When was the james island connector built

The animosity between motorists and people who ride bikes and walk in Charleston has escalated to an illogical and counterproductive level, manifesting in the debate over crossing the Ashley River. The facts are undeniable. Biking or walking across the Ashley River bridge is life-threatening; doing so across the James Island Connector is both life-threatening and illegal. Neither situation is tolerable in a city that aspires to provide a high quality of life and community mobility.

In an attempt to correct this problem, Charleston County and the City of Charleston have adopted a timeline and funding to construct a bicycle and pedestrian lane on the Ashley River Bridge, with a test run to begin in March. After more than 30 years of empty promises, this is a huge step forward. However, as important as this dedicated lane will be, it leaves one vital link incomplete — connecting James Island and Folly Beach to West Ashley and the peninsula.

The James Island Connector was built in the s with no consideration for any travel mode besides automobiles. For years, elected officials and police looked the other way as bicyclists rode in the breakdown lane, until a driver fatally struck a cyclist, who was a well-known and beloved doctor. Characteristically, rather than focusing on making the Connector safer — lowering and enforcing the speed limit, cracking down on texting and driving, and installing lane separators — the South Carolina Department of Transportation SCDOT banned bikes completely.

Chip Campsen worked to pass a bill allowing local governments in South Carolina to decide which routes should be available to people on bike and foot.

The law requires the City of Charleston to also pass an ordinance in support of specific routes. The study was not released to the public for nearly two years, until this newspaper recently reported it. The price is ridiculous because the primary recommendation is absurd.

Simple and inexpensive retrofits would do the job far better. In addition to bicycles being banned, pedestrians will also not be allowed to cross over the James Island connector.

Mayor Riley reported that signs are currently being made by the SCDOT that will be put up on the connector in order to notify bicyclists of the ban. While it is apparent that the James Island Connector can be dangerous for bicyclists, many residents, including Tom Bradford, director of Charleston Moves, feel as though the ban is disappointing.

Currently, bicyclists believe that the James Island connector is the safest option that they have for commuting from James Island to Charleston. This ban is possibly being put in place in reaction to the tragic accident in July that killed Dr. Mitchell Hollon while he was riding his bicycle on the connector. He was struck from behind by a vehicle that drifted into the break down lane while he was commuting to work from James Island. Many people were devastated by the loss of Dr.

Mayor Riley stated that they are trying to make one of the lanes of the bridges over the Ashley River designated for bicyclists and pedestrians, allowing for a safer way to get to the peninsula.

However, the funds needed for the project have not yet amounted. If you are in need of a Charleston bicycle accident attorney , call When you suffer an injury or are involved in an accident, you may face mounting medical bills, lost income from work, and other expenses. You may be entitled to compensation for these losses; however, it is crucial to act quickly in order to protect your legal rights.

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