Exciting Changes Coming to River Drive for Safer Cycling in Columbia

Exciting Changes Coming to River Drive in Columbia

Columbia, S.C. — Residents and visitors in the Earlewood area, take note! There’s some exciting news on the horizon for everyone who enjoys cruising down River Drive. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is rolling out the addition of buffered bicycle lanes along this important stretch between North Main and Sunset Boulevard. This initiative is part of a broader effort to make our streets safer and more accessible for everyone, especially our cycling community.

Why Buffered Bicycle Lanes?

The recommendation for these dedicated bike lanes comes straight from the City of Columbia’s Walk, Bike Columbia Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan. This plan highlights the city’s commitment to enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety and encourages more folks to participate in non-vehicular transportation alternatives.

The resurfacing of River Drive kicked off in February as part of SCDOT’s regular maintenance schedule. But why stop at just resurfacing when you can improve bike safety, too? So, as part of these upgrades, the department is marking off the new buffered bike lanes, offering both cyclists and motorists a clearer and safer way to share the road.

What to Expect

Once everything is in place, River Drive will feature wide, 11-foot traffic lanes for vehicles and 5-foot bicycle lanes on either side. But what’s really neat is the 2-foot-wide striped buffers that will separate the bike lanes from the traffic. This addition not only adds a layer of safety but also encourages more people to hop on their bikes instead of driving their cars.

This upgrade is part of a larger initiative to connect neighborhoods in north Columbia more seamlessly with key areas like Broad River Road and the Three Rivers Greenway, and eventually, the Vista Greenway, which is currently in the design phase. It’s all about creating a cohesive network of pathways that promote outdoor activities and a healthy lifestyle.

Safe Riding Rules

As we roll out these changes, it’s crucial for both cyclists and motorists to be aware of their responsibilities on the road. Under South Carolina Code 1976, § 56-5-3425, motor vehicles are prohibited from blocking the bicycle lane and must yield to any bicyclists before entering or crossing these lanes. This means that if you’re in a driver’s seat, always look for cyclists before merging or turning.

On the flip side, cyclists are expected to use the bike lane whenever it’s possible. The only exceptions would be if they need to pass another bicyclist or avoid any obstacles within the bike lane. Following these guidelines will help cultivate a safe and harmonious road-sharing environment.

Learn More About the Planning Efforts

For those interested in diving deeper into these exciting changes, you can learn more about the City of Columbia’s Walk, Bike Columbia Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan and other planning efforts by visiting the city’s planning and development site. They offer a wealth of information about ongoing projects and future initiatives designed to improve our city.

So, Columbia, let’s gear up for these upcoming changes on River Drive! It’s a fantastic step towards a more bike-friendly city, encouraging us to get outside, stay active, and enjoy the lovely community we share.