The Savannah Bicycle Campaign is now Bike Walk Savannah

On Nov. 29, 2018, the Savannah Bicycle Campaign became Bike Walk Savannah. It’s a change we’ve been discussing for some time now, and our board of directors approved it earlier this year, along with new mission and vision statements:

The mission of Bike Walk Savannah is to promote people-powered mobility and work toward an equitable environment for walking and biking in Savannah. We seek to redefine our city as a place for people, no matter their mode of transportation.

Our vision is a connected, safe, and vibrant city with welcoming places to bike and walk.

The new name, mission, and vision do not indicate a radical change in the purpose of our organization. Rather, they reflect the work we’ve been doing for many years. They also more clearly define our goals for the future. We were founded in 2008 as an advocacy organization to encourage bicycling and improve our bicycle infrastructure, but our work for safer streets and a healthier community has always been about more than bikes.

Through our efforts we’ve confirmed that making streets safe and accommodating for people who ride bikes makes them safer for people who walk. And safer for people who use wheelchairs. And safer for people who use transit. And safer for people who drive, as well. As an organization we have never been exclusively concerned with bicycle-only infrastructure and have worked hand-in-hand with other nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and neighborhood associations to improve walking and transit in our city.

As Bike Walk Savannah, we are committed to:

  • Expanding mobility options for people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and incomes
  • Making our streets safe for everyone, no matter how they travel
  • Improving neighborhood connectivity and access to goods and services, recreational facilities, and green space
  • Ensuring our public spaces are useful and welcoming to all
  • Preserving our irreplaceable historic places and precious coastal environment
  • Preparing our city to be more prosperous, healthy, appealing, sustainable, and equitable in the future

We will act on these commitments by:

  • Advocating for more and better sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, transit, traffic calming, Complete Streets, and other infrastructure and service improvements
  • Producing safety and public information programs aimed at people who walk, people who ride bikes, people who use other transportation devices, and people who drive
  • Encouraging people to make walking, biking, and active transportation healthy parts of their daily lives
  • Organizing biking, walking and other events through which residents can explore our community and meet their neighbors
  • Offering consultation and guidance to local governments, businesses, schools, universities, and other institutions on ways to improve safety and accessibility to their customers, clients, or students
  • Collaborating with other nonprofits, civic organizations, neighborhood associations, and government agencies — and celebrating our successes together
  • Providing reliable bicycles and safety equipment to people in need through our New Standard Cycles program

Through these efforts we will make Savannah a place where:

  • People can travel to workplaces, schools, stores, healthcare facilities, service providers, cultural and entertainment venues, and other important destinations in comfort and with dignity — no matter how they get there
  • People feel safe walking, biking, pushing strollers, using wheelchairs and walkers, going for for a run, or catching the bus in all areas of the community
  • People have access to parks, trails, and recreational facilities no matter what neighborhood they live in, so that healthy activity is just outside their front doors
  • People are empowered, informed, and engaged in planning and implementation of better programs, policies, and infrastructure projects
  • People from all over the world come to study our city as a model for multimodal mobility, community connectivity, cultural vibrancy, economic opportunity, civic engagement, and environmental sustainability

We are unwavering in our belief that bicycles make Savannah better, but hope our new name will better represent the inclusive nature of our mission and vision, and inspire more people to become involved. We invite you to join our people-powered movement!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Bike Drive drop off at Wilmington Island Farmers Market rescheduled to Dec. 8

UPDATE: Due to rain the the bike drop off has been postponed until Dec. 8. If you would like to drop off a bike for the Holiday Bike Drive before then, you can take it to Quality Bike Shop during business hours our bring it to the Bike Walk Savannah office (1301 Lincoln St.) on Thursdays from 7-9:30 p.m., Sundays from 2-4:30 p.m. or by appointment by contacting Henry Rocha.

MEDIA RELEASE

Savannah, Ga. (Nov. 27, 2018) – The Wilmington Island Farmers’ Market will partner with the Savannah Bicycle Campaign to collect gently used bicycles for the 2018 Holiday Bike Drive. Bicycle donations will be accepted on Saturday, December 1 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the entrance to the market, which takes place at 170 Whitemarsh Island Road on the grounds of Islands High School.

