Battery2Beach

New Renter Along the Battery2Beach Route

2011-04-21T16:41:00.000-04:00

Another 0.75 mile rented on the Battery2Beach Route in honor of Edwin Gardner. Many thanks to our latest renter, Whitney Powers. We are closer to reaching our goal, thanks to you!

Only 19 spots left along the Battery2Beach Route!

2011-04-07T15:13:00.001-04:00

A HUGE thank you to S.C. Ports Authority for their generous donation to Charleston Moves. They are the newest renter of one mile along the route!

SPARTANBURG SCORES NEW CONVENIENT BIKE SYSTEM

2011-03-19T12:15:00.000-04:00

Spartanburg is getting a new short-term rent-a-bike system. Armed with funds from three organizations, Partners for Active Living is bringing a bicycle sharing program downtown. Initially, two stations will be in the downtown area, although the exact sites are still being determined.

The organization's goal is to have the system in place by July or August with plans to expand later.

Only 23 spots remain! Rent along the Battery2Beach Route today

2011-03-07T13:40:00.000-05:00

Have you ever dreamed of renting property on Folly Beach, Isle of Palms or the Battery? Now's your chance! For only $100 a year you can rent your own quarter-mile along the Battery2Beach bike route!
The Battery2Beach Route (B2B) is an initiative of Charleston Moves and a proposed new foundation of a regional Charleston people-powered connectivity plan. The route will cover 24 miles from Isle of Palms through downtown Charleston to Folly Beach. Marked by distinctive signage, the goal is to make the route safe enough for bicycle riders of all ages and abilities. And here is how you can help..."Rent the Route" is Charleston Moves inaugural fundraising  campaign to help raise money for signage and road markings for the  Battery2Beach initiative. We started in September 2010...  

And look how far we've come! Only 23 spots remain till we reach our goal.

Here's how it works:

The 24-mile route is divided into 100 virtual tracts, each .25 miles in length. The 1/4 mile tracts are up for grabs and will be rented out for $100 each to the lucky community members who want to make their contribution to the Route.

If you would like to rent your part of the Route, fill out the information below. The Route will rent fast, so secure your section today!

Another renter! Ony 23 spots left on the Battery2Beach Route

2011-03-07T13:37:00.002-05:00

Thank you to our latest Beach Cruiser, Ruth Barrow who rented .25 miles on the Battery2Beach route. We now only have 23 spots left on the Battery2Beach route for rent!

New Renter Along the Battery2Beach Route!

2011-03-07T13:36:00.002-05:00

Another .25 mile Rented on the Battery2Beach Route. Many thanks to our latest Beach Cruiser renter Wofford Stribling. We are closer to reaching our goal, thanks to you!

Only 25 spots left along the Battery2Beach Route!

2011-03-01T13:59:00.000-05:00

A huge thank you to Mike Keck with Mike's Bikes for his generous donation to Charleston Moves. He is the newest renter of a quarter-mile along the route!

Here's how you can join in and become a renter on the Battery2Beach route:

CRUCIAL! BATTERY2BEACH ASHLEY RIVER CROSSING

2011-02-23T11:17:00.000-05:00

The Charleston County Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with Charleston Moves to move quickly on the Battery2Beach Route. But a crucial piece of the puzzle is how to get people safely across the Ashley River.
Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. proposes re-dedicating one of four lanes on a bridge over the Ashley for this purpose.
YOU CAN HELP!
Download this petition and have your board or organization vote to support taking a single lane on the Legare Bridge for people on bicycles and on foot.
When your group has taken a vote, please send an e-mail to Charleston Moves with instructions about where the signed petition may be picked up.**
In Support of Ashley Bike/Ped-Ped Lane
**if you have further questions or concerns, phone Charleston Moves at 843-579-4100.

Another half-mile rented!

2011-02-22T16:56:00.000-05:00

A BIG thank you to our newest renter, David Brodsky, for becoming the owners of a half-mile along the Battery2Beach Route! Now only 26 spots remain in our hopes of renting the entire path.

