Decorate your neighborhood with sidewalk chalk!

The weather is beautiful and it’s a great time to decorate the neighborhood with some sidewalk chalk!

Your sidewalk chalk can serve multiple purposes — not only can it be a beautiful drawing, but it’s a great way to create fun games for your neighbors.

We’ve seen so many different ways that people are having fun with their community from a distance. We’ve collected some of our favorites, from historical information to sidewalk games, so check them out below!

Need some chalk? Contact our friends at Starlandia Supply and see about a curbside pickup.

Image © Your Modern Family

Stained Glass Sidewalk Chalk Mural

Tape out a design on your sidewalk, fence or wall, and get ready for some beautiful art! The next day, you can wash it off with the hose and start again. Click here for a tutorial.

Bike Rodeo Activities

One of our favorite things in Kids Bike Rodeos is creating a tiny town! Try chalking out a street, stop signs and a crosswalk for a creative way to teach kids about crossing the street and bike safety. You can also try out the Stop on a Dime, Figure 8 and Slow Race games. 

Sidewalk Games

Find a safe spot in a driveway, a schoolyard, or on a sidewalk and you’re good to go! Check out some ideas on Active For Life, including hopscotch, foursquare and twister, and here are some more fun games from Make and Takes.

Image © Wade and Melissa Livingston

Fun Info About Your Neighborhood

Our friends John, Robin and Nick have been busy at work identifying historical features of homes in our neighborhoods. You can read more about it at Garden & Gun. But you can also chalk information about plants, trees, and history about your neighborhood — the sky’s the limit!

Image © Playtivities

Obstacle Course/Activity Markers

Taking the same route through your neighborhood can be a little monotonous. Why not shake things up with an obstacle course or activity? You can chalk an obstacle course on your stretch of sidewalk, including instructions to hop, spin or jump, or create a “Macarena Zone” or a “Cha Cha Slide” area!

Pretend Play

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman! Draw in some buildings and props, grab a costume, and you’re set.

Do you have some sidewalk chalk art or games to share? Tag us on social media @BikeWalkSav and tag #BikeWalkSAV and #WednesdayWalks!

How to Stay Active during COVID-19

Friends,

Like everyone recently, we’ve been focused on the ever-evolving coronavirus pandemic. It’s been a weird week… two weeks… month? What day is it?

We’ve collected a few resources below to help our members and community. Read on for ways to stay physically active, tips for staying spatially distant and where to find more information.

A few reminders from Bike Walk Savannah HQ:

  • Our office remains closed to the public and all volunteer sessions are canceled. We have planned for this closure through April 13, but this may change based on local emergency orders. We will update when we have more information!
  • Staff is working behind the scenes to ensure that bikes are available through our New Standard Cycles program for clients, but we will not be accepting donations of bikes, parts or accessories at this time.
  • This pandemic has thrown a wrench in our plans (pun not completely intended) for spring events and programming. We’ll be making announcements soon regarding our usual event schedule, so stay tuned for exciting new plans for Bike Month events, education classes, and Matt’s Moon River Cruise.

We wanted to take a moment to thank you for your support. In the coming weeks and months, your memberships and donations will be all the more important to ensure that we can continue our work to make Savannah’s streets safe for all people — no matter their mode of transportation.

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay well, and please continue to take care of your community.

Much love from the Board and Staff of Bike Walk Savannah

What’s Happening Locally

According to the latest emergency declaration from Mayor Johnson and the City of Savannah, biking and walking are not only allowed but encouraged to maintain both physical and mental health. Just make sure to practice safe spacial distancing and keep at least 6 feet between you and individuals not in your household.

Bike shops are allowed to remain open to provide repair services, provided they adhere to social distancing guidelines wherever necessary. Many shops are on an appointment-only basis — please call ahead before you go. Visit savannahga.gov for more information on what businesses are allowed to remain open and the COVID-19 reponse.

Chatham Area Transit has modified their schedules and services in response to COVID-19. Fees have been waived and all individuals are asked to board at the back of the bus for the safety of the drivers. Capacity on each bus is reduced by 50%. For the latest information, visit catchacat.org.

There are many resources that provide updates on the Coronavirus, in the US and worldwide, and resources that provide tips on how to spend time outside in a safe manner. Listed below are credible articles and websites that you can use to stay updated and aware.

Ways to be physically active during COVID-19

Daily Walks — with or without a pet!