Bicycles can also be dropped off at Quality Bike Shop, located at 1127 East Montgomery Crossroads, during business hours and the Savannah Bicycle Campaign headquarters, located at 1301 Lincoln Street, on Thursdays from 7- 9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 2 – 4:30 p.m.

“We have a limited amount of time to refurbish bikes, so badly damaged bikes cannot be accepted,” Executive Director of Savannah Bicycle Campaign John Bennett explains. “We can handle a little bit of dust but not lots of rust.”

In keeping with the mission of the Savannah Bicycle Campaign’s New Standard Cycles program, each of the donated bicycles will be thoroughly restored by volunteers before they are presented to deserving children on December 16 as both a Christmas gift and healthy mode of transportation.

The recipients will be hand-selected by Blessings in a Book Bag, Inc. — a nonprofit that provides impoverished school children with weekend meals and supplemental academic resources. Children will also receive a complimentary bike helmet from the Heads in Helmets campaign of the Justice for Children Foundation —  a nonprofit foundation founded by Savannah attorney Howard Spiva.

Last year, the Wilmington Island Farmers’ Market collected nearly 40 children’s bicycles for the Holiday Bike Drive and hopes to surpass that amount this year with donations from Wilmington and Whitemarsh Island residents.

“Through partnerships with other local nonprofit organizations, the market can truly bring our community together through giving, so we hope to see dozens of bicycles coming into the market on Saturday,” Wilmington Island Farmers’ Market Founder and Event Coordinator Debby McIncrow says.

The Wilmington Island Farmers’ Market will showcase a wide variety of regional food and artisan vendors and offer family-friendly activities and live entertainment from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Big Bon Pizza will serve their delicious wood-fired pizzas from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Children can enjoy free pony rides and spend time with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and their elves. Steel the Show’s Melvin Dean will perform and the Gretchen Greene School of Dance company dancers will thoroughly entertain guests as they bring to life classic holiday songs. The market is free and open to the public.

For questions about the 2018 Holiday Bike Drive, please email bikes@bicyclecampaign.org. Photos of bicycles being considered for donation can be evaluated via email, and owners will be notified if their bicycles can be refurbished and given to a deserving child this Christmas.

To see a detailed event schedule, please visit wifarmersmarket.org.

NOTE TO MEDIA:

Media may contact Lauren Ashley at 912.663.3790 or laureneashley16@gmail.com for additional event information and post-event photo/video requests. Executive Director of Savannah Bicycle Campaign John Bennett will be available for interviews at the market throughout the day’s donation drive.

ABOUT THE WILMINGTON ISLAND FARMERS’ MARKET:

The Wilmington Island Farmers’ Market (WIFM) is a nonprofit organization that provides Wilmington Island and adjacent islands’ residents with locally grown produce, baked goods, natural skincare solutions and a variety of artisan creations. Since its establishment in 2012, the WIFM has grown and impacted the community through partnerships with local businesses and other nonprofit organizations. WIFM is a beloved seasonal favorite for the wholesome fun it offers against the backdrop of the beautiful Whitemarsh and Wilmington Islands. For more information, visit wifarmersmarket.org.

Savannah Bicycle Campaign invites community to participate in Sixth Annual Savannah Cranksgiving on Saturday, Nov. 17

 

 

For Immediate Release

Nov. 12, 2018 Savannah, Ga. — The Savannah Bicycle Campaign’s fourth annual Savannah Cranksgiving Ride is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 17. Cranksgiving is bicycle-powered food drive benefitting Emmaus House. Founded in 1982 by a group of downtown churches, Emmaus House provides food and day services to the homeless and needy of Savannah. Breakfast is served at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, fifty weeks each year.