Join in and become a renter on the Battery2Beach route by clicking here

Check this out! The Reporter tries to ride the Ashley Bridge!!

2011-02-17T22:37:00.001-05:00

http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/video-biking-across-the-ashley-river-bridge/Content?oid=3117044

One mile down!

2011-02-16T13:52:00.000-05:00

Only 28 spots left to rent along the Battery2Beach Route! Thank you to Peter and Cappie Wilborn for being our newest renters of a MILE along the route. We truly appreciate your donation.

Everyone's support for Charleston cycling and the B2B initative is overwhelming. We couldn't have done it without everyone's contributions.

There is still time for you to make a difference in Charleton's biking community.

Donate today:

New Renter Along the Battery2Beach Route!

2011-02-07T10:38:00.000-05:00

Now only 32 spots remain along the route before Charleston Moves reaches its goal of renting the entire Battery2Beach route. A big thank you to our newest renters Sherry & Sonny Ray for their quarter-mile contribution.

Claim your spot today...

The Ashley Crossing Coalition: Crucial to B2B!!

2011-02-06T10:40:00.002-05:00

Here's the latest on the now-urgent matter of how we can achieve connectivity over the Ashley River in Charleston for people on foot or on bicycles.

The Post and Courier today (Sunday) published a great editorial supporting the idea of taking one of the four lanes on the Legare Bridge over the Ashley.

You can read it by clicking here.

Not only that, but the folks in favor of this plan outnumbered those opposed in a brief poll conducted by the Post and Courier. You can see the results by clicking here.

In the meantime, we're swinging into action to form a coalition to support taking a lane over the Ashley for Bike/ped. It's crucial to everything we're doing: the Battery2Beach Route, the West Ashley Greenway, The East Coast Greenway. You name a bike/ped concern (including the Sabbath-keeping of our Orthodox Jewish community) in Charleston and it's directly affected by this.

We have to win. And we've already started contacting multiple organizations to discuss cooperating with them. We need your input on who should be on the list.

Watch this space. We'll soon launch a Facebook page. It can be the central repository of information about who's committed, what we're doing, a place to sign up, a place to sign a petition, join a team, list your employer.

Don't hesitate to drop me a line at info@charlestonmoves.org with suggestions on the Facebook page or any aspect of this campaign.

33 Spots Remain on the Battery2Beach Route!

2011-01-22T12:04:00.000-05:00

Pat Sullivan of Mt. Pleasant has become the newest renter of a quarter-mile on the B2B Route! Only 33 spots remain on our quest to rent out the entire route!

Thanks Pat!

Another one bites the dust!

2011-01-22T12:02:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Jennifer Rone who rented .25 of a mile in honor of Uncle Bobby and Aunt Pat!

One Mile Rented to Trek Bicycle Store

2011-01-22T11:59:00.000-05:00

A big THANK YOU to Trek Bicycle Store of Mount Pleasant who rented one mile along the Battery2Beach Route! We applaud your generosity and contribution to our efforts.

New Renter Along the Battery2Beach Route!

2010-12-06T13:46:00.000-05:00

Dr. Anna Kulze and family have become the newest renters of one-mile on the Battery2Beach Route! With their help, we now only have 39 spots left to rent!

Consider giving a portion of the route as a holiday gift this year! Your renting contributes to the great cause of making a bicycle path from Folly Beach and Isle of Palms safe for all travelers!

Happy cycling!

Another one bites the dust!

2010-11-29T09:25:00.000-05:00

So thankful to Bill Baker for becoming the newest renter on the Battery2Beach Route! What a wonderful Thanksgiving surprise!

It's not too late to rent your portion of the route! The campaign continues until December 31st, so be sure to get one of the 43 spots remaining before its too late!

Thanks again and happy renting!

44 Spots Remain Up for Grabs on the B2B "Rent the Route" Campaign!

2010-11-03T12:30:00.000-04:00

After 52 spots rented, only 44 remain before the entire Battery2Beach route is rented! Check out all the spots that are left! The next one could be yours!

