A newly proposed ordinance would bar electric-powered bikes from protected pathways throughout the city, including the West Ashley Greenway and Ashley River Crossing — once it’s finished.
The proposal intends to address ongoing safety concerns from Daniel Island residents about children riding recklessly. But bike advocates say it could end up making things harder for commuters and those with mobility issues by forcing them onto unsafe roads.
“The bottom line is the city wants to address reckless behavior,” Katie Zimmerman, executive director of the local advocacy group Charleston Moves, told the committee. “We don’t want anyone put in a dangerous situation including inadvertently forcing pedal-assist bicycle riders into the lanes of traffic on the Ashley River bridges, portions of Savannah Highway, the Glenn McConnell Parkway, Bees Ferry Road, segments of Folly Road, or segments of Riverland Drive.”
A vehicle hit and killed a man riding an e-bike in January on the Ashley River Memorial Bridge, prompting intense discussions about safety. But if the draft ordinance passes as written, it would mandate riders to continue using bridges built for cars rather than bike-ped bridges.
Committee Chairman Mike Seekings, however, shot down the idea of an exception for e-bikes on the Greenway, saying it could cause problems with enforcement.
The discussion will continue at the next Traffic and Transportation Committee meeting in April before a drafted ordinance makes its way before city council members.
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