Registration for the ride starts at 1 p.m. at the Savannah Bicycle Campaign office at 1301 Lincoln St. (Corner of Henry and Lincoln streets). At registration, participants will receive a shopping list of items needed by Emmaus House. The challenge begins at 1:30 p.m. when riders roll out to shop by bike. Participants will buy items from the shopping list without going over $15-20 price limit. Riders may compete by themselves or on teams. Prizes in the following categories: Most Items Carried by a Single Person, Most Stores Visited, Best Team Effort, and Most Innovative Cargo Rig.

“Cranksgiving is an awesome opportunity for the community to not only promote environmentally conscious transportation alternatives, but also spread awareness about the painful underbelly of this beautiful city,” said Emmaus House Executive Director Ariana Berksteiner. “We are grateful for the Savannah Bike Campaign and our partnership with them in giving our neighbors a hand up.”

“It’s an honor to assist Emmaus House in their mission of helping people in need again this year.” said Savannah Bicycle Campaign Executive Director John Bennett. “Cranksgiving also serves as a reminder that thousands of people walk and ride their bikes to grocery stores every day in Savannah. They need safe streets, sidewalks, and bike lanes to help them make these and other trips to important destinations.”

About Cranksgiving: Cranksgiving started in New York City in 1999, and there are now nearly 80 independently organized events across the globe. The event has its roots in bike messenger alleycat races, but there are no requirements other than “get food” and “do it on a bike.” This year Cranksgiving celebrates its 20th Anniversary.

About the Savannah Bicycle Campaign: The Savannah Bicycle Campaign is a nonprofit organization committed to cultivating a livable, connected and safe community through public education, fun rides and consistent advocacy for improved facilities and enforcement in Chatham County and throughout Georgia. The Savannah Bicycle Campaign aims to empower residents an

Savannah Bicycle Campaign receives $30,319.30 grant from Governor’s Office of Highway Safety

Savannah, GA — The Savannah Bicycle Campaign has received a $30,319.30 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). The grant will help finance SBC’s education programs, safety campaigns, work with local governments to improve infrastructure, printing of the popular Bike SAV bike map and guide, and other programs aimed at making Savannah and Chatham County safer for people who ride bikes for transportation and recreation.

“We are excited to have Savannah Bicycle Campaign as a grantee again for the coming year,” said GOHS Communication Manager Robert Hydrick. “They have been with us for several years and are a great advocate for the cycling community in and around Chatham County. This grant will help them continue to create safe and convenient bicycling environments in the Savannah area.”

“In Savannah and Chatham County, many people depend our their bicycles for daily transportation,” said John R. Bennett, executive director of the Savannah Bicycle Campaign. “In addition, more people are using bicycles for healthy exercise. We have also noted Savannah’s emergence as a bicycle tourism destination, with local and national bike tour companies active year round. Support from GOHS is critical to our goal of preventing crashes that injure and kill people who ride bikes.”

The grant year for this award is Oct. 1, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2019. For more information on GOHS and its highway safety programs, visit www.gahighwaysafety.org.

Ardsley in Motion: ‘Resident-driven’ research

Originally published in Connect Savannah on Oct. 10, 2018.

COUNTING CRACKS in the sidewalk might sound like a euphemism for a boring and useless activity, along the lines of “watching paint dry,” but in Ardsley Park these days it’s a purposeful part of a serious initiative.

Last month the Ardsley Park Chatham Crescent Neighborhood Association launched Ardsley in Motion, an effort to improve safety and mobility, and promote beautification efforts throughout Ardsley Park and Chatham Crescent. (Disclosure: I serve on the neighborhood association board).

APCCNA President Nick Palumbo developed the concept, organized events, sought guidance from subject matter experts, and recruited more than 75 volunteers to systematically assess the condition of streets, crosswalks, sidewalks, bike lanes, signage, trees, and other vegetation.

Read the full article in Connect Savannah.

Scooter debate conveniently ignores autos — again

Originally published in Connect Savannah on Aug. 22, 2018.

LOCAL PROBLEMS and opportunities demand local solutions and initiatives. That’s one of the messages Ben Stone delivered to a gathering of 30 neighborhood leaders, government officials, and advocates Aug. 9 at Bull Street Labs.

Stone, director of arts and culture at Smart Growth America, and Emiko Atherton, director of the National Complete Streets Coalition, were invited to Savannah by Georgia Bikes, the statewide advocacy organization.

