been infrequent.
Charleston Moves continues to work with engineers in hopes of promoting a route that would ultimately be safer for everyone. That route could utilize the expected fourth lane on the Legare Bridge, Albemarle Road, and the on-ramp to the Connector near Porter-Gaud School, allowing cyclists to
exit immediately at Harborview Road, never crossing an on-ramp or off ramp. This of course depends on just how quickly the expected bike and pedestrian lane on the Legare Bridge materializes. Though approved in concept, it still awaits funding and additional engineering work.
For now, we continue to advise quiet diplomacy and will work along those lines.
We will keep everyone posted.
You'll recall Jan. 23, the day the signs went up. After a lot of hard work and coaxing and cajoling to prevent it, the workers posted them and we sprung into action. We -- and everyone -- were outraged that this "ban" would force cyclists to use the Wappoo Cut Bridge, a hellish crossing if you've ever tried it.
Generally, the ad hoc meetings we organized to deal with the crisis took the position that diplomacy and legislative work was the best priority. We're hoping that there are no hitches and that the positive outlook about this legislation is rewarded with quick and positive action.
Charleston Moves continues to work with engineers in hopes of promoting a route that would ultimately be safer for everyone. That route could utilize the expected fourth lane on the Legare Bridge, Albemarle Road, and the on-ramp to the Connector near Porter-Gaud School, allowing cyclists to
For now, we continue to advise quiet diplomacy and will work along those lines.
We will keep everyone posted.
No comments:
Post a Comment