Columbia Unveils New Buffered Bike Lane to Enhance Safety and Community Connectivity

Columbia Celebrates New Bike Lane to Boost Safety and Connectivity

Hey there, Columbia! We’ve got some exciting news to share that’s sure to get your wheels spinning. The City of Columbia, in tandem with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), has just wrapped up a fantastic project aimed at making our roads safer and more accessible for everyone—bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians alike!

The River Drive Buffered Bike Lane Project is Complete!

Yes, you heard it right! The River Drive Buffered Bike Lane Project has officially come to completion, marking a huge win for the community and a stepping stone towards achieving the goals outlined in the City’s Walk Bike Columbia Master Plan. This master plan is all about enhancing our transportation infrastructure and making it easier for folks to get around, whether they’re biking, walking, or driving.

The buffered bike lanes are a smart addition to the streetscape, as they help keep cyclists safe while allowing vehicles to travel freely—without reducing the number of lanes for those of us on four wheels. How did they manage that? By cleverly utilizing the width of the existing roadway, SCDOT has made it possible to add these lanes without any major alterations that might cause traffic delays. Practicality at its best, right?

Join the Celebration!

If you’re as excited as we are, you won’t want to miss the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony set for tomorrow, December 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Join the festivities near the intersection of Anthony Avenue, right across from the charming NOMA Community Garden at 2714 River Drive.

This celebration will include remarks from several key city officials, including Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann, District 1 City Councilwoman Tina N. Herbert, District 4 Richland County Councilman Paul Livingston, and other community partners who have played crucial roles in this initiative. It’s a wonderful opportunity to not only hear about the project but also to mingle with fellow community members passionate about improving our city.

Want to Learn More?

Curious about the new bike lanes or other exciting multimodal transportation initiatives? You can check out the details on the project at: planninganddevelopment.columbiasc.gov/river-drive. They’ve got all the insider information you’ll need!

If you’re eager to stay in the loop about similar projects and ways to get involved in your community, there’s a great opportunity for that too. You can sign up for the Walk Bike Columbia e-newsletter, which will keep you updated on the latest happenings around town. Plus, you can even participate in their bi-annual pedestrian and bicyclist counts—talk about hands-on engagement!

In Summary

Mark your calendars and swing by the ceremony tomorrow morning. Let’s continue to work together to ensure Columbia remains a vibrant, safe, and enjoyable place to live for all residents.