Do you know your ABCs?

We’ve all had this happen — you get dressed, you put your helmet on, make sure your lights are charged, and as soon as you roll your bike out the door you notice the tires are flat. Or even worse, you get halfway to your destination and notice that you’re losing air — or your brakes are squeaking.

Familiarizing yourself with basic bike maintenance will help you whether you’re commuting to work every day or riding recreationally, and will help keep you safe. And the first part is as simple as knowing your ABCs! Performing the ABC Quick Check before heading out on your ride ensures your bike is safe to ride, and helps you notice when anything might go wrong.

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.

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

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

Take the SR 307 Corridor Community Study!

The Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission, on behalf of the CORE MPO, is undertaking the SR 307 Corridor Study to identify short-term and long-term improvements needed along the corridor to maintain and enhance traffic safety and operations along SR 307/Dean Forest Road.

The study will evaluate the existing and future capacity, operation, and safety conditions of the corridor from its southern terminus at SR 25/US 17/Ogeechee Road northwards to its terminus at SR 25/Main Street near a major Georgia Ports Authority truck gate. This study will:

  • Utilize data to evaluate the operation and safety of the corridor with strong consideration given to access management improvements that will improve the operation and safety;
  • Consider freight, commuter, local traffic and pedestrian/bicyclist travelers, and;
  • Account for current and future land use patterns and anticipated continued growth.

The goal of the study will be to identify and prioritize short and long-term improvements in a prioritized list of recommendations to facilitate the planning and programming of projects through the Metropolitan Transportation Process (MTP).

Meaningful engagement of the community is critical to ensure that residents, businesses, community leaders, and other stakeholders have an opportunity to actively participate in the process and support the final project recommendations.

A survey is available for those who live near, work on or frequently take SR 307. Click here to take it!

Click here to view the presentation from the Community Meeting on Nov. 8, 2021.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

Pedestrian safety can be a two way street. Interested in learning how to be a bike and pedestrian friendly driver? Sign up for our next webinar!

Read on for some Pedestrian Safety Tips from Bike Walk Savannah.

  1. Walk on the Sidewalk
    If there are no sidewalks, walk as close to the left side of the street as safe, facing traffic.
  2. Cross at the Corner
    Cross at intersections or street corners for the most visibility, unless directed to a mid-block crossing by signage or markings. When possible, cross between white painted crosswalk lines.
  3. Obey Traffic Signals
    Before stepping out into the street, be sure to look at all traffic signals — don’t rush!
  4. Look Left, Right, Left
    Make sure traffic has come to a complete stop, and that you can fully see the street and any drivers. Don’t forget to look the wrong way down one-way streets, especially downtown!
  5. Watch for Turning Traffic
    Try to make eye contact with any drivers, especially those who may be turning. Watch for right turns on red!
  6. Be Careful around Driveways
    Check for signs that someone may be driving backwards, including brake lights or reverse lights. Drivers often move without checking as much as they should when they are in their own driveway.
  7. Aim to be Seen
    Avoid wearing dark-colored clothing at night or in inclement weather, or use reflective materials and carry a light. This may not always be possible due to required uniforms for work, so if you do have to wear darker clothes try to stick to well-lit routes.

BWS October Newsletter

Friends,

We can’t believe it’s almost October! Before we close out September, however, we’d like to encourage you to view the presentations and submit comments on the Forsyth Park Draft Master Plan. If you enjoy biking or rolling in and around Forsyth Park, it’s important to have your voice heard. The deadline for comments is this Thursday, Sept. 30 — so let’s keep Forsyth for All! 

Great news on the construction front — Police Memorial Trail is open to the public again! Thank you to the City of Savannah for completing this crucial infrastructure link in the Truman Linear Park Trail and Tide To Town network. Click here to view the map and for more information. Stay tuned for a ribbon cutting date!

And on the other side of the county, we had the opportunity to visit the construction site at McQueen’s Island Trail. This trail has been closed for many years due to erosion and degraded trail surfaces from various hurricanes and tropical storms, and we’re excited that the crew has done a great job to repair the seawall and prevent further erosion of the property. Tides and weather permitting, the County hopes to complete construction by the end of November.

We have a ton of great events planned for October, including the return of the Cycle Social! This month we’ll meet on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. at Lake Mayer to ride the Truman Linear Park Trail and discuss next steps for Tide to Town, our urban trail system. Want to host a Cycle Social in your neighborhood? Send us an email at info@bikewalksavannah.org. Check out all our events and volunteer opportunities on our website.

