State Route 204 Corridor Study Open House

The Chatham County Department of Engineering is hosting a Public Information Open House for the State Route 204 Corridor Study at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens on Oct. 29, 2024, from 4-7 p.m.

This meeting will be an open house format with stations on the following:

  • Review existing conditions of State Route 204.
  • Identify potential short-term projects to improve operation and safety.
  • Focus is on the section between King George Boulevard and State Route 25/Ogeechee Road.

The current study presentation can be viewed here and comments can be submitted via email to npanther@chathamcounty.org. 

Please call the Department of Engineering at (912) 652-7800 if you have any questions.

ADVOCACY ALERT: Submit comments on Tybee Island Project

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is seeking feedback about a proposed solution to reduce crash frequency and severity on US 80/SR 26 from Lazaretto Creek to Tybrisa Street on Tybee Island, Chatham County.

The proposed improvements, which can be seen on the GDOT website, would improve safety and accessibility and reduce the frequency and severity of vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle crashes along the corridor. They would also allow for improved emergency response times and provide better connections to the Bull River and Lazaretto Creek bridge replacements.

Bike Walk Savannah is in support of the project, with the following modifications to increase the safety of people walking and biking:

  • Instead of parking stops and flexible bollards, protect the cycletrack with a continuous curb and armadillo bumps at intersections.
  • 2nd Ave. is part of Tybee Island’s official bike route, but lacks a safe crossing at the intersection. Jones Ave. has a signal, but bicyclists have to go through a parking lot to get to it. This area needs better planning for safe travel.
  • People driving should not cross a cycletrack to back in to parking spaces. Additionally, the proposed design requires a two-phase crossing at N Campbell Ave., which is the main way to get to North Beach, and also has businesses on 3 corners that frequently see vehicles entering and exiting parking lots. During peak times this intersection sees many turning cars, which would reduce the opportunity for safe crossings for people walking and biking. Instead, the crossing should be moved closer to McKenzie Ave. or Byers St., which see a much lower number of turning vehicles.
  • If the crossing remains at Campbell Ave., parking should be parallel and be placed between the motor vehicle lane and the cycletrack as protection.
  • Recommend adding a crosswalk at 6th Ave. to facilitate safer pedestrian crossing opportunities.

GDOT is accepting public comments through April 8, 2024. View the project presentation and find out more information at us-80-tybee-safety-improvements-0019699-gdot.hub.arcgis.com, and click here to take the survey.

ADVOCACY ALERT: US80/SR26 Public Information Open House

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is seeking feedback about a proposed solution to reduce crash frequency and severity on US 80/SR 26 from Lazaretto Creek to Tybrisa Street on Tybee Island, Chatham County.

The Georgia Department of Transportation will host an in-person PIOH where the community will have the opportunity to view presentation materials regarding the US80/SR26 Project, engage with project team members, and submit comments. This project is proposed to improve safety and accessibility and to reduce the frequency and severity of vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle crashes along the corridor.

The Public Information Open House will take place on Thursday, March 28 from 4-8 p.m.

All materials are also available for view on GDOT’s website, including the detailed project presentation. A survey can be found at this link, as well as at the bottom of the page. Feedback must be provided by April 8.

Price St. Closure – Jan. 29-Feb. 14

The City of Savannah has announced that Price St. will be closed between Oglethorpe Ave. and Hull St. from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily beginning Monday, Jan. 29 until Wednesday, Feb. 14 for utility work.

Traffic will be detoured to E. Broad St. We recommend that bicyclists detour to Houston St.

From Price St (Before Oglethorpe):

  • Turn left on E. York St.
  • Turn right on Houston St.
  • Cross Oglethorpe Ave.
  • Turn right on E. Hull St.
  • Continue around square
  • Turn right on E. Mc Donough St.
  • Turn left on Price St.

You can also cross Oglethorpe at Price St. and then turn right on Houston St. instead of continuing to E. Broad St.

Halloween Safety Tips

Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but we also want it to be a treat! Whether you’re out with your little ghosts, goblins and vampires or heading out on your own adventure, below are steps you can take to make sure the little trick-or-treaters make it home ok.

On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. More kids out on our streets = more opportunities for potential collisions.

Below are our top tips for Halloween Safety:

  • Adults, join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating. For older kids, make sure they have a designated route, time/place to meet up, and a cell phone to get in touch if needed.
  • Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes, shoes and bags, and wear lighter colors (if possible) to help kids see and be seen by drivers.
  • Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks wherever possible. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
  • Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
  • When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Try out all pieces of a costume before Halloween to make sure your kid can move freely. And choose face paint over masks when possible, as masks can limit children’s vision.
  • Remove tripping hazards to keep your home safe for visiting trick-or-treaters. Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs, and sweep any leaves from sidewalks and steps.

