Bike Funding. On the Cutting Block. Again (x2).

Last night, I sat down and wrote a letter. I actually ended up writing two letters. Saying the same thing. To two SC VIPs:  US Senator Lindsey Graham and US Senator Jim DeMint. I explained to them why having dedicated funding for bicycling infrastructure and programs was important, why they should vote in favor of these things and to pass a clean extension to the transportation bill.

This photo was not contrived. I wear glasses. I drank a beer while writing it. I signed it with that pen. And it felt great.

Bike funding is on the cutting block. Again. It happened last year. It happened this summer. And it's happening again. The bicycle community - anyone from identified advocates to families who enjoy recreational rides on the weekend - is being urged to contact their US Senators. (The opposition is coming from US Senator Coburn, R-OK.) He's saying that he won't support the transportation bill if there are any bike-related funding programs. Tell your Senators that you love your bike lanes, trails, your education and awareness (SRTS) programs, and that cutting funding is not a good idea.

I spent some time in Wisconsin before moving to South Carolina. During my time in Wisconsin, I learned a bit about the democratic process, how to engage in it, why it matters and that thousands of individuals can make a difference. My time their inspired me, pushed me to actually write this letter.

Will this letter get read by either Senator? At best, it will get read by an intern or staffer, and just be placed in the "support" pile. But I see this as a win! Because all of those letters, phone calls and emails could stack up and make a difference.

I encourage you to consider contacting your US Senator. If you're in SC, then you can contact the same guys I did. If you're not in SC, then do a quick search, find out who they are (if you don't know) and contact them via email, phone or by the good ole USPS. Tell them....I bike and I vote!

Update on the Federal Funding Bill:  the bill passed last week.

Dream or Reality?

A regional bikeway? One that folks could hope on at any point, ride for 40, 50 or even 100 miles. For recreation. To aid them in a leisurely Upstate, Local Community Tour. Or how about just an alternative way to get around the Upstate - one that weaves in and out of small towns, neighborhoods, parks and natural areas. A bikeway system that would link to larger parks or central, communal locations. Wouldn't it be cool if bikeways from Spartanburg through Anderson - connecting Greenville, Easley, Pickens, Central, Clemson - with legs jogging off to Seneca and Walhalla, or reaching down to Greenwood or Columbia - were connected?


 Cool idea? Not really too far off - to some stretch of the imagination. With communities across the region involved with bike planning, talking to each other might help connect the dots (communities), linking them together. I think it'd be cool to have a bikeway stretching across the region. We wouldn't need the system to be fancy or too specific. Some parts might do well to have shared lane markings, while others would be better off having a bike lane. And maybe in a few downtown bikeways would turn into cycle tracks.

Acting locally, but thinking regionally.  It may also do wonders to establish a real sense of community and at the same time providing South Carolinians (and any visiting tourist) another way to get outside and play, reduce stress and the waistline, and spend time with others. With a national bike expert's visit to South Carolina occuring earlier this month, folks around the state have had the opportunity to come together, chit chat, learn and talk about the realities of bikes as a real mean of transportation and recreation.

If you know of any groups involved in developing a regional bike plan, organization or network, please leave a comment below!

Biking In The Upstate Regional Update

This was a big news week for bicycling in the Upstate of South Carolina. Several communities were highlighted in the local media for moving forward in bicycle planning and programming. Fall is great time for building momentum. Folks are back refreshed from vacations, ready and anxious to put plans into action.

Anderson County was in the news this week for their support of a visionary idea to develop a version of Swamp Rabbit Trail in the County. County Council voted to work with The Rocky River Conservancy, Anderson University and a private land owner to develop a greenway that will include bicycle paths, walking trails and a water route for those on kayaks and canoes. Their hope is to make a great park that locals can enjoy and a destination for others. I wonder if it might also connect up with the plans in the City of Anderson and even potentially the trails in the Clemson University Experimental Forest.

The City of Greenville played host to one of Mia Birk's stops in South Carolina. Mia Birk, bicycle advocate and president of Alta Planning + Design, spent three days in South Carolina. She visited Charleston and Columbia on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, she is (was) in Greenville talking with local officials, bicycle advocate, politicians and citizens sharing her experience, expertise and love of biking. Her visit it perfect timing, as Greenville's Bike Master Plan goes in front of Greenville City Council for approval on Monday, September 26. (She's a self-proclaimed "not bicycle absolutist," and sees the need for all types of transportation in every community - bike, bus and car.)

Spartanburg's role of the B-Cycle Bike Share program happened earlier this summer, but it's never too late to give innovator's some props. There are two stations ready for folks to use in the downtown. Bike sharing is all about reducing car trips for short errands, joyrides, touring around an unfamiliar city or any other reason one might need to ride a bike. To learn more about the program, how to sign up, use it and any other questions you might have, check out their website.

Mountain Biking in the CEF

Ever since Atlanta hosted the first Olympic Mountain Biking events during the 1996 Summer Games, the sport has taken a foothold in the Southeast. The Upstate is a great spot for mountain biking with its rugged terrain, sweet weather and cool trails. Some folks even imagine a day when folks in Atlanta could hop on a train to the Upstate, use mass transit or rent a car to get to their destination, and make it a weekend get-a-way.

Clemson's Experimental Forest is open to mountain biking. Certain trails are well suited to the needs, demands and desire of mountain bike enthusiasts. (Others are not as well suited.) Of course, when in a national, state or local forest, one should always tread lightly and care for the Forest - the "take only photos, leave only footprints" mentality. Enjoy the ride, but make sure to take any trash or belongings with you.