Building a routine is important when you’re self-isolating. And while dog owners may have a built-in walk scheduled, we’re taking a page out of their book! Going for a daily walk helps to reduce your anxiety, get some sun, increases your physical activity and helps build a schedule for your day. Just make sure you have enough room to leave 6 feet of space! RSVP to our Wednesday Walks on Facebook! And if you want a furry friend to play around with, now is a great time to foster or adopt an animal. Check out the Humane Society, Chatham County Animal Services, and One Love Animal Rescue.

“Social” Bike Rides

We miss going out on bike rides with y’all! Our last ride was the Mountainfilm on Tour Bike Ride, so we’re going through withdrawals. Our solution? Every Friday we will be releasing a new virtual bike ride route for you to check out, ranging from 3-20 miles. If you go on that week’s ride, share your pictures on social media and tag Bike Walk Savannah and #BikeWalkSAV, and it’ll be like we were there together!

Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt

One of the things we’re missing is that connection to our neighbors. We’ve noticed that quite a few neighborhoods are creating their own scavenger hunts or safari’s — our friend Kate in Baldwin Park even created a ribbon tree! Neighbors are organizing to display things like rainbows, stuffed zoo animals or teddy bears, drawings of four-leaf clovers, or neighborhood landmarks and encouraging families to get out and explore. Are you planning a spatially distant activity for your neighborhood? Send us a message at info@bikewalksavannah.org.

Bike to a new destination

We always encourage biking as a mode of transportation, but a constant concern is how long it will take people to get to the grocery store, or how much they can carry, or the best route to get to school. We may not be physically entering these destinations, but what better time than now to figure out the best route? Get some physical activity while preparing for the future. View our map for route suggestions.

Take a Virtual Cycling Education Class

We’ll be releasing more details about our own virtual classes soon, but for right now our friends at the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition are offering a 6-week free virtual city cycling course! For more information visit atlantabike.org/virtualcitycycling.

GA Parks Solo Adventures

The CDC is encouraging everyone to practice social distancing to combat the spread of COVID-19, and exploring the outdoors is a great way to spend time alone. Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites encourages everyone to come spend some time outside. Whether you are a hiker, biker, photographer or fisher, there is something at the parks for everyone to enjoy. Click here for inspiration on how you can get outdoors and enjoy yourself!

Tips for outdoor physical activity during COVID-19

  • On a sidewalk, trail or bike lane, do not gather in groups.
  • Avoid playgrounds or other areas where groups may form.
  • Keep 6 feet between you and others at all times.
  • Leave any areas where you cannot maintain a 6-foot distance — you are responsible for your own personal safety.
  • Carry water, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to further protect yourself.
  • Do not touch your face.
  • Wash or sanitize your hands frequently.
  • Wearing fabric face masks is encouraged — these masks help keep you from touching your face, help to avoid the spread of airborne illnesses, and also limit the amount of pollen you are breathing in (we know, it’s bad out there this week!)
  • When you arrive home, immediately change your shoes and leave your outdoor shoes in a separate space. Showering is encouraged, and you should wash or change your clothes immediately.
  • Stay home if you exhibit any symptoms of illness.

Coronavirus Websites and Articles  

More Tips and Articles on Biking and Walking 

COVID-19 and Bike Walk Savannah

Friends,

Things are hectic right now. The news (and response) is changing daily, and we’re all striving to do what we can to limit the spread of COVID-19.

As such, we have a few new rules and procedures that will be in place through April 30, 2020. At that time we will re-evaluate and extend the date if necessary.

  • The Bike Walk Savannah offices are closed to the public through April 30, 2020.
  • We will not be accepting donations of bikes, parts or accessories through April 30, 2020. If you find some items to donate while cleaning (I get it!) please hold onto them until that date, or email info@bikewalksavannah.org to figure out a solution. Please do not leave any bikes at our office.
  • We will be working behind the scenes to continue refurbishing bikes from our existing stock for clients. If you are a current New Standard Cycles volunteer, we will be in touch, or please email Henry at bikes@bikewalksavannah.org with any questions.
  • Fix Your Own Bike Night for March and April have been canceled.
  • We will not be completing any walk up services or assistance at this time. If you have an immediate need, please contact your case manager to schedule an appointment or contact Henry at bikes@bikewalksavannah.org.

A majority of our events on the calendar for the remainder of March and April have been canceled. Like many businesses and organizations in Savannah, this means we are going to take a hit this year. If you have the means to give, please help us out at bikewalksavannah.org/donate.