The meeting was designed to explore “the nexus between Complete Streets, creative placemaking, and designing culturally relevant places.”

Read the full article in Connect Savannah. 

Nightmare Scenario: What to do if you’re hit by a car while riding your bike

Originally published in Connect Savannah on Aug. 1, 2018.

IT HAPPENED almost 13 years ago. On Aug. 27 2005, I was hit by a car while riding my bike.

It happened on 49th Street just a few blocks from my house. I pedaled up to the stop sign, put my foot down, and made eye contact with the motorist across the intersection.

Since neither of her turn signals was activated, I figured she would proceed straight through the intersection just like me. So, I entered the intersection and that’s when she turned left into my path and hit me.

Read the full article in Connect Savannah. 

The weaponization of jaywalking

Originally published in Connect Savannah on July 11, 2018.

AT LEAST once a month I make a presentation to a civic organization, neighborhood association, class, or conference and one of my favorite slides is a 1901 photograph that depicts Bull Street looking south from City Hall.

Silhouetted figures are visible in the image. I like to aim my laser pointer at them and ask my audience, “What are these things out in the street?”

Someone will eventually respond, usually with a bit of hesitation: “Pedestrians?”

“Yes,” I say, “But back then they were called people.”

Read the full article in Connect Savannah. 

Children’s bicycles needed for annual Holiday Bike Drive 2017


Our New Standard Cycles program is seeking donations of children’s bikes for our annual Holiday Bike Drive in conjunction with Blessings in a Book Bag. After volunteers recondition the bicycles, they will be given to deserving children selected by Blessings in a Bookbag on Dec. 16. Here’s coverage of last year’s event from Fox 28: Savannah Bicycle Campaign gives 53 children bikes this Christmas.

Bikes can be dropped off at 1301 Lincoln St on the following days and times:

  • Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Sundays from 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Other times by appointment.

Bikes can also be dropped off at the Wilmington Island Farmers Market on Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Please note that badly damaged or rusted bikes cannot be accepted.

For more information or to schedule a donation, email New Standard Cycles Program Manager Henry Rocha at bikes@bicyclecampaign.org. If you’d like to help refurbish the bikes, sign up here.

We are grateful to the Spiva Law Group for providing helmets to go along with the bike and to Junk Luggers of the Coastal Empire for donating and transporting bikes.

Whitaker and Drayton Street traffic calming proposal dismissed by City Council

We are disappointed by the Savannah City Council’s decision to dismiss the Whitaker and Drayton Street traffic calming proposal presented by the Savannah Development and Renewal Authority at the March 30 City Council workshop. Despite ample evidence that the SDRA proposal (download PDF) would both reduce crashes and deliver economic benefits, council endorsed a counter-proposal that will not be as effective in improving the safety of those who walk, ride bikes, or drive motor vehicles.

That proposal, submitted by the City’s Traffic Engineering Department, maintained design changes are not needed. Traffic Engineering recommended, among other measures, an education campaign aimed at people who ride bikes and walk as a strategy for addressing the alarming increase in car crashes. The traffic engineering report suggested concerns over safety were mostly a matter of perception, but offered to install pedestrian signals at some intersections and relocate a tourist trolley stop. Also proposed was an expansion of the Forsyth Park perimeter sidewalk to allow cycling. That idea would likely require the removal of trees and other vegetation, its projected half million dollar cost is not currently budgeted, and it would do nothing to improve safety on Whittaker and Drayton streets.

The SDRA proposal was endorsed by the Downtown Neighborhood Association, the Downtown Business Association, the Tourism Leadership Council, the Ardsley Park-Chatham Crescent Neighborhood Association, Healthy Savannah and Georgia Bikes. We remain committed to working with these and other partners — and City Council — to advance sensible and forward-thinking efforts to make Savannah better for residents and visitors alike. We also appreciate Alderman Bill Durrence for prioritizing people over fast moving traffic.

If you think Savannah needs streets designed to improve safety for all users, which will make our neighborhoods better places to live, please contact your elected officials.