Driving Tips:

  • Drivers – slow down and be alert! Turn on headlights earlier in the day to spot kids from further away.
  • Avoid driving through densely populated neighborhoods between 5-9 pm (or if you do, be prepared for delays.) Many neighborhoods post trick or treating maps which may help you plan your route.
  • Avoid any distractions. Even if you’re using hands free devices, avoid any phone calls and lower your music/drive with windows down if possible when in neighborhoods.
  • Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and at curbs.
  • Enter and exit driveways and lanes slowly and carefully.
  • Wait behind other vehicles that are pulled over – do not go around. They may be dropping off a group of children who could be coming out on both sides of the vehicle.
  • If you’re partying, stay sober or find another ride home.

Fall Bike Sale

We’ve got bikes for sale!

Weather permitting we will host our Fall Bike Sale on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 1-4 p.m. at 1301 A Lincoln St. Browse used bikes refurbished by the New Standard Cycles crew for an affordable price!

Looking to build up your perfect bike? We may have the perfect part or frame to complete that build that’s been sitting in your garage.

All proceeds from the sale go to our New Standard Cycles program, which works with service agencies and nonprofits to provide bikes for those in need of reliable transportation.

Email info@bikewalksavannah.org with any questions about the sale. Cash, card, Paypal and Venmo will be accepted.

Indi 200 Road Bike – AS-IS for a 45-45″ child. Make an offer!
HARO Flightline One – 5`5″ – 5`9″ $150
Cannondale SI Black 5’9-6’0 $175
3G Bikes Cream 5’4 up $125
Schwinn Majestic White/Blue 5’6-5’9 $100
Raleigh Twenty Folding Bike Green Under 5’10 $300
Retrospec Beaumont Green 5’3-5’7 $150
Biria Easyboarding Red Unique frame – have to see for yourself! $150
Kent Bayside 2500 Black/Red 5’4-5’8 $125
Giant OCRC2 Black/Blue 5’8-5″11″ $250
Specialized Sequoia Silver-Blue 5’10-6’1″ $150
Vintage Blue 5’7″-5’10” $125
3G Bikes Green 5’4 and up $125
Schwinn Sidewinder Purple 5’4-5’8 $125
Giant OCRC2 Black/Blue 5’8-5″11″ $250
Schwinn Collegiate Yellow 5-5’4″ $250
Ocean Pacific White/Red 5’3-5’7 $125
Diamondback Outlook Black/Blue 4’8-5’1 $125
Specialized Allez Red 5’7″-5’10” $300
Electra Super Deluxe Bronze 5’10-6’1″ $175
GT Outpost Red 5’6-5’9″ $125
Huffy Cranbrook Blue 5’2-5’6″ $100

Vision Zero public survey open through Sept. 1!

Thank you to everyone who came out for the City of Savannah’s Vision Zero community meetings! 

The Savannah Vision Zero Action Plan, which was developed last year with an aim to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, acknowledges that many factors contribute to safe mobility and sets clear objectives to achieve the overall shared goal of zero traffic fatalities and severe injuries.

At the drop-in sessions, participants were able to review information, ask questions, and provide input, and at the interactive workshops participants worked in groups to identify opportunities for improvement, areas of concern, and speak directly with City leaders and staff. 

But if you weren’t able to attend, you can still have your voice heard! An online survey containing all in-person exercises is available at savannahga.gov/visionzero through Friday, Sept. 1.

To learn more about Vision Zero and review the current plan document, visit savannahga.gov/visionzero.

How to Cross Railroad Tracks on a Bike

If you ride your bike in downtown Savannah, you’ve definitely come across some railroad tracks! Here’s how to cross them safely so your ride continues without a hitch.

  1. Slow down and come to a complete stop if the crossing is un-signalized.
  2. If the crossing is signalized, reduce your speed and still look both ways.
  3. Always cross at a 90 degree angle. Make sure your tires run perpendicular with the tracks.
  4. Take extra precaution when the tracks are wet, as there is less traction for your wheels.
  5. While crossing, stand on your bike pedals out of the saddle. Keep them level (feet at three and nine on the clock) as you smoothly coast across the tracks and keep your knees and elbows loosely bent — it’ll help you keep your balance and absorb shock.
  6. Never cross when the lights are flashing and the arm is down, or if you see a train coming. Railroad lights and the arm are designed for your safety.

Small tires — like on bicycles, wheelchairs, skateboards or skates – can become stuck when in-street tracks are crossed at too low an angle. Always pay attention to the angle of your wheels when you cross!