Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Meeting September 9, 2022 In person 9:30am Attendees: Chairman: Gene Breslin Members: John Mott, Sandy O’Keefe, Ned Shows, John Thurmes, Vincent Thurman Absent: Ben Hough Visitors/ public comment: Christopher McLure, Kyle James (BCDCOG), Jennifer Parvin community member Call to Order: Chairman Gene Breslin 9:38am I. Acceptance of Minutes: there were no minutes from the July meeting II. Agenda Items: Previous Discussion Previous meeting with Kevin Turner SCDOT was discussed, summary lower part of Bacons Bridge Road to the YMCA is closed for about 90 days, Luden- Newington – BBR will have sporadic closures no more than 3 days they will be published on the town website. New trail discussions- North side of existing trail to be extended when the BGM project is complete then proceed with future improvements. Gathering data on usage of trails- Kyle James BCDCOG discussed usage of a permanent pole counter and a temporary rotator counter on the SBT for a usage count. Community Designations The town of Summerville had previously applied to be considered a bicycle/ Pedestrian friendly community and was turned down. Things to focus on to get that designation signage, parking, use of road diets, increase of multiuse trails/ paths. Sandy to meet with community advocates Bike Walk Summerville and discuss when we should re apply for this designation once the trail enhancements are complete. Community feels we do not want to pursue this designation until it truly is a safe and friendly bike town. There have been too many accidents and cyclists hit by vehicles or close calls. We don’t want to have a badge without truly being a safe community. III. New discussions Chris McClure discussed connectivity and the priority list we informed him on the financial meeting that was had with town council in June and ultimately denied the funding we requested for those projects. He also mentioned the possibility of a bike share program and having the backing of the committee to pursue that, the committee as a whole feels that the town is not safe enough for such a program at this time however would reconsider this in the future with improvements. Road dieting- the possibility of bringing the road diet concept to the town and county after the BGM project is complete, it will push cars to the BGM and off of main street and central which could be a potential opportunity for a road diet on main and central to attract more Bike and ped mobility. Jennifer Parvin- community leader and cyclist spoke on behalf of herself and a friend who was recently hit by a car while riding their bikes at volvo. She emphasized that 12 years ago she sat ina room with mayor and others to develop a town vision plan to accommodate families and NOTHING has been done or improved. Offered her service on what the ONE thing they can do to help the issue. Is willing to step in and advocate. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:06 Respectfully submitted by Sandy O’Keefe