Vote Yes on November 4 to Support Biking & Walking in Greenville County

If you feel like the roads in your local community have been deteriorating over the last several years, you’re not alone. Roads, bridges, sidewalks and trails across the state are in desperate need of repair and improvement.  On November 4^th, folks in Greenville County will have an opportunity to vote for improving the conditions of these kind of facilities.

A referendum to increase the Greenville County sales tax by a penny for about 8 years will be up for a vote on November 4. Local voters have an amazing opportunity to directly support the addition of 69 miles of sidewalks and trails. Through this proposal, bike lane total mileage would increase from 18.5 miles to 23 miles. The referendum would also support bringing the Swamp Rabbit Trail out to Simpsonville and Clemson University’s ICAR campus. The total investment in bicycle and pedestrian facilities would be $48M. The referendum in full text can be found here.

Momentum has been building across the county since this spring. The Greenville County Council voted in favor of the idea back in May, allowing the citizens of Greenville County to voice their opinion on the matter. Local media has come out in support of the measure. The need for such a measure comes from the lack of a long-term, dedicated, stable funding source from the state government. South Carolina roads are in terrible condition.  Mind-blowing statistics reveal how much we are hurting. And highlighting this need is has been the story for several years. 

Bike Walk Greenville has led a campaign to raise awareness about the way the referendum will positively affect bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Through their twitter account, the organization has shared the fifty four future Safe Routes to School projects that are included in the county’s sales tax referendum. Safe Route to School is a national program that creates better, safer ways that children can walk or bike to school. The program has helped improve facilities in Greenville County and in other places across the state.  Each tweet contains a short list of important information and a picture about proposed improvement to the school route. If you're interested in learning more about their efforts or want to help spread the word, consider attending their next meeting on Wednesday, October 8.

Support the increase in sales tax by a penny in the November 4 election if you are in Greenville County. Better yet, get out and vote to mark that support.

Building Relationships through Constructive Dialogues

Not too long ago I was nearly hit by a car on my morning commute to work. The most upsetting thing wasn't the near-accident, but rather a local law enforcement officer's inaction. By sharing my incident, I hope others can encourage their local law enforcement to become informed and be part of the active development of a better bike culture in the Upstate.

I was riding in what I call super nerd gear - yellow reflective safety vest, orange t-shirt, front and back lights flashing - making sure that I was doing my best to be visible. As I approached the intersection, I noticed a car approaching from the perpendicular side street. Watching the driver with a mindful eye, aware that he might either obey or disregard the stop sign, I continued to ride forward. I had the right of way, and the driver had a stop sign. As he initially stopped, I proceeded to make my way into the intersection. Then he started forward again...then stopped and then hit the gas to plow through the intersection, nearly hitting me, and took off.

Moments after the near-accident, I decided to let it go. I was shaken and upset, but I realized that chasing after the car would have accomplished nothing positive. However, I noticed a local police car parked nearby. Curious, I biked on over. Greeting the officer in the car, I asked if he had seen what had transpired. To my surprise, he replied that, though hadn't seen the car nearly hit me, he had heard me yell and saw the car driving away.

I paused in disbelief. Once I gathered my composure, I decided to take the opportunity to encourage him to consider taking action if he were to come upon a similar incident in the future. He didn't have much to say in reply, so I politely repeated my point and continued on my way.

It's important to remember that police officers have a tough job, and they take on a lot of stress in dealing with the public. However, part of their role in enforcing public safety also includes looking out for the safety of people on bikes. Acknowledging that it will take some time for police departments to to learn local and state bike laws, officers should determine how they contribute to a culture of bike safety and inclusion in their community.

There is a lot of education and culture change that is occurring in communities across the country. The infrastructure is beginning to appear, but we're in the midst of a messy, fun, necessary and slow learning process where we figure out how cars and bikes should co-exist. Leaders, decision makers and community members should foster opportunities where folks can be exposed to these kinds of new ideas in a non-threatening, fun way through public safety campaigns, events and other programs.

My hope is that the police officer I spoke that morning brought this challenging situation back to his department. Questioning the status quo and encouraging open, positive dialogue where people can learn is an important part of change. Public law enforcement officers are critical allies in creating better places to bike, and helping them find their role in addressing public safety will make better communities for all of us.

On Road Again

This post has more questions than answers, as I have been wrestling with some of these issues for a while. Take some time to read them and think them over. I'm interested to hear what your thoughts are…

Bike Lanes. Multi-Use Paths. Cycletracks. I’ve thought a lot about these different kind of facilities over the last few weeks, and recent discussions with some folks in the profession have pushed me to consider the implications of each. Both have their place, but I’m interested in what you have to say, riding reader. Why do you prefer one over the other? Is your preference for one kind of facility influenced by what kind of riding you’re doing:  Shared path for running errands or recreation riding? On-road bike lane when you’re out for a group ride or training for a race? Do you mind riding next to traffic or do you prefer some space? Where would you let your 8 year son or daughter ride? What would you think about your 80 year old mother, father or friend riding on this kind of facility?

