Earlier this week Frank Babel met with Toby McSwain from the BCSO and Darrin Shoemaker, HHI’s traffic & transportation engineer to discuss the use of the Cross Island by cyclists.
Here is the net of the meeting.
- Even though the Cross Island is a restricted highway, the township has agreed to accommodate faster riders by allowing us access.
- When you ride on the cross Island, do not cross over the breakdown line unless it is to ride past a stopped vehicle. Please be very careful when passing to ensure you don’t cut off vehicles in the roadway. Ride no more than 2 abreast, don’t hot dog or sprint 5 abreast. Please just stay out of the roadway, ride as far to the right as practical.
- Signs will continue to be posted saying “Bicycles and Pedestrians are not allowed.” This is primarily to prevent slow riding tourists and walkers from accessing the Cross Island from the bridge or Marshland Rd.. Don’t sweat it.
- We are all reminded that bicycles are vehicles and, as such, we need to obey all SC laws and should have to pay tolls. However, toll collection isn’t going to happen, but if most of us continue to zoom through the toll booth, this might become something the toll authority might start reconsidering. So, if you can bear it, please make every effort to avoid riding through the toll booths.
- Working to get the pathways exiting the bridge onto Marshland Drive reconfigured for a safer exit.
- It appears that the Marshland Rd. resurfacing project is back on the table for late 2010.
- The Cross Island bridge has bike lanes in both directions, up to the tollway apron. Everyone can ride or walk in these lanes, bikes with traffic, walkers and joggers against traffic
- Many pathways around the island are going to be redone during the next few months, so let’s be patient as the town goes about this rehab project.
- Frank has also asked the town’s Facility Mgmt. dept. to get on the company responsible for maintaining the breakdown lane to do a better job of sweeping and clearing the breakdown lanes. They have issued a request to do so and are very supportive. If you encounter glass, debris or unsafe conditions, call the help line at 843-342-4580 (program this into your cell phones).
Hope this helps.
Frank Babel
Squeaky Wheels