Happy biking, walking and rolling! Stay tuned for some exciting additional fall events and new plans for 2022.

Caila Brown
Executive Director, Bike Walk Savannah

Submit your photo for the 2022 BikeSAV Map Cover Contest!

2022 is fast approaching… which means it’s nearly time to print next year’s BikeSAV Map & Guide! Our guide provides a street suitability map of downtown, recommended longer-distance routes around the county, and tips for safe biking. It’s distributed free of charge to residents and visitors of Savannah in bike shops, tour spots, visitors centers and more.

Each year we look forward to working with Bike Walk Savannah members and supporters to find the perfect cover photo, showcasing our favorite spots in Savannah and some pretty cool bikes.

That’s where you come in! Submit up to 3 vertically oriented photos (or photos that can be vertically cropped, like seen in our maps above) to our 2022 BikeSAV Map & Guide Cover Contest, showcasing your bike and your favorite spot to ride within Savannah or Chatham County. If your photo includes people, please ensure that you have their permission to submit.

The top submissions (as identified by the BWS board and staff) will be posted on Facebook for voting in early October. The top submissions will receive a free BWS family membership, and the winner will receive a BWS family membership and BWS Swag Pack.

2022 BikeSAV Guide Cover Contest Submission Form

My initials above certify that I have granted Bike Walk Savannah permission to include my entry(entries), if selected, on the 2022 Bike SAV Map & Guide and on accompanying promotional materials. I retain all other copyrights for this entry. I have received and read a copy of the official rules and understand that failure to follow these rules may result in disqualification of my entry.

2022 BIKESAV GUIDE COVER CONTEST RULES

  1. Work published previously in any copyrighted newspaper, magazine, book or other medium is ineligible. Entries must be original and be the intellectual property of the submitter.
  2. Contestants may enter up to three (3) images.
  3. Submissions should follow these guidelines:
    1. Photo dimensions: at least 300 dpi, with image size of at least 4″ x 9″. If your image cannot print clearly, it may not be selected.
    2. Photo file should be named: FirstNameLastName-1. If submitting multiple entries, please label them -2 and -3.
  4. Submissions will also be accepted via email at info@bikewalksavannah.org. All form fields must be included in the email.
  5. Entries should be submitted via this form or by email no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. We will only accept entries in digital format.
  6. Bike Walk Savannah board members and staff will judge the top submissions, and Facebook audience/BWS members will decide the final winner. BWS reserves the rights to alter the final selection based on print quality and needs.
  7. All contestants agree to allow Bike Walk Savannah to use their entry in social media posts and in the final print and digital distribution of the BikeSAV Guide, if selected. Winners may be asked to provide a photo to appear with their entry on the Bike Walk Savannah website.
  8. The top submissions will receive a free BWS family membership, and the winning entry will receive a BWS family membership and BWS Swag Pack.

ADVOCACY ALERT: Ask Congress to create a safe sustainable transportation system

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (formerly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework) is moving fast — and so far it looks pretty good for people who bike and walk.

Is it perfect? No. While it is a great step forward that will build safer, more accessible communities — and while we celebrate the wins for bicycling and walking — we can take action today to make the bill better.

Join us and the League in contacting your Senators in support of amendments to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill that will mitigate some of the bill’s shortcomings.

We’re asking the Senate to support amendments that would:

  • Bring back key parts of the Bicycle Commuter Benefit (Brown 2236)
  • Require states to set road safety goals that actually reflect better safety outcomes (Klobuchar 2301)
  • Increase funding for the Reconnecting Communities Program to reverse harm caused to Black and brown communities by highway construction (Warnock/Cardin 2167)
  • Require states to fix and maintain roads before building new ones (Kaine 2143)
  • Collect data on greenhouse gas emissions from transportation (Cardin 2465)

Read more about these amendments on their blog »

Take action now to show that bike advocates want this bipartisan bill to be as transformative as possible not only for people who bike, walk, and roll, but for everyone.

Click here to sign on.

Sign up for our Fall bike and pedestrian counts!

We can’t believe it, but summer is already almost over. Kids have headed back to school, our beach days are dwindling, and the temps are right for just about everyone to walk or ride a bike — which means it’s time for our Fall bike and pedestrian counts!

These counts take place at a variety of locations around Savannah, and the data collected helps us, the City of Savannah, Chatham County and the Coastal Region Metropolitan Planning Organization track the usage of existing facilities, as well as plan for safer places to bike, walk and roll in the future.

