Summerville residents share concerns about bicyclists on Main St.

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - The town of Summerville is a popular place for bicyclists, and some community members are calling for a better travel option that will keep those bikes off Main Street.

Currently, railroad tracks separate North and South Magnolia Street, so bicyclists have to get onto Main Street, a busy road for drivers and pedestrians.

The Bike/Walk Summerville advocacy group says a cross-over path on the tracks is the potential solution to this safety concern.

“I think it would benefit local businesses and give cyclists more opportunities to get into group rides and meet up at a location,” Bike/Walk Summerville Advocacy member Christopher McClure said.

The group brought this idea to social media, and long-term Summerville resident Walker Smith says it’s something that is a crucial need, as the road is too narrow to fit a vehicle and bike at the same time.

He believes a path across the tracks to put bicyclists onto the less-busy streets would be a win-win.

“It’s so important,” Smith said. “Their safety is important, but the safety of the pedestrians and drivers is also important. The drivers don’t mean to hit the bicyclists, but sometimes the bicyclists don’t look behind them. This is dangerous. It’s a dangerous environment for all three.”

Summerville has a bicycle and pedestrian committee established by the town council for issues such as this.

Officials say that committee is the best starting point for concerned residents.

“Present the idea, specifically what they are looking for,” Summerville Director of Public Works Russ Cornette said. “It could be funded in the future if it’s a viable project.”

Bike/Walk Summerville advocacy has this site for additional community resources.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.