We are working on fun new virtual events and programming, so make sure to stay tuned! And we always recommend checking out bikewalksavannah.org/routes for a fun new bike ride. Have suggestions you’d like us to add? Send me an email at caila@bikewalksavannah.org.

And as our streets clear of moving vehicles, please remember that they are not clear of everything — people are biking, walking, and connecting in their neighborhoods as best they can. Please slow down and be aware of your surroundings. We do not want to be adding to the number of people who need assistance at our hospitals.

If you have any questions or need immediate assistance, please email me at caila@bikewalksavannah.org or give me a call at 912-228-3096. I’ll do my best to get back to you as soon as possible.

Thanks,
Caila Brown

 

We need your support to make Savannah better for people biking and walking

“I wish I could ride my bike to work, but I just don’t feel safe.” 

“I want to walk my children to school, but people won’t stop to let us cross.” 

“I don’t feel safe crossing my street because there is no visibility.”

Does this sound familiar to you? I hear variations of these three statements every single day from people all around our city.

It frustrates me because these are fixable problems. Making biking and walking (and transit riding) more convenient and welcoming through Complete Streets infrastructure like bike lanes, sidewalks and multi-use paths produces the obviously desirable results. But unlike automobile centric infrastructure, everyone benefits from active transportation improvements — even people who drive.

We’ve made great strides on these Complete Streets projects in 2019. We cut the ribbon on improvements on Lincoln Street and Price Street, secured $1 million in SPLOST funding for Tide To Town, begun construction on the Truman Linear Park Trail and provided bikes to more than 110 people in need. But we have a lot we want to tackle in 2020, including needed policy updates, implementing more high-quality bike lanes and multi-use paths, and installing sidewalks and crosswalks across the city. And in order to do that work, I’m asking you to make a tax-deductible contribution today to help us reach our $10,000 goal.

Your contribution will:

  • Help us to provide bicycles to those in need through our New Standard Cycles program.
  • Allow us to continue serving as your voice for connected, equitable and welcoming places to bike and walk.
  • Provide education classes for children and adults.
  • Support our public policy work to ensure that places to bike and walk are always on the list.
  • Help us continue our great events like the Moonlight Garden Ride, Matt’s Moon River Cruise, Tweed Ride, Seersucker Ride, and so much more.

And anyone who donates more than $100 this month will receive a commemorative, limited-edition Bike Walk Savannah mug.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE >

Thank you, as always, for your support of the people-powered movement.

Caila Brown

Bike Walk Savannah Executive Director

This #Giving Tuesday, help us create safe streets for all users — no matter their mode of transportation.

#GivingTuesday

When asked what I was thankful for this year on Thanksgiving, it took me some time to find my answer. I’m thankful for so many things this year — like living in our beautiful city, celebrating the holidays with friends and family, and being able to serve our community in a meaningful way (and did I forget to say I’m thankful for construction beginning on the Truman Linear Park Trail?)

But most of all I’m thankful for you. Our supporters who help us stay the course and will help us reach our vision of a connected community with welcoming places to bike and walk.

We have a lot of work to do to move that vision forward in 2020, including needed policy updates, implementing high-quality bike lanes, and installing sidewalks and crosswalks across the city. And in order to do that work, I’m asking you to make a tax-deductible contribution today to help us reach our $10,000 goal.

Your contribution will:

  • Help us to provide bicycles to those in need through our New Standard Cycles program.
  • Allow us to continue serving as your voice for connected, equitable and welcoming places to bike and walk.
  • Provide education classes for children and adults.
  • Support our public policy work to ensure that places to bike and walk are always on the list.
  • Help us continue our great events like the Moonlight Garden Ride, Matt’s Moon River Cruise, Tweed Ride, Seersucker Ride, and so much more.

Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to Bike Walk Savannah.

Thank you, as always, for your support of the people-powered movement.

Caila Brown
Executive Director

Bike Walk Savannah Receives $31,869.28 Grant from Governor’s Office of Highway Safety

Bike Walk Savannah has received a $31,869.28 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS).

The grant will help finance BWS’s education programs, safety campaigns, work with local governments to improve infrastructure, printing of the popular Bike SAV bike map and guide, pedestrian safety materials, and other programs aimed at making Savannah and Chatham County safer for people who ride bikes and walk for transportation and recreation.