To "rent" the route:

Thank you to everyone so far that has donated to helping make the Battery2Beach route safer! Bicyclists all over Charleston appreciate your kind action!

"Rent the Route" has 2 New Renters!

2010-11-03T09:55:00.000-04:00

Dan Hoke and Chuck Hassold have become our newest renters of the Battery2Beach Route! Each rented a quarter-mile of the route and are helping to make B2B safe for all bikers!

Thank you for donating!

If you would like to become the next renters on the route...here's your chance!

Five New Beach Cruisers!

2010-11-01T12:49:00.002-04:00

After a successful B2B ride on Saturday, we had five very generous donors who rented portions of the route during the New Belgium After-Party! A BIG thank you to: Sandy Fowler, Su Saye, Wesley Chumley, Cathy Nixon Heibel and RiverRats (Dr. David Ploth)! Because of your support, we will continue to make the route safer for all bikers!

Will you be next? Rent your portion of the route today!

Good Turnout for Second B2B Ride...

2010-10-31T10:40:00.001-04:00

Once again, 100+ riders participated in the "Ride the Route" event Saturday..

Riders gathered at Folly Beach and the Isle of Palms and headed for the Battery at White Point Gardens in downtown Charleston. A few riders joined along the way. at the conclusion of the ride, an after-party took place at the Vendue Rooftop Bar at 25 Vendue Range, sponsored in part by New Belgium Beer . Live music was provided by Corey Webb and friends.

Once again, more quarter-mile segments of the B2B route were "rented" to support the continuing drive to improve conditions on the route.

At the after party, Charleston Moves acting director Tom Bradford told the crowd the B2B campaign was about more than the 24-mile route. "This is about how we think about our communities and what kind of places they are," he said, "about whether or not we can lead healthy lifestyles and choose whatever kind of transportation suits us."

New renter: Pearlstine Distributors in memory of Chuck Marquardt "10 Speed" renter!

2010-10-30T09:32:00.000-04:00

Thank you to Pearlstine Distributors for renting a $400 portion of the B2B Route!

Pearlstine Distributors is donating in memory of Chuck Marquardt, a avid cyclist who worked with the company.

Thank you so much!

What's your type of bike?

Renters Name for Listing

New renters! Tim and Page Walter

2010-10-27T11:10:00.000-04:00

Thank you to Tim and Page Walter for becoming $100 "Beach Cruiser" renters!

Keep em' coming!

Details for "Ride the Route" event on Saturday, October 30th

2010-10-25T14:26:00.000-04:00

NOTE: Please forward this post to anyone you think might be interested in riding the B2B route with us on Saturday!

Only a few more days until the first "Ride the Route" group ride takes place! For those of you who are new to Charleston Moves or the Battery2Beach concept, Battery2Beach is a bike route put together by the fine people at Charleston Moves that connects Isle of Palms to downtown to Folly Beach. "Ride the Route" is the first of hopefully many group rides that Charleston Moves will put together on the Battery2Beach route.

Details for Saturday, October 30th, 2010:

All participates will convene at the Folly location (Click HERE for directions) or the Isle of Palms location (Click HERE for directions) between 9:30-9:50 a.m. to prepare for departure at 10:00 a.m. Each location with have a route leader that will insure safe riding all the way to the end point at the Battery at White Point Gardens (Click HERE for directions).

Riders are encouraged to join-in on the ride at any point on the route (See places and times on the route you can join at the very bottom of this post). Please remember, you will not only have to ride to the battery, you will also have to ride back to your start location so keep that in mind when deciding where to start on the route.

The after-party will take place at the Vendue Rooftop Bar at 25 Vendue Range. All participants will be encouraged to attend and enjoy lunch, New Belgium Beer (a percentage of proceeds will go to Charleston Moves) and live music provided by Corey Webb and friends.

T-shirts will be sold for $15 each and bumper stickers will also be available for purchase for $1. All proceeds go to Charleston Moves and will be used to continue improving the B2B route!

