Pick Your Parking

Nothing ruins your ride faster than having your bike stolen! Here are some steps you can take to seriously reduce the likelihood of that happening.

  • Use a U-lock. Cable locks can be cut more easily than you might think. Cheaper and older U-locks can often be broken without any tools. Sourcing your U-lock from a local bike shop is a good way to make sure you’re buying a quality product.
  • Don’t make it easy to steal! Bike thieves love low hanging fruit, and nothing deters them like the presence of a quality lock. Many thefts are crimes of opportunity, so make your bike the hardest one on the rack to steal.
  • Lock the frame first. Try to secure the wheels and seat, too. Your bike frame happens to be the most expensive part; make sure you lock it to something secure. Use a secondary cable to lock the wheels and seat. In many cases a U-lock can be used to lock both the frame and rear wheel. Accessories (lights, pumps, etc) are commonly stolen items. Take them with you.
  • Your lock is only as good as what it is locked to. Make sure whatever you locked up to isn’t going anywhere. Be mindful that trees and wood can be cut or kicked through.
  • Your garage, shed, or storage room isn’t as safe as you think. Even if you have parked your bike in a “secure location” be sure to lock it to something. Bikes are commonly stolen from garages or shared basements.
  • Document it! Take pictures of your bike, record the serial number, and where possible list your bike on your insurance.
  • After you’ve done that, make sure to register your bike with Savannah Police Department and Bike Index. The Bike Index makes stolen bikes harder to sell and easier to recover by making sure important information about your bike is there when you need it the most. The process is simple, secure, and free.

Need to find available bike parking in Savannah? Check out our map below. If you find a rack that isn’t on our map, please submit it to info@bikewalksavannah.org.

Learn more tips on our Resources Page.

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

Driving Safely around People Walking

It’s important to remember that we’re all people — and at some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian.

Unfortunately pedestrian injuries and fatalities remain high, especially in Savannah. When you maintain safe speeds and practice other safe driving behaviors, our streets are safer for everyone!

Most at Risk

  • Seniors 65+
  • Kids ages 5-9
  • People under the influence

You never know who may cross your path unexpectedly, so by taking steps to be prepared and constantly paying attention, you can make sure everyone gets from where they are to where they need to be safely — including you!

Tips for how to avoid crashes involving pedestrians:

Know where people are. Does the street you’re on have sidewalks and activated crosswalks, or are people going to be forced to walk in the street or cross unexpectedly? Are there bus stops?

Do not pass stopped school buses. It’s not only the law, but stopped school buses create opportunities where kids or adults may be unexpectedly entering the roadway.

Slow down for crosswalks, regardless of if there are pedestrians. When you approach, give right-of-way to pedestrians who are waiting or in the crosswalk. Stop far enough away to indicate your intent. Scan the street before turning, as there may be someone waiting to cross on the street you’re turning onto. And remember, any intersection — whether marked or unmarked — is a space where pedestrians are legally allowed to cross.

Practice driveway safety. When we’re leaving our home or coming home is a very dangerous time for drivers. You may be distracted by opening your garage door, putting on your seatbelt, remembering your coffee, and might not be looking for kids or people walking behind your vehicle. Make sure to pay attention! Similarly, be aware when you’re in parking lots and pulling in or out of spaces.

Don’t drive distracted or under the influence. Again, it’s the law!

Consider driving conditions. Whether it’s raining or sunny, there’s something happening that can influence your driving. Make sure to slow down or give yourself extra room if you need it, and consider pulling over rather than powering through if conditions are dangerous.

Stay alert for pedestrians who may need more space. Did you notice that the street may not have sidewalks or ramps to get on those sidewalks? Do you see a pedestrian using a mobility device like a motorized wheelchair or cane, or maybe a family with small children? Make sure to give them some extra room!

Ultimately, SLOW DOWN.

Interested in learning more about being a Bicycle and Pedestrian Friendly Driver? Sign up for an upcoming class or view our webinar here!

Learn more tips on our Resources Page.

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

All about helmets!

Fitting a Helmet

A bike helmet that fits you properly will feel better — and do its job in case of a crash. But how do you select the right size bike helmet?

To find your bike helmet size, measure the circumference of your head using a cloth tape measure or a piece of string and a ruler. Be sure to measure horizontally across your brow and over your ears. Most helmets come with a size guide (or you can find one online), so make sure to measure your head before you go to save some time!

You also want to look for a helmet that matches your style of riding. Road bike helmets are designed to be lightweight, well ventilated and aerodynamic. Mountain bike helmets often offer extended rear head coverage to account for collisions with objects on off-road trails. If you’re an everyday commuter or recreational rider, look for helmets that are well-ventilated with an adjustable tightening wheel and visor to help shield some sun.

Get the right fit

Put your helmet level on your head (not tilted back) with the front edge two fingers above your eyebrows. This helps protect your forehead.

If your helmet has one, tighten the rear adjustment dial until the helmet no longer wobbles or slips. It’s important to have your helmet properly positioned before tightening it.

Next buckle the chin strap. The straps should join right under your ear to form a “V”. Adjust the straps around both ears so they are not twisted and it’s comfortable. You can use your pointer and middle fingers to form a “V” around your ears to figure out the best position — snug but not too tight. Put those same two fingers together and put them between the strap and your chin. There should be enough room for two fingers. Any tighter and you may have trouble breathing, talking or drinking water while riding, any looser and your helmet can easily be knocked to the side.

A helmet that fits correctly should be comfortable and will not move forward (obscuring your vision) or backward (exposing your forehead.) A comfortable helmet is a helmet that you’ll actually wear!

Check out this video from our friends at Georgia Bikes.

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 Lock Your Bike

Nothing ruins your ride faster than having your bike stolen! Here are some steps you can take to seriously reduce the likelihood of that happening.

  • Use a U-lock. Cable locks can be cut more easily than you might think. Cheaper and older U-locks can often be broken without any tools. Sourcing your U-lock from a local bike shop is a good way to make sure you’re buying a quality product.
  • Don’t make it easy to steal! Bike thieves love low hanging fruit, and nothing deters them like the presence of a quality lock. Many thefts are crimes of opportunity, so make your bike the hardest one on the rack to steal.
  • Lock the frame first. Try to secure the wheels and seat, too. Your bike frame happens to be the most expensive part; make sure you lock it to something secure. Use a secondary cable to lock the wheels and seat. In many cases a U-lock can be used to lock both the frame and rear wheel. Accessories (lights, pumps, etc) are commonly stolen items. Take them with you.
  • Your lock is only as good as what it is locked to. Make sure whatever you locked up to isn’t going anywhere. Be mindful that trees and wood can be cut or kicked through.
  • Your garage, shed, or storage room isn’t as safe as you think. Even if you have parked your bike in a “secure location” be sure to lock it to something. Bikes are commonly stolen from garages or shared basements.
  • Document it! Take pictures of your bike, record the serial number, and where possible list your bike on your insurance.
  • After you’ve done that, make sure to register your bike with Savannah Police Department and Bike Index. The Bike Index makes stolen bikes harder to sell and easier to recover by making sure important information about your bike is there when you need it the most. The process is simple, secure, and free.

Need to find available bike parking in Savannah? Check out our map below. If you find a rack that isn’t on our map, please submit it to info@bikewalksavannah.org.

Learn more tips on our Resources Page.

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

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.