On-road bike lanes are less expensive and improve the existing conditions for willing. However, the speed, volume and proximity of the vehicular traffic can really influence a rider’s feeling of safety or comfortability. How would you feel riding right next to traffic on Greenville’s Wooddruff Road? What are your thoughts about the bike lanes in the photo below?

Bike lanes in a sea of pavement. Would separated lanes have been better?
But how to accommodate the driveways?

Separated facilities, whether they are paths or bike lanes, have been shown to improve safety and are places where more folks feel comfortable riding. They are more expensive, typically take more time to install and can require a significant reworking of the existing landscape. However, the Swamp Rabbit Trail, the most recent and well known example of this kind of facility, has been one of the most significant improvements in the region.

 

Swamp Rabbit Trail Users of all ages and abilities.
(Photo Credit:  Upstate Forever)

Part of a community’s responsibility is to develop facilities that folks will use. Over the last several years, as I have seen significant bicycle facility improvements in communities across the upstate, I wonder if we are doing the right thing. Are on-road bike lanes enough and will they provide the best facility for all riders? Or are we just doing the easy, convenient thing to say that we are bicycle-friendly? What more would it cost to build something that would address the folks who are “interested, but concerned” on two wheels? I then turn to consider the needs of the racing, spandex-clad crowd. What kind of facilities are preferred by a majority of this population? Is there a difference between men and women, experienced and novices?

There are some questions I've been mulling over. I wanted to get them out there, and I'm really interested in what you have to say. No matter how long you've been riding or what kind of rider you are, I'd really like to hear your thoughts on your preferences.

Power, Ordinary People and Bikes (A TED Talk)

Okay, that's not really the TED Talk title...but it could be.  There's an important lesson I'd like to draw your attention to as it relates to creating a better biking culture in your home town.

I recently watched a talk that I thought was particularly compelling as it relates to advocating for community improvements, including better biking infrastructure: bike lanes, paths, more parking, etc. "Why ordinary people need to understand power" is a talk by Eric Lui that I think you should watch. It's worth your time, especially if you're looking for inspiration or not sure how or where to get started in creating effective change in your community. 

Sneak Peak for Sping 2015 SC Training (Update: Training to happen Fall 2014)

Update:  Amy from the PCC contacted me with an updated Safe Streets Curriculum Training tour schedule. They'll be out touring and training folks across the state the week of November 14-22, 2014. Stops haven't been set - yet. Contact them if you are interested in learning more or having a possible tour stop in your home town!

I wanted to make sure that you had an opportunity to learn more about the Palmetto Cycling Coalition's Safe Streets Curriculum Training if you hadn't already heard about it. As the state advocacy group for South Carolina, the PCC works hard to education, improve and empower decision-makers, state and local planners and engineers and public citizens to do more for biking. They are a great group, and you should consider supporting their cause.

The Safe Streets training has been developed for two different audiences. One is geared towards teachers and students of almost all grades and is available on the state's Department of Public Safety website. The other training geared (pun intended) towards a more general public audience. However, the final touches are being put on this training, and it will be unveiled during a week-long tour in the Spring of 2015 during the week of November 14 - 22, 2014. Contact the PCC directly for more information or to have them consider a tour stop in your hometown.

The Safe Streets curriculum aligns with the PCC's ongoing Safe Streets Save Lives campaign which works on developing educational programs, workshops and literature to improve safety for everyone on the road. This is a great campaign, and one that everyone can get behind.

Bicycle Riders, Mount Up!

I've recently been working on a project to improve bicycle parking and storage at some university residential facilities. Commonly found around the campus are variations on the "comb-style" bike rack. You're probably familiar with these because most elementary schools, churches, grocery stores and businesses have these as their standard bike rack.

Comb-Style Bike Rack

After doing some research, I started to consider some wall-mounted bike racks. The project area was covered, but was tight on space. The project called for a better organization and use of space so that the bikes could be more accessible. Additionally, the space was covered, so it was really important to take the time to do this improvement project right. Covered bike parking at residential places is a hot commodity - no one likes to leave their bike outside exposed to the sun, wind and rain if they don't have to.

There are all different kinds of wall-mounted bike racks to consider - modular racks, single racks, hook racks. I started searching online. To meet the needs of the project, the racks had to be something that could be mounted into a cement or brick wall, provide a secure place to lock the frame of the bike to the rack, be cost effective and look nice. There were a couple different models I considered.

Wall Mount Option #1 Cycle Safe:  The Cycle Safe Wallrack model was a contender. It could be mounted into the wall and provided a place to lock the bike.

