Advocacy

The Palmetto Cycling Coalition is the only cycling lobby working for cyclists rights in SC!

In the 2007 legislative session, the Palmetto Cycling Coalition began work with the SC Bicycle Legislative Caucus to amend the South Carolina bicycling laws, which had not been updated for decades. After two years of grassroots lobbying, which was possible with the help of our partner organizations, clubs, and the hundreds of dedicated cycling enthusiasts throughout the state, the bill was passed. This law revises South Carolina’s bicycle statues to bring them into greater conformity with the Uniform Vehicle Code, to protect bicyclists’ rights, and to create a safer environment for bicyclists while riding on roads in the state. For a summary of the new bike safety law, see the resources section below.

Bicycle Friendly Community Program


Want to schedule a Bicycle Friendly community workshop in your community? Contact Rachael Kefalos at (803) 445-1099 and we'll work towards getting your community headed in the right direction!

To learn more about the Bicycle Friendly Community Program visit: http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/communities/


SCDOT Commissioners


The Department of Transportation is governed by the South Carolina Transportation Commission, which is comprised of seven members, six of whom are elected by the legislative delegations of each of the state's Transportation Districts. These Transportation Districts coincide with the state's Congressional Districts. One at-large member is appointed by the Governor. The commissioners in South Carolina are: Tee Hooper, Danny Issac, Henry Taylor, Hugh Atkins, Sarah Nuckles, Eddie Adams, and Marvin Stevenson.

Since the Commission serves as a general policy-making body for the SCDOT, it is very important that they are aware of the objectives and priorities of bicyclists in South Carolina. See the resources section below for detailed contact information for your commissioner, and get in touch with them today!


Benchmarking Report: The State of Bicycling and Walking


On a biennial basis, the Alliance for Biking and Walking releases the U.S. Bicycling and Walking Benchmarking Report. This project is an on-going effort spearheaded by the Alliance for Biking and Walking to collect and analyze data on bicycling and walking in all 50 states and at least the 50 most-populated U.S. cities. The Benchmarking Report is an essential resource and tool for government officials, advocates, and those working to promote bicycling and walking. The Alliance continues to expand the scope of this project while refining its methods. This first biennial report was released August 29, 2007. Through the ongoing Benchmarking Project, the Alliance will publish an updated version every two years. The data offers advocates and government officials benchmarks and recommendations so that they can improve bicycling and walking in the US.

To view or purchase the 2010 Benchmarking Report, visit their website.

And for a quick run-down on the South Carolina perspective documented in this report, view this informative narrative; for a more in-depth look at South Carolina statistics, view this cheat sheet.



Advocacy Resources



PDFSCDOT Commissioners.pdf


PDFBicycle Facts - PCC Press Conference.pdf


PDFSummary of H3006 Bicycle Law Revisions.pdf


PDFUS vs SC Fatalities Chart.pdf


PDFEngineering Directive Memorandum 22.pdf


PDFBike-Ped Resolution.pdf





PCC License Plate

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Governor Sanford signs H3006 and shakes hands with PCC President, Paul LeFrancois

   

Former PCC Director Natalie Cappuccio-Britt speaks at the signing of the Bicycle Safety Bill,
PCC President Paul LeFrancois, Former Director Natalie Cappuccio-Britt, and Becky Giblin smile extra big at the signing of the Bicycle Safety Bill!





PCC President Paul LeFrancois, Senator Danny Verdin, and Former PCC Director Natalie Cappuccio-Britt at the 2008 Bicycle Legislator of the Year Award Ceremony!







Former Director Natalie Cappuccio-Britt first speaks followed by Rep. James Smith at a press conference at the State House promoting the Bicycle Safety Bill.





Rep. Gary Smith(left) and Paul LeFrancois wrapped-up a press conference on the Bicycle Safety Bill.





Senator Verdin (upper left) addressing the Senate Transportation Committee on the merits of the Bicycle Safety Bill.

       

Senator Hawkins (left, center) advocates making the harassment of cyclists a crime. Senator Malloy (center) asks of the other senators to include provisions for specific wide passing distances for cyclists' safety. Former Director Natalie Cappuccio-Britt (right) answers questions about the interests of cyclists with regard to federal guidelines and definitions for bike lanes, shoulders, and side paths.





Above: Becky Giblin, Former Director Natalie Cappuccio-Britt, and Paul LeFrancois preparing to testify in front of the Senate Transportation Sub-Committee, Sping 2008



Above: Former Director Natalie Cappuccio-Britt hands material to Senator Danny Verdin.



Above: Reid Swearingen, Will Haltiwanger, Becky Giblin, Rebecca Ramos (our lobbyist), and others listen to Natalie's Testimony on the Bicycle Safety Bill during a Senate Transportation Sub-Committee hearing



Above: The owner/manager of Outspokin' bicycle shop, Brian Curan (foreground) attend the Senate Transportation Sub-Committee Hearing on the Bicycle Safety Bill



Above: Becky Gilbin makes a presentation to the Senate Transportation sub-committee regarding the Bicycle Safety Bill.





Former PCC Director Natalie Cappuccio-Britt pictured with Sally Nicholson, Joe Spigner and Senator Lindsey Graham at the National Bike Summit 2008.