Charleston Moves

"The Connector" Fight Makes USA Today (today)

2012-01-27T10:01:00.000-05:00

What's it like to Ride a Bike in Holland??

2012-01-26T23:14:00.000-05:00

My! How things vary around the world!

2012-01-25T22:08:00.000-05:00

CHARLESTON MOVES APPEALS TO THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION

2012-01-25T16:50:00.000-05:00

Charleston Moves has appealed directly to Robert St. Onge, the Secretary of South Carolina's Department of Transportation to review (and overturn!) the ban on bikes and pedestrians issued Monday for the James Island Connector. You can read the entire letter by clicking here St Onge JIC Plea - Final(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript";

Connector Bike Ban Official

2012-01-23T14:39:00.001-05:00

The signs went up today on the James Island Connector.. Charleston Moves continues to work intensely behind the scenes to find a way around this. Note that the state law has been in effect since before the James Island Connector was built approximately 18 years ago. Aware of the law, officials in Charleston had been turning a blind eye to it and allowing its use by people on foot and on

Misery Loves Company??

2012-01-18T18:16:00.000-05:00

Word of the threatened James Island Connector bike ban reached the 25,000-member League of American Bicyclists and nabbed a spot in their e-mail newsletter (giving Charleston some unwanted notoriety....and some company with another city in the negative spotlight.) Here's their coverage: Bike Bans in Bicycle Friendly Communities? Last week we learned of bike bans in two cities designated

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Read 'Em!

2012-01-18T11:12:00.003-05:00

Great letters to the editor today... 1. on the commute from Summerville to Charleston (over the Route 17 bridge) 2. the short-sightedness of banning bikes on the James Island Connector for both, CLICK HERE

Work on JIC Bike Ban Continues

2012-01-18T11:10:00.000-05:00

Charleston Moves and other individuals and organizations are continuing to work to resolve the crisis over the much-discussed James Island Connector bicycle ban. Discussions are going on in Charleston and in Columbia. We're seeking direct discussions with SCDOT as well as legislative leaders. Accounts of when the DOT will erect the signs have been changing, so we remain unsure about just when it

PLEASE KEEP COOL FOR NOW.....

2012-01-14T15:17:00.003-05:00

PLEASE KEEP COOL FOR NOW.....Charleston Moves convened a meeting of 30 community leaders yesterday (Friday) to discuss what can be done about the threatened ban on cyclists on the James Island Connector.First of all, (in the midst of much anger and misinformation) the meeting was a forum for reliable information.Secondly, it produced the outlines of a responsible, non-confrontational, positive

new bike racks for downtown Charleston

2012-01-14T14:30:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Affordabikes, located on King St., the Charleston Green Committee more than met their goal of $2600 so that they could begin to purchase "U" shaped single bike racks. The City promised that if the Green Committee would buy the racks, they would install them for free. City Planning Staff is choosing the locations and expect the racks to be in place by May of 2012. A recognition of

2012-01-11T11:47:00.004-05:00

From today's Post and Courier about the James Island Connector.http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2012/jan/11/cyclists-merit-more-attention/...................................................................................................... Cyclists merit more attention Wednesday, January 11, 2012 The S.C. Department of Transportation just can't seem to get it right with

James Island Connector: Two Steps Back!!

2012-01-11T10:10:00.002-05:00

an excerpt from Dave Mouton's Bike Blog: (Dave is a very savvy former class "A" bicycle frame builder and a highly-experienced cyclist. Born in England but now a Charlestonian, His Blog is filled with smart coverage of matters relating to bicycling.) THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM HIS COVERAGE OF THE JAMES ISLAND CONNECTOR CONTROVERSY ....The only other way in and out of Charleston over the

Is this What SCDOT Really Wants??