If you have any questions please email Emily Coleman at emily@obviouslee.com.

B2B BUMPER STICKERS $1

Charleston Moves T-shirt $15

Ride from Isle of Palms:
   Leave County Park - Beach....................10:00am
   Sullivan's Island - Ben Sawyer.................10:20am
   Mt Pleasant Farmers Market...................10:40am
   Base of Ravenel Bridge - Mt Pleasant......10:50am
   Base of Ravenel Bridge - Charleston........11:00am
   White Point Gardens - Battery................11:15am
...with the back of the group cruising in behind those times

Ride from Folly Beach:
Folly Beach County Park - Beach............10:00am
Stiles Point Elementary School................10:40am
Maybank/Folly - shopping center..............11:00am
West Ashley Greenway...........................11:05am
Charleston Marina (lockwood)...................11:10am
White Point Gardens - Battery.................11:20am
...with the back of the group cruising in behind those times

New Beach Cruisers: Nico and Beth Safrit and Obviouslee Marketing

2010-10-19T15:53:00.000-04:00

Thank you to Nico and Beth Safrit and Obviouslee Marketing for both renting .25 mile sections of the B2B route!

Only 67 spots left!

What's your type of bike?

Renters Name for Listing

GREAT 24-mile bike path for rent. Perfect location close to everything Charleston has to offer!

2010-10-19T13:39:00.000-04:00

Looking for renters with the following attributes:

enjoy being outdoors and being active
want to be able to ride their bikes safely from Isle of Palms to downtown to Folly Beach
want to give back to their community positively

Don't miss out on your opportunity to rent part of the Battery2Beach route now through October 30, 2010!

First "Fat Tire" $800 rental purchased by Coastal Cyclist Bike Club!

2010-10-15T14:54:00.001-04:00

Thank you to Coastal Cyclist Bike Club for renting an $800 portion of the B2B route! Great support for a great cause!

Also, thank you to Charleston Dog Walkers for becoming "beach cruiser" renters at the $100 level!

Thank you to everyone! Only 69 more spots left! Get your spot today!

Thank you to new renters Chris Winn and Rosen & Associates, Inc.

2010-10-12T16:41:00.001-04:00

HUGE thank you to Chris Winn and Family for being the first "Ten Speed" renters of the B2B route with a $400 donation!

Also, thank you to Rosen & Associates, Inc. for being a "beach cruiser" at the $100 level!

Who's going to be next?

What's your type of bike?

Renters Name for Listing

The 9th and 10th spots offically rented!

2010-10-08T16:44:00.001-04:00

Two more spots have been claimed on our quest for renting out 96 quarter-miles along the Battery2Beach Route!! A big congratulations and thank you is in order to Stephanie & Noel Hunt and Don Sparks who have become the newest renters!

Be the next to Rent the Route!

6th, 7th & 8th spot on Battery2Beach sold!

2010-10-08T16:44:00.000-04:00

A BIG thank you to our weekend renters Harry Mulkey, Steve & Jan Warner and Robert & Rachel Prioleau! They each donated $100 and are our newest "beach cruisers."

Will you be the next to rent the route? We hope so!

Fifth-quarter mile claimed!

2010-09-22T12:49:00.000-04:00

Thank you to Joe and Elliott Dobson for becoming the renters of our fifth-quarter mile! These "beach cruisers" donated $100 to help the Battery 2 Beach Route!

We appreciate it!

Are you ready to become our sixth renter?

What's your type of bike?

Renters Name for Listing

Fourth quarter-mile rented by Charleston Civic Design Center!

2010-09-21T10:22:00.000-04:00

Thank you to the Charleston Civic Design Center for renting $100 of the Battery2Beach route! Each rental moves Charleston Moves closer to having the B2B route up and running!

Who's next?

Third quarter-mile rented by COAST Brewing Company

2010-09-20T11:21:00.003-04:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you to COAST Brewing Company for your generous donation to the Battery2Beach "Rent the Route!" COAST is the proud new "beach cruiser" renter for the B2B route!