“The loss of one life on our roads is one too many, and the fact that almost all fatal traffic crashes can be prevented is one reason why we are awarding this grant,” said GOHS Director Allen Poole. “The target of zero traffic deaths in our nation is achievable, and we will continue to help develop and implement educational messages, enforcement campaigns, and other safety initiatives aimed at bringing us one step closer to our goal.”

“Many people in Savannah and Chatham County depend on biking and walking for daily transportation,” said Caila Brown, executive director of Bike Walk Savannah. “And many more make the choice to add biking and walking to their mobility options, whether for transportation or recreation. We are grateful for the support of GOHS as it allows us to continue and expand the programs we’ve been offering, with the goal of improving safety for all people on the streets of Chatham County, no matter their mode of transportation.”

The grant year for this award is Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020.

Truman Linear Park Trail Design Open House to be held Aug. 1

On Thursday, August 1, 2019 at Calvary Baptist Temple – Oasis Building (4625 Waters Avenue, Savannah, GA 31404) the City of Savannah will hold a Public Information Open House concerning the Truman Linear Park Trail Phase IIB (Bee Road to Derenne Ave.)

Truman Linear Park Trail will provide a separate, recreational pedestrian and bicycle facility that expands and enhances the non–motorized transportation network; improves non–motorized connections and access to key destinations, such as schools, parks, neighborhoods, etc.; and improves safety for all non–motorized users. Truman Linear Park Trail Phase IIB is approximately 1.9 miles long and begins at Jenkins High School, tying to Phase IIA, and ends at the intersection of 52nd Street and Bee Road, tying to Phase I (Police Memorial Trail). The proposed typical section would consist of a 10–foot wide, ADA accessible, shared–use, concrete trail, with 10–foot wide timber bridge crossings at ditches, and a 10–foot wide pre–fabricated bridge crossing the Old Casey Canal. When fully constructed the trail will provide almost 9 miles of contiguous recreation trail, including the loop trails at Lake Mayer and Daffin Park, and will link 827 acres of existing City and County parks.

The Open House will be held from 4-7 p.m., and provide the public with an opportunity to view the project, ask questions, and comment on the project. 

The meeting site is accessible to persons with disabilities. Accommodations for people with disabilities can be arranged with advance notice by calling Nick Deffley, City of Savannah Directory of Sustainability at (912) 651–6909. The meeting site is also accessible via CAT routes 27 & 28, and by taking the Habersham St. bike lane to 63rd St. 

Advocacy Opportunity: NewZO to be voted on July 18

On Thursday, July 18, the proposed New Zoning Ordinance (NewZO) will go before City Council for adoption. Our current ordinance was adopted in 1960. The NewZO is more efficient, more transparent, and is more consistent both with today’s development patterns and our vision for future growth as expressed in the Comprehensive and Strategic Plans.

NewZo supports a more bikeable and walkable Savannah by promoting a healthy built environment. Please join us in supporting this critical update by contacting City Council. Email or call your representatives today and ask them to adopt NewZO on July 18.

To promote thriving neighborhoods, NewZO must promote mixed-use, promote diverse housing types and appropriate housing density, create a connected street network for all users by making Complete Streets our standard, and promote small scale development to support neighborhood stability and character. READ MORE HERE

NewZO Public Hearing this Thursday, June 20

Our current zoning ordinance is outdated and inefficient — after all, it hasn’t been updated since the 1960’s. And a lot has changed since then!

While it has been amended numerous times, it has never been overhauled to reflect the many changes that have occurred. It can be inefficient, redundant, confusing and contradictory among other concerns.

While NewZO isn’t perfect, it puts our community on a much better footing to increase affordable housing options, to reduce the prevalence of food desserts, to grow our local businesses, and (most importantly, we think) to create a bikeable and walkable Savannah.

Want to learn more about NewZO? Check out this video from the City of Savannah or read this article in the Savannah Morning News.

Whether or not you can attend this Thursday’s meeting, I urge you to write to your alderman.

Sample Language:

I live in District x (or neighborhood x). As a parent/resident/business owner/concerned citizen, I support the NewZO. It is far more efficient and clear than our current ordinance. With enCode, NewZO increases transparency. NewZO supports neighborhood goals like stability/reinvestment/livability.
 
NewZO is the result of broad community effort over more than a decade. Please support NewZO now. We cannot afford to wait.

If you are able to attend, please wear blue in support. City Hall is located at 2 E. Bay Street, and the meeting will begin promptly at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 20.

I’ll save you a seat!

Caila Brown
Executive Director