At Bike Walk Greenville, we believe that our streets are for everyone—whether you walk, bike, or roll. That’s why, in collaboration with the Greenville Spinners, we organize monthly community rides, known as “Community Rolls,” designed to highlight safe, enjoyable routes that connect people to places in Greenville, SC. In February, in honor of Black History Month, we partnered with the Greenville Spinners to create a unique and meaningful ride that explored significant cultural landmarks and stories from Greenville’s Black community. Many of these historical sites are also included in the City of Greenville Black History bus tour – check out the self-guided route packet here, and see our route and Points of Interest (POI) notes at the end of this post.
Placemaking on Two Wheels
Our Community Rolls aren’t just about the ride—they’re about creating a deeper connection to the places we move through. By thoughtfully selecting stops along our seven-mile route, we elevated a simple bike ride into an interactive learning experience. Stops included historic sites, public art installations, and neighborhoods with rich histories, where local leaders and historians shared insights about Black culture and contributions in Greenville.
Designing Routes for Low-Stress Biking
One of our main goals in organizing these rides is to demonstrate how to navigate Greenville on a bike using low-stress road networks. We carefully map out each route to prioritize bike-friendly streets, greenways, and traffic-calmed areas. The February ride incorporated sections of the Swamp Rabbit Trail network, allowing participants to experience firsthand how connected infrastructure makes active transportation safer and more accessible.
Expanding Community Engagement: Strolls and More
Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand our programming with Community Strolls—monthly walking events that offer a similar experience for those who prefer to explore Greenville on foot. Each month’s route and theme will be different, highlighting new aspects of our city’s history, culture, and infrastructure. Whether rolling or strolling, our goal is to continue fostering community connections and advocating for better walking and biking conditions for all.
Join us next month for another exciting Community Roll, and stay tuned for our first Community Stroll! Follow Bike Walk Greenville for updates on upcoming events, routes, and themes.
Resources
If you weren’t able to join us, we encourage you to explore the route and learn about local history on a self-guided tour! The route is available here and POI notes are available here. If you have suggestions for future routes, please email mary@bikewalkgreenville.org.