Don't miss your chance to rent part of the route!

What's your type of bike?

Renters Name for Listing

Second quarter-mile rented by Ben and Meredith Perrone!

2010-09-20T09:58:00.000-04:00

Thank you to Ben and Meredith Perrone for their generous renting of the B2B route! Their purchase of a "beach cruiser" is just one step closer to the B2B route being completed!

Who's next?

What's your type of bike?

Renters Name for Listing

First quarter-mile rented by Upstate couple! Stan and Lynn Coleman

2010-09-17T12:05:00.000-04:00

HUGE thank you to the sale of the first quarter-mile of the Battery2Beach "Rent the Route" track to Stan and Lynn Coleman of Travelers Rest, SC! Thanks to the Coleman's for becoming "Beach Cruisers!"

Who will rent the second?

To rent your portion of the route, fill out the below! Only $100 for a quarter-mile for a year!

What's your type of bike?

Renters Name for Listing

B2B RENTERS NEEDED ASAP!

2010-09-03T15:41:00.001-04:00

Have you ever dreamed of renting property on Folly Beach, Isle of Palms or the Battery? Now's your chance! For only $100 a year you can rent your own quarter-mile along the Battery2Beach bike route!

The Battery2Beach Route (B2B) is an initiative of Charleston Moves and a proposed new foundation of a regional Charleston people-powered connectivity plan. The route will cover 24 miles from Isle of Palms through downtown Charleston to Folly Beach. Marked by distinctive signage, the goal is to make the route safe enough for bicycle riders of all ages and abilities. And here is how you can help... 

"Rent the Route" is Charleston Moves inaugural fundraising campaign to help raise money for signage and road markings for the Battery2Beach initiative.  

Here's how it will work:

The 24-mile route will be divided into 100 tracts, each approximately .25 miles in length. The 1/4 mile tracts are up for grabs and will be rented out for $100 each to the lucky community members who want to make their contribution to the Route.

So, what type of bike donor are you?

Title Sponsor:

$5,000

Corporate route marker sponsor:
$2,500

Fat Tire: 

$800

Ten Speed: 

$400

Beach Cruiser: 

$100

Each biker type will receive the following incentives:

Charleston Move's "Rent the Route" campaign will end on October 30, 2010 when we will have our inaugural "Ride the Route" group ride starting at Isle of Palms and Folly Beach and ending at the Battery (White Point Gardens).

Participants will be invited to an after party hosted by New Belgium Brewery at a secret location that will be announced closer to the event. 

For your own copy of the sponsorship packet, please email here.

If you would like to rent your part of the Route, fill out the information below. The Route will rent fast, so secure your section today!

Affordabike Moves to King Street

2010-07-01T14:45:00.000-04:00

Great bike store changes location from Saint Phillips Street to King Street. Read more in this "The Digitel" article!

Charleston Seeks Input on Bike Survey

2010-06-23T09:40:00.000-04:00

Urban planners in the City of Charleston's Civic Design Center are asking residents to fill out a bike survey — whether you own a bike or not.

The city wants to collect information from bike users about where they use their bike and how often, as well as whether they face particular problems when riding, like insufficient pathways or confusing routes. For those who don't ride a bike, the city wants to know whether there are safety or convenience issues that are preventing them from getting on two wheels.

"We tend to work with the groups that are identifiable and active (like Charleston Moves and the Holy City Bike Co-op), but they're not the sum total of the biking community," says Michael Maher, the Design Center's director. "We felt we weren't reaching those other users."

The results will be part of a city application for the League of American Bicyclist's Bicycle Friendly Communities. But the survey will likely run past the July deadline. The city expects to use the results to target future improvements to address problems for cyclists.

Check out this article on the City Paper Web site here.

To take the survey, visit the Civic Design Center online.

