SBC board remembers friend killed by hit and run driver, urges respect for cyclists

The Savannah Morning News published an edited letter to the editor from SBC board member Kim Turner on Oct. 28, 2016. Kim is also a member of the Coastal Bicycle Touring Club and was a friend of Dr. Deborah Wilkowski, who was killed by a hit and run driver Oct. 22. Here is her letter as originally submitted, in its entirety:

Once again the cycling community has lost one of its members to a senseless act of violence. Dr. Deborah Wilkowski, a member of Coastal Bicycle Touring Club, was killed last Saturday by someone who was driving with a suspended license. He did not stop. He fled the scene like a coward, and hid until the vehicle could be identified and his picture plastered in the news and social media. He turned himself in Sunday night and is facing three misdemeanors and one felony hit and run charge resulting in serious injury or death. I am sure Debbie’s family and the Savannah medical community are devastated. Our cycling club is shaken to its core.

Deb and I had a Texas connection that we recently discussed over lunch after a regular Saturday ride. I didn’t know her well, but her death and the circumstances around it, have shaken me to the point that I am afraid to get back on my bike. Many times we have experienced drivers who think we don’t belong on the road although Georgia law allows it. Once several of us were almost forced off the road by a dump truck driver. It was clearly intentional and we were able to confront him when he pulled into the landfill on Little Neck Road. When we rode to his truck to talk to him, he raised a sledgehammer to us. Luckily no one was injured.

Instances of “buzzing” us on rural highways, honking as the vehicle approaches from the rear and yelling obscenities are common. And all we are doing is enjoying the sport we love.

I don’t know how many injuries and deaths it will take for people to realize the seriousness of their actions. Fortunately, Dennis Lee Stuart was caught and now faces serious penalties for his crimes. I can only hope he is locked up for years. My fellow club members are ready to testify against dangerous drivers. We are also ready to assist in educational programs to raise awareness of this problem. It is a problem that doesn’t need to be. It is preventable. Kindness and common courtesy go hand in hand with the law. Georgia law requires a motorized vehicle to allow at least three feet when passing a cyclist. On most roads, we are allowed the same rights as a vehicle. This means we may take the lane if that is the safest way to travel and to be seen. Follow the law, be kind and extend us some common courtesy.

I encourage all drivers to take a cycling safety course. Not only will it make you a safer cyclist, it will make you a safer driver. It made me a much more cautious driver and slowed me down considerably.

But for now, we have to say goodbye to one of our beloved club members who died senselessly. It will take a long time to recover, if we ever do.

Need a dependable used bike at a good price? Want to help a good cause? Come see us at the March 26 Savannah Bazaar!

On Saturday, March 26, we are selling used, but fully reconditioned bicycles at the Savannah Bazaar, from 3-8 p.m. at 101 N. Fahm St.

Bikes are sold on a first come, first served basis, so if you see one you like in the gallery below, make sure to get there early. If you join the Savannah Bicycle Campaign at the time of your purchase, you’ll receive $50 off your bike. Proceeds from sales benefit our New Standard Cycles program, which provides affordable, dependable transportation to deserving people in our community. For more information about our bike sale, email us!

Bike to Bird: We are offering free valet bike parking at Andrew Bird’s Savannah Music Festival show on March 29

We are offering free valet parking for bikes at Andrew Bird’s performance on Tuesday, March 29 at Lucas Theatre. Ride your bike to the show and we’ll look after it while you enjoy the music. Our bike valet will be open beginning at 7 p.m.

The violinist, singer and composer began his career as a member of the Squirrel Nut Zippers before forming Bowl of Fire, and has been recording and touring as a solo artist since 2003. His distinctive voice, wide ranging influences and instrumental versatility contribute to an engaging compositional style that often incorporates sounds and layers rarely heard in pop music, including virtuosic whistling and glockenspiel.