2012-01-10T18:23:00.001-05:00

Rider crosses the Ashley amidst 40mph traffic. If the James Island Connector is closed, folks like him will be forced onto even more dangerous routes, including the bridge over the Wappoo Cut. This photo was sent to us by someone who observed: "The attached picture will show exactly why it is better to make the JI connector safer (such as the Cooper River Bridge…..look at the use it

James Island Connector soon to prohibit bicycling

2012-01-09T11:34:00.003-05:00

Article hereTake a look at the article, and at one that follows:http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2012/jan/07/death-trap-for-cyclists/ and particularly at the comments. Katie Zimmerman with the Coastal Conservation League has put up a responder, in which you can type your response and either email it or mail it to your elected officials, at:http://capwiz.com/scccl/issues/alert/?alertid=

Charleston Moves Benefits from Whole Foods 5% Day

2012-01-09T07:43:00.000-05:00

Tell you family. Spread the word to all your friends: Every dollar spent tomorrow (Tuesday, January 10) at Whole Foods in Mount Pleasant will automatically spin off five cents to Charleston Moves. Charleston Moves is YOUR voice for better bicycling and walking in and around Charleston, and this support is deeply needed and very welcome. Among the recent gains: bike lanes on Rte. 61, Morrison

Today's Traffic Engineer: Dinosaur?

2011-12-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

Sam Schwartz, former New York City Traffic Commissioner, bridge and highway builder, laments how marginalized today's traffic engineers have become. Why? Says Schwartz, they may have themselves to blame. Here's a snippet from his essay in ENR.COM. Traffic engineers are being marginalized and viewed as anachronisms, like Mad Men from a bygone age. As Christopher B. Leinberger, senior fellow at

To All Who Helped, Supported: THANKS!!

2011-12-20T13:15:00.000-05:00

A huge thank you to all who signed our Ashley Crossing Coalition petition!! It ALL helped!! Charleston County officials announced late last week that South Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Robert St. Onge had decided that using one lane on the old Legare Bridge for self-propelled folks will work without significantly hurting car traffic!! With your help, Charleston Moves got

Ashley Crossing!! -- the EDITORIAL

2011-12-20T12:29:00.000-05:00

Charleston's Post and Courier seems to love the decision to forge ahead with the plan to convert a car lane to a bike and pedestrian lane. Click on the editorial to read the whole thing fullscreen. Praise for Ashley Crossing Decision The project is still not fully funded, and a further vote on it

Ashley Crossing: OFFICIAL APPROVAL LETTER

2011-12-19T11:07:00.000-05:00

Here is the letter from the Secretary of the South Carolina Department of Transportation OK-ing the Ashley Crossing. St Onge - Ashley Crossing Note that in a strongly-worded provision, it specifies that a longer-term solution must be found. Charleston Moves is elated at this news and committed to

THIS JUST IN!!

2011-12-16T17:34:00.001-05:00

WE HAVE JUST RECEIVED THIS FROM CHARLESTON COUNTY OFFICIALS..... SCDOT Gives the Green Light to the Ashley River Bridge Retrofit New design will provide bicyclists and pedestrians a safe way to cross the bridge On Friday, December 16, Chairman of Charleston County Council Teddie E. Pryor, Sr., and Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. received a response from the Secretary of Transportation, Robert

Charleston Area Transportation Funding Announcement

2011-12-14T14:09:00.004-05:00

Charleston Area Transportation Study group has submitted its recommendation about funding a number of bicycle and pedestrian projects in the coming year. Charleston Moves is among the 19 participant groups in the CHATS group. In this round, a total of $2,482,207 was made available. The individual project requests were ranked by vote of the participants.Ranking - Points (to reference interest)

Biking Isn't Just Speed and Skills

2011-12-12T17:15:00.004-05:00

“Biking isn’t just speed and skills” declared Melody Hile, who participated in the Preservation Society of Charleston’s Preservation Pedal. “I really had fun and met a lot of interesting people”. Charles Fox reported that “it was a blast”. From 10 a.m. to noon on a glorious Saturday, December 3, over 90 bicyclists used their PSC’s created color coded maps detailing places of interest in five of

Reinventing the Two Wheeler

2011-12-04T12:06:00.001-05:00

An article from a couple months ago in the Wall Street Journal. Posting it up here because it has some nice descriptions and photos of bicycles similar to what is found in other parts of the world, but are becoming more available around here.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204226204576603301772974170.html#articleTabs%3Darticle

How Did the Netherlands Become So Bicycle-Friendly

2011-11-30T14:11:00.001-05:00

First of all, it's not about being bicycle-friendly. It's more about acknowledging the crucial importance of alternative forms of transportation.

