Community Meeting Scheduled for Green Island Road Path

Chatham County invites residents to a public meeting on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, to discuss the proposed Green Island Road Path project. This off-road, multipurpose trail is planned to run approximately 2.1 miles from the cul de sac on Green Island Road to Diamond Causeway with connection to the existing paths on the Northside of Diamond Causeway. The meeting will provide an opportunity for the community to learn more about the project and share input with the planning team.

The meeting will take place from 4-7 p.m. at Skidaway Island Baptist Church, 2 Westridge Rd, Savannah, GA 31411.

The Green Island Road Path is part of the county’s efforts to enhance safe, accessible pathways for recreation and transportation. The community is encouraged to attend, ask questions, and provide feedback.

For more information, visit the project page: Green Island Road Path Project.

Making your trip with Chatham Area Transit!

Combining your biking or walking trip with public transit can help make your trip more successful. Chatham Area Transit offers a lot of options to extend your trip and help you go the distance.

All of CAT’s fixed-route buses are equipped with bike racks so you can take your bike with you at no extra cost. No special passes or training are required, and each rack can hold up to two conventional bicycles so they are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Learn more about using the bike rack on the front of CAT buses by visiting their website.

Want to plan your route, but you’re not sure where your closest stop is located — or where the route goes? Check out the CAT Tracker to view stops near you and see up to the minute information on when the next bus is going to arrive.

Extend your route downtown — for free! Thanks to a partnership with the City of Savannah, CAT operates a free downtown transit system spanning land and water.

While biking downtown might be easy, it’s a little difficult to get across the Savannah River! The Savannah Belles Ferry system provides free passage across the River between the riverwalk and Hutchinson Island from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, and bikes are allowed.

As always, make sure to follow our biking and walking tips to make your trip as safe as possible

This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Senior White House Advisor Joins City, State Officials to Celebrate Safe Streets for All Grant Award

Tom Perez, Senior White House Advisor, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, will join City of Savannah and state officials on Thursday, Oct. 31, in front of the Bull Street Library to celebrate a $9.9 million grant awarded to Savannah by the U.S. Department of Transportation to enhance safety at intersections along 37th Street. 

Director Perez will deliver remarks alongside Ann Purcell, chair of the State Transportation Board of Georgia, Mayor Van R. Johnson II, and City Manager Joseph A. Melder.  

In September, the City of Savannah’s Vision Zero Program was awarded a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant as part of $1 billion in new funding released by the DOT under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal. Along with Savannah, funding was awarded to 354 local, regional, and tribal communities to improve roadway safety and prevent deaths and serious injuries. 

The Vision Zero funding will target 15 intersections along 37th Street, upgrading them with new signals, dedicated left-turn lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, and extended bicycle lanes. The City will match the $9.9 million grant with $2.4 million, bringing the total project cost to $12.3 million. 

In February 2022, City Council passed a resolution implementing the Vision Zero Initiative, followed by the completion of the Vision Zero Action Plan in September of that year. The plan identified 37th Street as part of a high-injury network and recommended it as a high priority for improvements. Between 2018 and 2022, approximately 970 crashes were recorded along this major east-west connector, which links central Savannah to I-16 access. The corridor is one of the City’s highest-risk roadways, with frequent intersection and turning crashes involving pedestrian fatalities. 

The grant funding will support new planning activities aimed at meeting several objectives, including capturing the most recent safety data, identifying the impacts of improvements, and engaging the public and the Vision Zero Task Force in the planning process. 

What: SS4A Grant Event 

When: Oct. 31, 2:30 p.m.  

Where: Bull Street Library, 2002 Bull St.  

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.

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.

Learn more tips on our Resources Page.

This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

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

Learn more tips on our Resources Page.

This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Residents invited to Tide to Town community engagement activities

The City of Savannah invites residents to help shape the future of the Tide to Town urban trail project by attending one of several upcoming community engagement activities and adding their voice to an online survey. 

The goal of the new public outreach initiative is to ensure the trail’s development results in economic, social, and recreational opportunities for the communities along the urban trail. Among the many activities planned will be several community meetings, a free bus tour, and a small group roundtable with businesses, civic organizations, and others.  

A public survey can be found at savannahga.gov/tidetotown.

“We are excited to further involve the public in planning the future of the Tide to Town urban trail system,” Director of Planning and Urban Design Bridget Lidy said. “We want to make sure all voices are heard by giving residents multiple opportunities to share their views on the ongoing development of this important project.” 

