After a recent cyclist’s death, the James Island Connector in Charleston has been closed down for both pedestrians and cyclists.
The banning of cycling or walking on the bridge by the South Carolina Department of Transportation leaves many without automobiles stranded. Currently, there is no alternate route for those looking to get to or from James Island by bike or foot.
The Connector was initially only built for cars and trucks, not pedestrians or bicyclists. Improvements to the Connector are being discussed for the sake of cyclists and walkers.
Joe Riley, Mayor of the City of Charleston, supports a measure calling for one lane of the bridge to be dedicated to pedestrians and bicyclists, but there has been no funding for this measure.
A local advocacy group, Charleston Moves, wants to reverse the ban. They feel that SCDOT is “running away from what’s needed”.
The group is in talks with engineers to discuss foot and bike traffic on the bridge. Possible alternatives for the situation include a cantilevered walkway, retrofitting the bridge, and/or lowering the speed limit. As of now, SCDOT is not including themselves in the discussion.