Clock Ticking on Ashley Crossing Decision

2011-11-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

As we went to press, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley’s office was still awaiting word from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) on the proposal to re-dedicate one lane of the Legare Bridge (northbound Route 17) for use by people on foot and on bicycles. Mayor Riley has often expressed confidence that the ultimate answer will be “yes.” Charleston Moves Director Tom Bradford said

Help jumpstart the City of Charleston’s Bike Rack Fund

2011-11-21T19:27:00.005-05:00

The Charleston Green Committee wants to quickly raise $2,600 to kick start the City of Charleston's Bike Rack Fund. This fund will pay for 14 bike racks which the City has committed to install at no cost. Each rack costs $180 and will be put in locations which will encourage more biking & less driving. Your donation will be combined with others to leverage this purchase. DONATE NOW in any

Charleston Moves Nudges Harborview in a Better Direction

2011-11-21T10:52:00.003-05:00

BIKE LANES RETURNED TO ROAD...work not complete yet...Post & Courier photoJust a couple short weeks ago, Charleston County Council voted to approve a new design for Harborview Road on James Island. It was a design that we were able to influence greatly – for the better.We were called in by a group of James Island residents working as a new organization called “Will You Remember Our Trees?”

DI resident's message fro the ICU: Helmets are 'adorkable'

2011-11-20T16:57:00.001-05:00

Moving account of a local bicycle accident and why helmets are so important.http://www.thedanielislandnews.com/artman2/publish/Top_Stories_69/DI_resident_s_message_fro_the_ICU_Helmets_are_adorkable.php

Charleston Moves RoadWatch

2011-11-19T07:32:00.001-05:00

We're monitoring more and more road projects in and around Charleston. That means we're able to make suggestions that make our streets and roads more bicycle and pedestrian friendly. Here is a partial list of those projects compiled by our Vice Chair Chris Tullman who is leading the charge in this area. CHATS (Charleston Area Transportation Study) 2012-2014 enhancement grants. 12 great

More on College of Charleston area Traffic Chaos

2011-11-17T17:03:00.001-05:00

Within the past few days, there has been a flurry of e-mails concerning zig-zagging skateboarders, unpredictable bike riders, and pedestrians making not-so-safe maneuvers. It has once again gotten the attention of City Hall, not to mention Charleston Police and Campus Security officers. Here's a portion of an e-mail sent to city hall by someone who works in the neighborhood. .....we have a

2011-11-04T12:57:00.002-04:00

These photos were sent to us by an acquaintance at the State Ports Authority. They are photos of guests from the cruise ship AIDA LUNA enjoying Charleston by bike! The vessel and her 2,000 guests arrived in port this morning during a 19-day voyage from New York to Barbados. It’s a largely German and European group. Beyond the biking, shopping, eating and exploring the city by foot,

2011-11-03T15:54:00.000-04:00

ABC News 4 broadcast a report last evening that the City of Charleston and The South Carolina Department of Transportation were discussing a ban on cyclists on the James Island Connector. Other media outlets have taken up the story today. Here's what we know: The fact is that SCDOT and the City of Charleston have had on-again, off-again discussions about this for the entire life of the

2011-10-31T15:56:00.004-04:00

Transportation funding for Bicycle and Pedestrians is under attack again. There are claims that the money is needed for bridge projects instead... Same people trying to pull out the funding with another bad tactic. Bridge Funding is not at risk, and according to the DOT numbers money is actually already returned when not spent, or transferred to other road projects instead.We need to stop

Council Moves Forward on Harborview Road

2011-10-20T18:53:00.000-04:00

By an overwhelming vote, Charleston County Council Thursday afternoon gave the go-ahead for an alternative version of Harborview Road that promises to be far friendlier to bicyclists, pedestrians, and trees. The alternative, sponsored by Councilman Joe Qualey of James Island, abandoned plans for a 10-ft.-wide "multi-use path" separated from the road, and placed the main bicycle traffic on the

Legal Breakthrough for South Carolina: Motorist Convicted of a Felony for Killing a Cyclist

2011-10-17T22:46:00.001-04:00

....departure from "slap-on-the-wrist" for car-vs. cyclist crimes When the person in control of a two-ton gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle isn't paying enough attention...or doesn't care enough to "give three feet" clearance to a person on a bicycle, is it just an everyday "ooops, sorry!" accident...or is it homicide? Perhaps the tide is turning in South Carolina...toward justice. Here's the