Cycle Safe Wallrack

However, the installation of several fixtures left too much room for potential error (placing them too low to the ground or too high so that they couldn't be reached by a user or too close together to handle bars would entangle), so it was crossed off the list. I also felt that for the needs of this project, there needed to be more to the fixture to address the issue of security. (Though this might be the perfect thing for your garage!)

Wall Mount Option #2  Vertical Wall Mount:  Upbeat had a model that was also interesting. Though the name was a bit of a mouthful, the Bicycle Locking Vertical Wall Mount Rack, the locking mechanism seemed to be a bit better than the Cycle Safe model. The fixture also seemed a bit more robust and had me feeling better about my concerns with security. This was better, but since these came in individual units, too, I kept digging.

Wall Mount Option #3  Dero Ultra Space Saver:  The Dero company makes the Ultra Space Saver model that looked promising. It comes as a modular unit of 8, has predetermined spacing (16" standard between racks), and is great for mounting into the cement or brick wall. These were also recommended to me by someone who works within another university setting. Hearing that there was known success regarding use, security and durability over time with this model also helped. The company also makes the bike repair stations on the campus, and we've been satisfied with the quality of the components.

So, after a call to the company to get more details and answer a few questions, the Ultra Space Saver ended up being the winner. Here's a photo of the area before the rack....

Hmmm....we can do better.

and after.

                              Much improved!*

What a difference the wall-mounted rack makes! The photo was taken several weeks after the racks were installed. The fixture was intuitive enough that the students learned how to use it on their own! Success! It felt really good to see the positive response to the organization, use and accessibility improvements. I have continued to occasionally check in on this space to see how it's being used, and I have nothing but good things to report! (*Please ignore that white space on the photo. I don't know where that came from.)

Have you seen any bike parking wins? Have ideas how to address some bike parking fails? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Top Southeast Mountain Biking Trails: Checking Out Tsali Recreation Area

Recently we took a vacation to the North Carolina mountains. Living about two hours from the Great Smoky Mountains, it was close enough to home that we got to spend a lot of time taking in breathtaking vistas, towering trees and lush foliage. Cooler temps and views like this was exactly what I needed. It was a nice retreat from the South Carolina summer heat.

The Great Smoky Mountains - What a view!

The entrance from the NC side of the mountains.

 

We camped at Turkey Creek Campground in Almond, NC. I had heard that Tsali Recreation Area was nearby, home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the region, so we decided to check it out one afternoon. 

Tsali is within the Nantahala (pronounced "Na-tah-hay-luh'") National Forest owned by the US Fores Service, so it's covered in trees and has an extensive trail system. The drive to the trail head was winding and a bit long, giving one the feeling of "leaving it all behind." There is also a campground and boat launch within the park, providing visitors with several choices of outdoor activities. A day pass for biking is $2.

When we arrived at the trail head, there was a large gravel parking lot, bathrooms, an information kiosk and a washing station. 

Trail head and Facilities at Tsali

The bathrooms were nice, clean and were in the middle of being renovated. The open-air covered shelter had a few benches that were nice to sit and make any last minute adjustments before heading out on the trail. Providing a little cover from the elements was a nice touch. There was also a clear demarcation between the area were cars were allowed by the small, subtle wooden bollards, as shown in the photo above. The set-up was really welcoming. 

Moving just beyond the area, there was a clear sign that helped trail-users understand the trail schedule for mountain bikers and the equestrian community. Communicating trail etiquette, rules and schedule is important in creating an inviting, safe environment for everyone. A major issue on a trail system like this is the potential for conflict when a mountain biker comes up on a horse, and vice versa. (Mountain bikers are fast and quick moving, which can easily startle a horse.)  The photo below shows Tsali's trail schedule, limiting some trail use based on the day of the week.

Tsali Trail Schedule

For example, mountain bikers are allowed on the Tsali Trail on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), and horses are allowed on a different trail during the same time, on the Thompson Loop and the Mouse Loop. Interesting way to control traffic and mitigate issues between the parties.

There was also a bike washing station that was being used. You can get pretty dirty mountain biking. Here was a simple wooden frame that had four dangling "J" hooks where folks could hand their bike and wash it off with some running water. It was great to see how a simple, elegantly designed facility was a big asset at the trailhead. There's also a shower head where riders can rinse off if they get covered in mud. It was pretty nice.

Mountain Bike Washing Station at Tsali

There were also some general rules posted at the kisok. The list of reminders, rules and tips was extensive yet brief. If you do go out, make sure to take some time to read and absorb some of this stuff. (The photo below isn't the most ledible, but you get the idea.)

Sharing the Trail - Rules & Reminders

It looked like an awesome set up. This visit didn't provide the opportunity for us to try out the trails, but we enjoyed checking out the facilities and spending some time on Lake Fontana. It was beautiful.

If you've had the opportunity to ride the trails at Tsali, somewhere else nearby or want to share a great spot with other folks, please share them in the comments below. It's always great to check out new places and have new adventures!