Four community meetings will be held from Sept. 16 to Oct. 8 in various neighborhoods and virtually. Local high school students will be invited to participate in a “Student Visions” program to share their own visions for the urban trail and related equitable growth trail development in the form of slide presentations, posters, essays, and videos.

A free bus tour is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to take participants on a visit to the completed section of the trail along Truman Parkway and stop by a handful of proposed trail routes around the city. 

Anyone interested in the bus tour or attending an in-person meeting can RSVP by emailing planning@savannahga.gov. Snacks and childcare will be provided for the in-person meetings.  

  • Tide To Town | Southside Community Meeting
    • Monday, Sept. 16, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 
    • White Bluff Elementary School
  • Tide To Town |Westside Community Meeting
    • Tuesday, Sept. 17, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.  
    • Beach High School, 3001 Hopkins St. 
  • Tide To Town | Eastside Community Meeting
    • Thursday, Sept. 19, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.  
    • Jenkins High School, 1800 E. Derenne Ave.  
  • Tide To Town | Virtual Community Meeting
    • Tuesday, Oct. 8, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 
    • Link to be provided

Get ready for your ride with the ABC Quick Check!

A is for Air

Make sure your tires are inflated to the pressure listed on the side of the tire

When your tires are correctly inflated, use your thumb to gently push on the outside edge and feel the pressure. This will help you quickly gauge if you need air in the future!

Check for damage on your tire and replace if it is too worn

B is for Brakes

Inspect your brake pads for wear, replace if there is less than 1/4″ of pad left

Check pad adjustment and make sure they don’t rub the tire

Look to see that you can fit your thumb between the brake lever and handlebar when the brakes are squeezed all the way — this means they’re properly adjusted

C is for Cranks and Chain

Pull on your cranks/pedals away from the bike — if they are loose, tighten the bolt.

Check that your chain is free of rust, gunk and any debris

Quick is for Quick Releases

Make sure all your quick release levers are closed (check your wheels and seat!)

They should all be pointing down and towards the back of your bike, so they don’t get caught on anything.

And then CHECK it all over!

Take a quick roll around to make sure everything is working properly, and if you’re carrying any cargo that you’re well balanced.

More of a visual learner? Check out this video from our friends at the League of American Bicyclists:

Learn more tips on our Resources Page.

This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

What to do if you’re in a crash

If you have the misfortune of being involved in a crash, it can be overwhelming and you may not know what to do. When your blood is pumping, your mind is racing, and you may be injured, the last thing you want to do is have to Google what to do. Below are our steps for the best actions to take after a collision.

Before we start, we always recommend carrying your cell phone, ID, a listed emergency contact, and something to write with/on in case your phone is broken. A bracelet like a RoadID can provide your information, emergency contacts and allergy information if needed.

  1. Do not immediately move – you may be more injured than you think. 
  2. Dial 911. Request the police and an ambulance to your location. 
  3. Leave your bike in the same state it was after the crash. Take pictures of the scene, including your bike, any damage to yourself, damage to the motor vehicle, and license plate number.
  4. Obtain the contact information of any witnesses.
  5. Always wait for the police to arrive and file an official report.
  6. Get the business card of the officer. Write your report number on the card in addition to getting a copy.
  7. Immediately seek medical attention. When in doubt, go to the ER! 
  8. Never negotiate with the driver of the vehicle at the scene of the crash, regardless of who may be at fault. Get the driver’s name and their insurance and contact information, along with the names and contacts of any passengers. You may discover additional injuries or destruction to property after the crash.
  9. Make no statement to insurance until you talk to a lawyer. 

Involved in a crash or want to report a close call? Submit your report on our website.

Data collected from the Close Call form can help us and agency partners assess potential conflict points and the frequency of near misses (or unreported crashes) involving bicyclists, pedestrians and motor vehicle drivers. Bicycle and pedestrian related crashes are under reported and this offers another way to address persistent issues. 

If you have encountered a dangerous road hazard call 311 or visit our Report Hazards and Issues page. In an emergency, please call 911.

Riding bikes comes with risks — like all vehicles. If you have been in a crash involving a bicycle and aren’t sure where to begin, contact the Law Offices of Joseph J. Steffen, Jr. for a free consultation.

Joseph J. Steffen Jr is an avid cyclist who specializes in local bicycle law, and serves on the board of Bike Walk Savannah. His focus and passion is for safe cycling for you and your family here in the Southeast, knowing the challenges of working with police officers on their reports, and picking an unbiased jury panel at trial that will understand a cyclists right to SHARE THE ROAD.

Visit joesteffen.com/bicycle-law for more information.

Learn more tips on our Resources Page.

This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.