EcoThon event

2011-10-17T16:11:00.002-04:00

EcoThon race is coming up next weekend, October 23rd. see all the details at: http://ecothon.org/ I hope you can come out and join me at this wonderful event that highlights the great location we have here on the coast. You will get a nice bike ride, a fun run/walk on 2 different islands, and a paddle along the inter-coastal (kayaks available if you don't have your own), as well as a quick swim (

In Copenhagen, Gas Stations Morph Into Bike Repair Shops

2011-10-06T12:05:00.000-04:00

.....courtesy of THE DAILY GOOD It's a rocky road out there for bicyclists riding car-dominated streets and freeways. With potholes, angry drivers, and the constant threat of a swift pancaking all posing hurdles, biking means always moving against the flow of traffic. But in Copenhagen, one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, an oil company is making things just a bit easier for

Bike Sharing for Charleston

2011-10-06T10:29:00.002-04:00

by Carlsen HueyBike Sharing seems to be such a natural need for Charleston - particularly for the peninsula. We have limited parking and congested streets. We also have nice weather year round. Shared bikes could replace that trip from MUSC to a King St. restaurant - or from a lawyers office to the courtroom - or from a hotel to a tourist destination. Already present in other cities, most sharing

A Conversation Overheard in the Elevator

2011-09-30T16:05:00.002-04:00

Nowadays it seems more and more folks are riding bikes and I notice many more children riding safely on the sidewalk or on the edge of the road with the direction of traffic. It’s unfortunate that many vehicle operators still have a blatant disregard for their safety by recklessly speeding through neighborhoods or driving distracted. I was in the elevator at work the other day and a gentleman

Our Case for the Ashley Crossing to SCDOT

2011-09-22T17:30:00.000-04:00

This letter was sent Thursday to Robert St. Onge, Secretary of the South Carolina Department of Transportation. In it, Charleston Moves details the robust level of support that exists in our community for the proposal to re-dedicate a lane over the Ashley River for use by cyclists and pedestrians. Please click on the image below to read the letter in full. St Onge - Legare Bridge(function() {

Okay, Fine, It's War

2011-09-22T13:30:00.001-04:00

illustration from The Stranger, Seattle Cyclists are dying, collisions are rising, and people who claim that there is a "War on Cars" are out of control—it's time for a reality check and an action plan. Thus says THE STRANGER, Seattle, Washington's edgy publication laying it on the line about the widely-voiced antagonism that has developed between the motoring establishment and the "

Charleston Neck Prosperity Meetings - Need your help

2011-09-19T23:16:00.003-04:00

Berkeley-Dorchester-Charleston Council of Governments has been working on plans to improve bike and pedestrian resources within the Charleston Neck region. Their area of focus covers from well above Park Circle in North Charleston to all the way below the crosstown in downtown Charleston. Last Monday night there was a focus group session in which a few individuals hashed out

Charleston's "Neck" Area: Targeting for Excellence

2011-09-19T10:01:00.000-04:00

Partnership for Prosperity Community DesignCharrette, September 26-30, 2011 Charleston's Neck area holds great promise for economic growth and for excellence in planning that should include great bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Here's your chance to provide input. Monday, September 26, 2011 through Friday, September 30, 2011 Where:Sterett Hall, 1530 7th Street and Hobson Avenue, North

2011-09-17T09:25:00.001-04:00

From Ernest Andrade, Director, Business Development, Charleston Digital Corridor: "I thought you may enjoy a shot of the very successful bike racks at Flagship2. Design by Jacob Lindsey and hooks and lumber from Lowes. Simple is Good." ANSWER: Ernest: Thank you for setting such a good example. In re-fitting the former Channel Five building on East Bay Street in Charleston for your

Transportation Bill Approved in the Senate-- Good news for Bicycling and Walking

2011-09-15T23:37:00.002-04:00

Great News! Mark Dear Mark, Earlier this evening the Senate passed a clean extension of the surface transportation program until March 31, 2012. The measure passed by a vote of (92-6). The League would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time this week to participate in our campaign to urge your Senators to pass a clean extension of the transportation bill in

COME HEAR MATT KEARNEY: Help Charleston Moves!!