Battery2Beach Signage Making Its Way to the Roads

2010-06-21T11:28:00.000-04:00

Soon, Battery2Beach signs will be seen on Coleman Boulevard. After meeting with Mount Pleasant mayor, town council members and other ranking officials, Charleston Moves board members Tom Bradford, Vince Graham and Chris Tullman discussed placing B2B signs on Coleman Boulevard and Ben Sawyer Boulevard. Tentatively, the officials have agreed on the signage. Stay tuned for more details.

Be on the lookout for great changes in Mount Pleasant!

Possible B2B Signage for Route

Battery2Beach on CBS Channel 5 with Matt Horton

2010-06-03T11:58:00.003-04:00

Post and Courier Opinion Article: "Courteous Cyclist"

2010-06-01T13:36:00.000-04:00

"I'm even more impressed with the courtesy of 50 thoughtful strangers who gave me an incredible memory of little 8-year-old legs pumping away on the peddles, keeping up with the grown-ups."

B2B RIDERS "DO IT RIGHT"

2010-05-27T15:41:00.000-04:00

We're re-posting this letter to the editor of the Post and Courier, with thanks to that publication..

Courteous cyclists

Add another example to Charleston's claim on superlative courtesy -- 50 or so experienced bicyclists, fully decked out in futuristic gear on high-tech cycles, sitting at a stop sign waiting for an 8-year-old girl on a kid's bike to join them.

They were the Folly-to-Battery participants in the recent inaugural Battery2Beach ride and came to a halt while my helmet-clad daughter raced to her bike from the Stiles Point Elementary School playground. I had pulled over so my wife and daughter could ride with me behind the pack until it was out of sight. Instead, they embraced my daughter as one of their own, slowing down to let her ride up in the front until she and her mother turned back at the end of the Harbor View bike lane.

The Battery2Beach regional bicycle connectivity plan is a great idea by a great organization (www.charlestonmoves.org) that deserves the support of the Charleston community, which will be better off for it.

But I'm even more impressed with the courtesy of 50 thoughtful strangers who gave me an indelible memory of little 8-year-old legs pumping away on the pedals, keeping up with the grown-ups.

ROBY HILL

Clearview Drive

Charleston

News 2 Coverage Thursday, May 20..

2010-05-21T17:20:00.001-04:00

Wheels in Motion

2010-05-20T10:52:00.000-04:00

Read this Post and Courier article about bicycle-friendly designations from the League of American Bicyclists for Mount Pleasant. Visit the Post and Courier Web site to make comments here!

Mount Pleasant, other communities seeking bicycle-friendly designation from league

BY JESSICA JOHNSON

The Post and Courier

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Mount Pleasant Town Administrator Mac Burdette is sure the bike paths here are greener.

After reading that Greenville had received a bronze designation from the League of American Bicyclists ranking its bicycle friendliness since 2005, he thought Mount Pleasant could do the same or better.

The league tries to promote and advocate for the American cyclist. One of those ways is to rate towns based on bicycle-friendliness and offer expert guidance on what the town could do better.

Summerville, Goose Creek and Charleston recently applied for the designation, and North Charleston has discussed it informally.

Mount Pleasant is developing a plan as part of its application process.

Vonnie Gilreath, senior planner with the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments, said applying to become bicycle friendly is a yearlong process, adding that is the neat part about it.

"It gets everybody together to do an assessment ... to see what areas they need to work on," she said.

On Sullivan's Island, a committee of volunteers has formed to apply for the designation.

"Bicycles are as much a part of Sullivan's Island as is the beach. Therefore, it is appropriate to recognize the significance and benefits of bicycles on the island in terms of recreation, exercise and importance to the environment," said Andy Benke, Sullivan's Island town administrator.

"By achieving the bicycle-friendly community designation, Sullivan's Island sends a message that welcomes cyclists by providing safe accommodations," Benke said.

The League of American Bicyclists rates communities based on five criteria, one of them being encouragement.

In May, Mount Pleasant launched a series of Friday picnic bike rides from Town Hall to areas around town to encourage riding.

Mayor Billy Swails said no future major route in town would be built without a bike path. The town is set to widen portions of U.S. Highway 17 throughout town, and a marked bike lane would be included.