Mountain bikers aren't the only ones using the Forest. Hikers, hunters, fisher(wo)men, horseback riders, Boy Scouts and other community groups use the forest. (Keep a look out for these guys on the trail!) Some community spaces and multi-day events require a reservation to help track usage and maintenance. But many of the trails are open to during most of the year, closing or restricting access only during various hunting seasons. Trails should be marked or a sign should be posted when restricted access is requested.

Enjoy the Forest - and other natural places in the Upstate - on your mountain bike. Ride hard, but take care of the trails.

Clemson Critical Mass Ride

Ever taken part of a critical mass ride? Typically, it's these rides are meant to demonstrate the "critical mass" of cyclists that exist in a given community. Promoting awareness of bikers can lead to planning of more amenities (bike lanes, paths, racks, programs), safety and an increase in health and wellness. Some rides are faster and more law-abiding than others, but rides that are well-organized are inclusive, uplifting, fun and a time to get to know other bikers in your area. Critical mass rides are meant to be a slower-paced ride so that ALL who want to bike can.

Folks in Clemson is starting a critical mass ride event. Starting this Friday, August 26, cyclists in the area will meet at 4pm at Reunion Square, also known as the intersection of SC 93/Old Greenville Highway and College Avenue in Clemson, just off of Bowman Field. Come for a short time, ride your bike, wear your helmet and help promote awareness in the Clemson (City + University) Community. This is meant to be the kickoff ride, and future critical mass rides are scheduled for the last Friday of the Month. (I won't be there because I have to work....bummer.)

Other rides, critical mass or otherwise, can be found by getting involved with your local cycling community. In the Upstate, check with your local bike shop or subscribe to the Cyberspinners list serve.

Update on Federal Funding

Earlier this summer, the Fed's put bike funding on the cutting block. Folks involved with bicycling across the country responded, contacting their state Representatives and Senators, asking them to take a stand against the cuts. With so many communities recognizing the importance of having bike amenities like bike lanes, paths, facilities, policies and programs as a means of promoting health and wellness, recreation, transportation options and environmental sustainability, a cut to federal funding seemed like a major blow.

A little while ago, People for Bikes reported that Congress decided to rethink that idea, and put cutting bike funding on the back burner. (Victory!!!!....for now...) Even though the initial push to "save" bike funding worked, the multi-year transportation bill won't be voted on until September - or later. Bike funding, as well as funding for other transportation-related projects, is still on uncertain grounds.

Staying in contact with your local congressperson, as well as staying tuned to organizations like ABPB, League of American Bicyclists and People fof Bikes will enable you, as part of the bike community, to voice your opinion and keep track of what's going on.

Bicycle Safety 101: Back to School, Review the Rules

August brings about school, and living near Clemson University, one can't help but notice the influx of 20,000 people into small-town life. The return of students means an increase in traffic. Most students will be driving, some catching the bus and a few riding bikes. I would like to see more on bikes...but that is for another post.

If you're new to riding your bike to get you from point A to point B (also known as commuter biking) or its been awhile since your last ride, reviewing a few safety tips will make the experience calmer, safer and more enjoyable. It's also helpful if your car-driving friends know these rules. Cyclists have the state-legislated right to "share the road" (as many signs on the roadways point out), and if all road users come to know what to expect when they see a cyclist (assuming the cyclist follows the rules), the road becomes a safer place for everyone.

Enough of the PSA (public service announcements) schtuff. Here are a few of the major rules that should be followed when riding on the road:

1. Ride with traffic. Maybe when you were younger you were taught to ride against traffic so cars could see you and you could see the cars. This is no longer the recommend way to ride. Riding with traffic is actually safer because you are acting like a car on the road. This helps cars to better anticipate where you might turn, stop or otherwise maneuver. Make sure you ride with traffic at all times (unless otherwise noted or riding in a "contra flow" lane).
2. Ride on the street. Not on the sidewalk. Though you may feel safer on the sidewalk, it's actually more dangerous. Folks driving cars don't expect to see bikes on the sidewalk. They don't expect them, and, therefore, don't actually "see" them. When you come to a cross street and just ride on through, you're putting yourself at greater risk for being involved in a bike crash.
3. Obey all traffic laws. If cyclists, especially commuters, want respect from drivers, we have to earn it. Cars must follow all the rules of the road. So must bikers. If we want to keep our rights, we must respect the rules. That means stop at every stop sign, obey every traffic light and road sign, signal before performing a maneuver (aka making a turn) and be courteous to others (cars, trucks, pedestrians) around you.
4. Wear a helmet. For safety's sake! Might mess up that 'do, but your brain is worth it!
5. Wear lights at night, dawn, dusk or in bad weather:  White for the front and Red for the back. Wearing lights at night is state law, and it makes any cyclist much easier to be seen. There are all kinds of different types that you can buy at your local bike shop or on-line. 
6. Be assertive. "Take the Lane." This is the idea that if a cyclist needs to make a turn, merge into a lane or make some other maneuver in traffic that they act as boldly as a car, actually taking the lane. Does this take practice, courage and a bit of daring? Yes, and others riding in traffic around you will feel more comfortable if you act with purpose.
7. Be courteous to pedestrians (and others). Good biking karma is a good thing to cultivate. Always yield to pedestrians (it's also state law). Give the "thank you" wave to any auto that waves you through. And treat others how you'd like to be treated.

If you decide to take to the road, just remember a few of these tips. You can also review the state rules here, and the biking policies at Clemson University here. No matter if you're in elementary school, high school, college or life-long learner, in the Upstate or out-of state, avid biking commuter or car-driver, knowing the rules of the road for cyclist will help create a safer environment for all. Got a favorite tip or rule to add? Post 'em below!