2011-09-15T17:37:00.003-04:00

Half-Moon Outfitters presents Mat Kearney in a late-afternoon appearance. Come hear him, and have a little fun. A raffle benefits Charleston Moves!! WHERE: HALF-MOON OUTFITTERS SOUTH WINDERMERE SHOPPING CENTER 3:30 - 5PM.. WATCH MAT - CLICK HERE Mathew Kearney gets raves for his Columbia Records debut, Nothing Left to Lose. So far, he has a total of four top 20 hits on the Adult Top 40

2011-09-14T13:16:00.001-04:00

Transportation funding for Bicycle and Pedestrian projects is at risk. A senator believes that we are better off building more roads, and more often, then providing access for all 3 transportation options. You can let your senator know what you want done with our tax money:https://secure2.convio.net/rtt/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=279Thanks for taking the time to support

New Article Poses Strong Challenge to Mitch Hollon "Accident"

2011-09-13T07:56:00.001-04:00

To read the complete article, click here. if the click-through does not work, copy and paste the following link into your browser's window: http://031090f.netsolhost.com/WordPress/2011/08/02/blaming-mitchell-hollon-for-his-own-killing/

City Paper's Coverage of Bicycle BrewHaHa

2011-09-11T14:53:00.003-04:00

Charleston has an incredibly diverse biking community, and they all came together on Thursday for the Bicycle Brew Haha, hosted by Charleston Moves. to read the complete Charleston City Paper story CLICK HERE.

Do Your Part: Help Preserve Funds for Biking/Walking

2011-09-11T10:50:00.002-04:00

Take a moment. Watch this brief video. And please do as the man tells you. Thank You!

Stark Stats: Americans More Likely to Die on Bicycles

2011-09-04T09:20:00.002-04:00

DYING while cycling is three to five times more likely in America than in Denmark, Germany or the Netherlands. To understand why, consider the death of Michael Wang. To read the entire article in The Economist, click here. (and thanks to Stephen Zoukis)

ABC News4 on the Ashley Crossing!!

2011-09-02T13:15:00.000-04:00

Here's ABC News Four's report on the feasibility of using one lane over the Ashley River for cyclists and Pedestrians: take a look at http://www.abcnews4.com/video?clipId=6160359&autostart=true

Help Clean Up Charleston's Linear Bike Path

2011-08-30T07:37:00.000-04:00

Summerville Assesses Regional Bicycle Trail System

2011-08-18T08:14:00.001-04:00

Representatives from multiple jurisdictions met to discuss the development of a regional bicycle trail system. Those present included Summerville Mayor Bill Collins, Dorchester County Councilman Jay Byers, who ran the meeting, neighborhood association leaders, a consultant, a representative of SCDOT, and John Pardee, of this coalition and the Town's bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee.

Judge Rules in Favor of Brooklyn Bike Lane

2011-08-17T15:29:00.002-04:00

It was hotly contested, viewed as a litmus test of New York City's aggressive drive to re-think transportation, incorporating bicycle lanes on a large number of streets in the city's five boroughs. This particular challenge was launched by some well-connected Brooklynites who contended that the statistics used by the city to argue in favor of the bike lanes were flawed. But, today, their

Post & Courier Editorializes on Ashley Crossing

2011-08-17T11:48:00.004-04:00

A bike lane across the Ashley River, now a very real and exciting possibility, would dramatically enhance the area's livability and benefit its health, environment and connectedness. By persevering on behalf of the project, despite setbacks, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, City Councilman Mike Seekings and Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor have advanced a plan that could provide a

Charleston Moves Clocks Big Support for Ashley Crossing Coalition

2011-08-17T11:10:00.004-04:00

Thirty-five institutions, including eight Peninsula & West Ashley neighborhood associations, have gone on record in support of Charleston Moves’ popular initiative to create a dedicated bicycle/pedestrian lane on the Legare Bridge which connects West Ashley with the Charleston Peninsula. Institutions include the Faculty Senate and Student Senate at the College of Charleston, plus

Here is a quote worthy of contemplation - from BIKE&CHAIN:

2011-08-17T10:56:00.002-04:00

(.....on riding a bicycle...)