Swails said most of the roads in Mount Pleasant are wide enough for vehicles and bicycles, but bike lanes simply haven't been painted.

Dan Kelley, a Mount Pleasant town planner who bicycles to work each day, said one such route is the Charleston Moves Battery to Beach route, a path being developed by Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Sullivan's Island.

It would begin at the Charleston Battery, cross the Ravenel Bridge and end at the beach on Sullivan's Island.

The town also plans to improve bicycle and pedestrian paths on the Ben Sawyer Causeway, a mutual plan with Sullivan's Island.

In North Charleston, Ryan Johnson, staff assistant to the North Charleston mayor, said the city is just getting started.

Johnson said the community would be eligible because its new City Hall includes bike racks and shower facilities so that employees could bathe after a sweaty ride. Sidewalks are required in all new neighborhoods.

Johnson said they are trying to encourage people to car pool, walk and bicycle to work when they can, but have not yet developed a plan required to apply for the designation from the League of American Bicyclists.

Gilreath said it's good to have the community designation because it shows an interest in taking cars off the road and promoting health.

Gilreath said it's her hope every community in the state would do the same.

"I'd like to see the whole state bicycle friendly, one small step at a time," she said.

Reach Jessica Johnson at 937-5921 or jjohnson@postandcourier.com.

Who Needs B2B?

2010-05-19T10:47:00.004-04:00

Why do Charlestonians need Battery2Beach? Listen and watch as these avid bike riders discuss why B2B would change the way they bike and make it easier for others as well! Become a supporter!

Big thanks to Dockview Productions and Slant for their involvement in B2B!

The Folly Leg

2010-05-17T23:33:00.002-04:00

Battery2Beach Charlestonian Profile: Lisa Shimko

2010-05-17T14:08:00.005-04:00

Artist Lisa Shimko lives and works in downtown Charleston and, even with some of the bicycle drawbacks "would prefer riding my bike than doing any other form of transportation any day."

Name: Lisa Shimko
Occupation: Artist

Battery2Beach First Group Ride a Huge Success

2010-05-17T13:04:00.003-04:00

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported our first group ride on the Battery2Beach route! We had more than 100 riders join us from the meeting points on Folly Beach and Isle of Palms and bike the 15 miles to the Battery. The event was a lot of fun and we look forward to hosting more group rides in the future to promote the advantages of using alternate transportation. Please stay tuned!

B2B Ride + Do-the-Charleston: Great Day!

2010-05-17T10:55:00.001-04:00

The B2B Ride was a great success, with approximately 120 folks on bicycles taking part..
Then, the enormously successful Do-The-Charleston event on King Street..closed to traffic between Calhoun and Queen from noon to five pm.

Here are the routes for Sundays Rides!

2010-05-15T16:47:00.002-04:00

Battery2Beach First Group Ride

Sunday, May 16, 2010

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to join the ride at any point on the route.

From Folly Beach click here for route.
From Isle of Palms click here for route.

End: White Point Gardens (moving quickly to Vickery's, 15 Beaufain St.)

THEN, SLIDE RIGHT OVER TO LOWER KING STREET FOR THE DO-THE-CHARLESTON EVENT. KING STREET IS CLOSED TO CARS FOR THE AFTERNOON!!

Charlie Magazine: Paving the Cyclist Way

2010-05-13T15:14:00.004-04:00

Supporting Battery2Beach, Charlie Magazine writer Heather Mueller writes about the new route and cyclist in Charleston, SC:

PAVING THE (CYCLIST) WAY

Just picture it…a day when we can safely cycle to our cheap Southwest flight.

As of today, we’re half way there.

If you’re an avid bicyclist—or even occasional rider—you know we have a way to go on that first part.

Yes, there have been great advancements in recent years, most notably on the Cooper River Bridge, where traffic-free lanes are in constant use.

Still, in many parts of the area, bicycling is often synonymous with a continual fear of being barreled over by CARTA.

Progress doesn’t come easily, and bicycling is no exception.