We love it when we discover our favorite musicians are also avid cyclists. That’s the case with Bird. “I feel a certain amount of pride in not using a motorized vehicle to get from point A to point B,” he told Bicycling magazine. “Sometimes I’ll invent point A and point B to justify riding.”

Read more of his interview about how riding intersects with his music: A Ride with Andrew Bird.

Be smart! Ride your bike to St. Patrick’s Day!

Bogata has Ciclovia, Atlanta has Streets Alive! and we have St. Patrick’s Day, a time when Savannah’s streets are closed to cars (except those carrying dignitaries), at least while the parade is in process.

If you are heading downtown to join in the festivities, do yourself a favor and go by bike. Driving a car into downtown and trying find parking on Savannah’s most famous holiday — and, really, anytime between now and Sunday night — is a fool’s errand.

If you are planning to ride your bike on the big day, make sure to bring lights, in case you stay out later than you thought you would, and your lock to protect your bike from mischief. And, of course, wear a helmet and stay alert for impaired, distracted and aggressive drivers. If you need extra bikes for guests, SBC business members Savannah on Wheels and Perry Rubber Bike Shop offer rentals. Don’t wait until it’s too late, reserve your bikes in advance.

Stay safe, enjoy the parade and have a happy St. Patrick’s Day!

We’re Hiring: Now accepting applications for New Standard Cycles program manager

New Stanard CyclesWe are looking for a new part-time (20 hours per week) program manager for New Standard Cycles. The successful candidate will have the unique blend of skills necessary to continue the success of this program, which provides safe, dependable and affordable transportation to deserving people in our community.

  • The program manager is a competent bicycle mechanic and must be able to share and teach bicycle repair skills to others.
  • The program manager is able to recruit, train, supervise, motivate and retain volunteers of all backgrounds and abilities.
  • The program manager will continue beneficial relationships with our nonprofit partners and establish new ones.
  • The program manager will create and maintain an environment in which volunteers, program partners and bicycle recipients feel welcome, valued and comfortable.

Is this you? if so, NSC Manager Position Description 2016, then email a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information for three professional references to info@bicyclecampaign.org

Walk, ride your bike or take the bus to Parking Matters open house meetings on March 3 and 4

parkingmatters
The Parking Matters Plan is a collaborative effort between the CORE MPO, through the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission and the City of Savannah. Public open house meetings will be held on Thursday, March 3, from 4-7 p.m. (Presentation at 6 p.m.) at the Holiday Inn Express, 199 Bay Street and on Friday, March 4, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Presentation at Noon) at the Metropolitan Planning Commission, 112 E. State St.

Improving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure is a key part of the Parking Matters plan, so please make plans to attend one of the meetings to emphasize the critical need for investment in safe facilities for walking and bicycling. It’s critical for leaders to hear from citizens who travel by bike. More information is available on the Parking Matters website.

Savannah Bicycle Campaign will give free bike light sets to anyone who arrives by bike, Healthy Savannah will give free pedometers to people who walk to the meetings, and Chatham Area Transit will have bus passes on hand for people who take transit.

The plan is intended to:

Identify the existing conditions with regards to parking supply and demand in greater downtown

Incorporate feedback and suggestions for improving existing parking and transportation mobility options in Savannah from members of the community

Develop strategies for Downtown Savannah’s parking and transportation system that bolster economic development, provide mobility options, and enhance the overall quality for life for residents, employees, and visitors alike.

We are teaming up with Tybee Island to light the night on March 5

The City of Tybee Island Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee is hosting a Light the Night Bike Ride on Saturday, March 5.  Beginning at 6 p.m. at the Memorial Park Pavilion, we’ll be offering free bike safety checks and minor adjustments. We’ll also have helmets available for sale at very affordable prices. Free bike lights will be provided by Tim’s Bike & Beach Gear, and we’ll award a prize for the brightest bike. The ride will start at 7:30 p.m. and end at Bernie’s Restaurant and Bar, 13 Tybrisa St. More information is available on the City of Tybee Island website.