So grab a friend or load up some podcasts, bring a lawn chair and a clip board, and get counting! Click here to sign up for a shift.

Want to count a certain location but the date doesn’t work with your schedule? Send an email to info@bikewalksavannah.org and we can talk. Below are the rules:

  • Weekday counts must take place on Tuesdays or Thursdays, from 7-9 a.m. or 5-7 p.m.
  • Weekend counts must take place Saturdays from 12-2 p.m.
  • Counts are rain or shine, although if there is a severe weather alert the shift will be rescheduled to the next available count day.

Participate in the SR-21 Access Management Study!

The CORE MPO, in collaboration with the City of Garden City, is undertaking a State Route 21 Access Management Study from I-516 to Grange Road. The study will provide a vision for SR 21 and a set of recommendations to address the corridor’s operations and safety, and provide mobility improvements, streetscape elements, and increase economic development.
There are a few ways to join in the process!
ONLINE SURVEY
You can participate in an online survey by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/r/SR21Phase1 or texting “sr21phase1” to 833-382-1387.
VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETING
Tuesday, May 25, 2021 from 6-7 p.m.
https://bit.ly/2Q7foP8
Meeting ID: 954-4050-2374
Passcode: 983669
COMMENT ON THE INTERACTIVE MAP
Have an idea on how they can improve State Route 21 in Garden City? Use the online tools to add feedback or specific comments. https://wikimapping.com/SR-21-Access-Management-Study.html

April Newsletter: Get ready for Spring!

It’s officially spring in Savannah, which means we’re getting ready for our Bike and Pedestrian Counts!

These counts help us keep track of how people are moving around the City — and help us plan for safer places for people to bike, walk and roll. We have shifts available from April 19 through May 15 all around the City, and you can sign up for a shift on our website.

We also have two action alerts for you this month, one of which is in our own backyard. Friends of Forsyth is soliciting feedback on their proposed designs for the Forsyth Park Master Plan, and you can take their survey at their website.

The other opportunity is a little more technical, and all your help is appreciated! If you’ve ever submitted a traffic calming request, asked the City for a crosswalk, or wondered how engineers decide what type of bike lane to install, you may be interested to learn that it’s not necessarily up to neighborhood residents — or even up to traffic engineer’s wishes.

Instead, these decisions are up to a technical document called the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This manual is meant to create “uniformity” in the look of our road signs and symbols, including traffic lights, crosswalks and all kinds of street markings. Unfortunately, it is full of assumptions and value judgements that privilege driver’s convenience over the safety of people biking and walking.

But we have good news! The MUTCD is currently being revised by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and we have a chance to make it better. Our friends at The League of American Bicyclists have drafted a great overview on the MUTCD and areas of concern, and America Walks has prepared a comment template that you can use. We encourage you to visit their websites and submit comments on the MUTCD by May 14.

Stay tuned for our Bike Month events. See you out biking, walking and rolling!

Caila Brown
Executive Director, Bike Walk Savannah

ACTION ALERT: Do you support dedicating more funding for trails? Contact your state legislators today

At their Feb. 25, 2021 meeting the Savannah City Council adopted a resolution to increase the City’s hotel/motel tax from 6 to 8%. As part of this increase, they have allocated $17 million in funding for trails, sidewalks and other connections between westside neighborhoods, the Historic District and the new arena, and $10 million in funding for to expand the Tide To Town urban trail system.

We support this legislation for quite a few reasons:

  • The completion of the roughly 30-mile core loop of Tide To Town would result in almost 60% of Savannah neighborhoods being within a 1/4 mile or 5 minute walk of the loop, and serve over 100,000 Chatham County residents who live within a 3/4 mile biking distance.
  • This is a project for all Savannahians: nearly 75% of neighborhoods within the Core Loop walking distance are majority-minority.
  • 10 neighborhoods that include Savannah Chatham County Public School System’s Title I schools are within the Core Loop walking distance.
  • According to 2016 U.S. Census Bureau data, 13.7% of Savannah residents lack access to a motor vehicle. These residents rely on walking, using public transportation and biking to get to their jobs, doctors appointments, grocery stores, etc., and providing direct access to dedicated facilities like the Tide To Town Urban Trail System will only further help them.

While the funding is for tourism related projects, we know that Savannah and Chatham County residents of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy every single project on the list. If you also support this proposed hotel/motel tax increase, we encourage you to contact your state representative or senator today. Click here to find out your representative in the Coastal Delegation.