In these tough economic times, it makes sense to invest in solutions that solve multiple problems.
Please support dedicated federal funding for bicycling and walking programs. Throughout the transportation debate, remember the value of biking and walking programs to your district. South Carolinians are dedicated to bicycling; can we count on your support to keep these programs alive?
This economic development communication is brought to you by The Palmetto Conservation Foundation (PCF) and Palmetto Cycling Coalition (PCC)
HIKING & Biking programs do just that.
Bicycling means health, wealth and freedom for South Carolina
The programs that support these activities boost our economy, help individuals and government agencies save money, make our roads safer for all users, and directly address key societal challenges such as obesity and road congestion. “This is a community resource. All of these cycling amenities embody the whole concept of outdoor living and healthy living. ... The city of Rock Hill is proud of the sports tourism niche which we can begin to carve out for ourselves and become a real destination.”
— Mayor Echols, City of Rock Hill, about the Velodrome
“The Complete Streets project makes economic sense. The city of Greenville is competing with other cities with tremendous bicycle and trail systems.”
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— Amy Ryberg-Doyle, Greenville City Council
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3 Imagine more than 425 miles of hiking and bicycling paths beside lakes, across mountain ridges, through forests, into towns big and small. What better way to explore the natural beauty and local color of South Carolina? Conceived in 1994, South Carolina’s Palmetto Trail is the state’s largest bicycle and pedestrian project and will run from the mountains to the sea. This federally designated Millennium Legacy Trail is the signature project of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation. It is one of only 16 cross-state trails in the United States. A public/private partnership striving for the improved safety on SC roadways. Safe Streets Save Lives is a long-term investment for the betterment of South Carolina and all of its residents— when roads improve for the safety of bicyclists, they become safer for all users.
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Di st r ic t f i v e • Many bicycle events, including Ride 2 Recovery, on Lake Wateree, which attracted 100+ bicyclists, including injured veterans riding hand cycles, recumbents and traditional street bikes; Tour de Camden (200+ riders) • Tremendous network of trails and greenways throughout the district, including the Carolina Thread Trail—a regional network of greenways and trails that reaches 15 counties and 2.3 million citizens; and Anne Springs Close Greenway—36 miles of trails on 2300 acres • City of Camden granted Federal TIGER grant to put their main street (Broad St) on a road diet, to include bike lanes and improved sidewalks/crosswalks
Di st r ic t on e • Dozens of bicycling events each year, including FestiVELO (listed in Bicycling Magazine 12/08 “Best in Cycling”, 12/05 “Can’t Miss Winter Rides”, and NY Times “36 Hours in Charleston”), After the Bridge Run Ride (2011 drew 550 riders) and the Conway Area Bike Ride (2012 drew almost 300 riders) • 18+ projects funded in the last year with federal, state and local funds—West Ashley Greenway (10-mile long corridor linking the City’s parks, schools, neighborhoods, historic and natural landmarks and commercial areas) and Sawmill Branch Canal Trail (7-miles in Summerville connecting neighborhoods and commercial areas) • Extensive planning to include bike and pedestrian needs— the Partnership for Prosperity Neck Transportation Study, economic development and growth plan for Charleston/ North Charleston Di st r ic t t wo • Dozens of bike rides, including Hilton Head’s Pedal 4 Kids (attracts nearly 400 cyclists) and Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary’s Tour de Lake (100+ riders) • 12+ projects funded in last year—Beaufort Boundary Street Redevelopment as a complete street, funded with Federal TIGER grant; Jasper County Multi-use Trail; new Hilton Head pathway into Honey Horn • Extensive planning to include bike and pedestrian needs— the Lower Savannah COG Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Study and Central Midlands COG Bicycle and Pedestrian Pathways Plan Di st r ic t t h r e e • Planning to include bike and pedestrian needs, including the Lower Savannah COG Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Study, North Augusta Greenway Master Plan and Easley Bicycle and Pedestrian MP (plan to add 145 miles bike/ped facilities to make Easley among South Carolina’s best communities for walking and bicycling) • Extensive activities in Anderson (2011 Bike to Work Day with the Mayor and other bike month events, City and County Complete Streets Resolutions); Pendelton location of 1st annual 2012 Upstate Cycling Classic • Clemson University ICAR campus—extensive bicycle network on campus and to campus with miles more planned Di st r ic t f ou r • Dozens of bike events each year, including the USA Cycling Pro Championships in Greenville, attracting thousands of tourists into downtown • In the last year, 12+ bicycle projects were funded, including many sections of the Swamp Rabbit Trail; in the last five years, funding for the trail included $5M of City and private funds, $1.5M federal/state grants • Tremendous planning—ten Master Plans in the District include bicycle and pedestrian needs, including the Spartanburg County Bike/Ped MP and the Fountain Inn Bike/Ped MP
Di st r ic t si x • Several projects funded in last year, including Henry Brown Blvd multi-use path, to connect schools, homes and commercial areas; bike lanes along Edisto Island National Scenic Byway; Vista Greenway in Columbia • Extensive planning to include bike and pedestrian needs; example—the Lower Savannah COG Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Study and Central Midlands COG Bicycle and Pedestrian Pathways Plan
Dist. Representative TOTAL TOTAL Sum of Number of Number of Annual Bicycle Retail Employees Bicycle Retail Stores at Bicycle Sales Stores
1 2 3 4 5 6
Tim Scott Joe Wilson Jeff Duncan Trey Gowdy Mick Mulvaney Jim Clyburn
Senator TOTAL Number of Bicycle Retail Stores
indsey Graham L Jim DeMint
215 215
57 59 22 40 30 7
245 258 98 174 124 28
$22,827,000 $23,813,000 $9,075,000 $16,234,000 $11,657,000 $2,600,000
TOTAL Number of Employees at Bicycle Stores
Sum of Annual Bicycle Retail Sales
927 927
$86,206,000 $86,206,000