On April 2, 2025, Bike Walk Greenville held our first ever Community Stroll in the heart of Travelers Rest, bringing neighbors together to walk, learn, and discuss exciting new improvements for people who walk, bike, and roll. With support from local partners and community members, we explored current conditions on foot and facilitated an open discussion about several major pedestrian and bike infrastructure projects coming to the area.
Spotlight on Upcoming Projects
During the stroll, we highlighted several important changes coming to Travelers Rest:
- Diagonal Crossing at Main and McElhaney Near Sunrift and Tandem: This long-awaited project is finally under contract and will be installed later this year. It’s a major win for pedestrian safety and something we’ve been advocating for since 2016. The crossing will stop motor vehicles in all directions so that pedestrians and trail users can cross in the crosswalks or diagonally where the trail switches from the west to east side of Main Street.
- A New Traffic Signal at Tubbs Mountain Road and North Poinsett Highway: This long-awaited improvement will make a significant difference in crossing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
- A Multi-Use Path on the North Side of North Poinsett: Designed to accommodate both walkers and bikers, this new path will create a much-needed safe corridor along a busy roadway.
- Improved Crosswalks at Center Street and McElhaney Road: These crosswalk upgrades will improve visibility and safety for pedestrians, especially near local schools and neighborhoods.
- Crosswalk Realignment at South Main Street and Old Buncombe Road: The existing crosswalk will be moved slightly south to align with the nearby intersection, improving access and safety for trail users.
- UGATA Trail Connector to YMCA: Our friends at Upstate Greenways and Trails Alliance (UGATA) are building a trail connector to access the YMCA, with expected completion this summer. The section from Inspiration Way to the YMCA is already complete and usable.
- Trail Paint and Wayfinding Updates from Greenville County: The Swamp Rabbit Trail is getting a fresh update with new paint and improved signage. New features include mile markers every 0.1 mile to indicate locations for use by maintenance crews and emergency responders. Road names have also been added at intersections to assist with navigation. Once this work is complete, the center line will be repainted along the trail. This center line is an important safety feature—it helps guide trail users with vision impairments, encourages safe passing, and discourages drivers from mistaking the trail for a road.
- New Trailside Artwork Coming Soon: Keep your eyes peeled for some fun new trailside art in Travelers Rest! This artwork celebrates the development of Traveler’s Rest into a destination in and of itself – thanks in large part to the Swamp Rabbit Trail connectivity that has brought tourism and new residents to the area. The artwork will be officially unveiled in May—stay tuned for more!
Building a Walkable, Connected Community
As we walked through town, participants shared personal stories and concerns about walking in Travelers Rest—from tricky intersections to missing sidewalks. These conversations help shape our advocacy work and build the momentum needed for long-term change. The Community Stroll provided a chance for residents to visualize the impact these new projects will have and to voice their hopes for even more improvements in the future.
A New Chapter in Community Engagement
The April event marked our first Community Stroll, and it won’t be the last. Just like our Community Rolls by bike, these walking events are designed to highlight placemaking, promote safety, and elevate the voices of local residents. Each month’s route and focus will change, but our mission stays the same: to make Greenville County safer and more accessible for all who walk, bike, and roll.
Want to get involved? Follow Bike Walk Greenville to learn about our upcoming Community Strolls and Community Rolls, check out our calendar of events, and join us in walking toward a more connected future.