But it is coming, and we’re glad to see a growing number of local influencers who are working to make Charleston a truly bicycle-friendly area.

They’re people like City Councilmember Mike Seekings who bikes so often his car has become an afterthought. He’s pushing to get a bike and pedestrian lane on the West Ashley Bridge (which will happen, he assures us). And to speed up improvements to our segment of The East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile stretch of trails that—when complete—will include 90 contiguous miles in Charleston County.

There’s also Tom Bradford, acting director of Charleston Moves. He’ll be leading a “Battery2Beach” ride this Sunday (everyone’s invited), when riders starting at Isle of Palms and Folly Beach will converge on the Battery.

The reason? To show that residents really, really want a full route that’s both safe and easy to navigate.

“I’m an experienced bicyclist, and even I’m afraid in some places,” Bradford said. “A lot of people would like to bike, but in many places we simply don’t have the option to do it.”

Of course, as we discussed in a story last July, a growing number of locals are indeed opting to commute on two wheels instead of four. And there are someroadways that are both safe and easy to navigate.

So, dear reaiders, we look to you. Where should one go to enjoy a great bike ride? And what do you think needs to happen to make Charleston truly safe for drivers and cyclists alike?

Story by: Heather Mueller

Battery2Beach Charlestonian Profile: Michael Maher

2010-05-13T14:24:00.002-04:00

Michael Maher, director of Charleston Civic Design Center, has lived in many different places all over the world but finds Charleston, SC to be "arguably one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the country." Watch as Michael tells about why he uses his bike in Charleston and how the Battery2Beach project will help his ability to use this form of transportation.

Name: Michael Maher
Age: 46
Occupation: Director of Charleston Civic Design Center

Get Ready To Ride This Sunday, May 16

2010-05-11T09:30:00.004-04:00

To mark National Bike Month, Charleston Moves is participating in two fun bike and pedestrian events this Sunday. Come join us.

First off is the inaugural B2B group ride event which will start at 10 a.m. on May 16, 2010 at two locations - Folly Beach (Riverfront Park) and Isle of Palms (parking lot at Palm Blvd. and IOP Connector). Both rides will converge at the Battery (White Point Gardens). Participants are encouraged to join the group ride at any point on the route (you can use the map links provided below).

A B2B after-party will take place at noon at Vickery's downtown. Additional information and group ride dates for the B2B campaign will be announced at this time.

The B2B group ride is being held in conjunction with the “Do the Charleston” event, a car-free day on King Street which will allow King Street merchants to promote sidewalk sales and dining from noon to 5 p.m. With the area free of car traffic, pedestrians and cyclists can easily and safely access downtown.

Battery2Beach First Group Ride

Sunday, May 16, 2010

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Start: From Folly Beach click here for route.

From Isle of Palms click here for route.

End: White Point Gardens

Participants are encouraged to join the ride at any point on the route.

Battery2Beach Charlestonian Profile: Russ Seamon

2010-05-10T13:05:00.001-04:00

Russ Seamon, project director at Urban Edge Studio, was born and raised in Charleston, SC. Listen as Russ describes why and how he rides his bike throughout the town of Mount Pleasant and downtown Charleston.

Name: Russ Seamon

Age: 29

Occupation: Project Manager, Urban Edge Studio

Favorite Music: all indie bands

Favorite Things to do in Charleston: Cooking, hunting, anything outdoors.

Battery2Beach Charlestonian Profile: Marcus Amaker

2010-04-30T16:05:00.001-04:00

Marcus Amaker, Editor of Charleston Scene knows some things about bike riding. Two years ago he sold his car and opted for a more green-friendly transportation alternative; his bike. Marcus talks about why he made the decision to sell his car and how this non-traditional commute comes easy in Charleston.

Name: Marcus Amaker

Age: 33

Occupation: Charleston Scene Editor, artist, poet, writer

Favorite Musician: Prince, Joni Mitchell

Favorite Things to do in Charleston: Living life, drinking gin, writing poetry, listening to music