We’re raising funds to build a safer community for our children and all the citizens of Greenville County.
There’s little doubt that Greenville County roads are dangerous for pedestrians. In fact, South Carolina pedestrians sustain fatal injuries at double the national average. As Greenville County grows, and more people walk and bike our roads, that tragic statistic will surely rise.
What’s more, only 20% of the county’s elementary schools are walkable. That means most children can’t walk or bike to school without exposing themselves to danger. And without gaining the health benefits of getting to school on their own two feet – or wheels!
Bike Walk Greenville has taken a leadership position in advocating for more sidewalks and bike lanes. Our mission is to make Greenville County a healthier, safer and more vibrant place to live. And our current fundraising goal is to raise $35,000 for paid staff to help advance our cause. We have already secured a $10,000 matching grant!
So, please donate and help us make our roads safer for everyone. Your contribution is tax deductible.
Below is our short history of what we have done to date:
BWG was formed in early 2013 and obtained our 501(c)3 tax exempt charity designation in 2014. In our first two years we have accomplished the following as an all volunteer organization:
- Created a tool on our website that allows community members to suggest sidewalk and bike lane locations. To date, nearly 800 suggestions have been submitted, including many in July 2105 in conjunction with the Piedmont Health Care transportation study. This underlines the community’s desire for a more bike and walk friendly environment, and makes our role that much more important.
- Partnered with Upstate Forever and Livewell Greenville to fund and facilitate the preparation of the first-ever Greenville County Bike Walk Plan – The Safe Routes to School, Work and Recreation Plan – prepared by Alta Planning + Design in late 2013.
- Ensured bike and pedestrian needs were an integral part of the discussion regarding transportation needs when County Council created the Roads Commission that led to the November 2014 sales tax referendum by recruiting speakers for all public meetings and presenting the Commission with a copy of the Bike Walk Plan referenced above. As a result, the commission included 101 pedestrian and bicycle projects valued at $48 million as a part of the referendum.
- Worked closely with the Chamber-led group advocating for passage of the referendum. Our role focused on education, versus lobbying, including the production and promotion of a short animated video about the childhood health benefits of walking and biking to school. Although the referendum was defeated, we established BWG as the voice for active transportation in Greenville County through that process.
BWG is one of nearly 200 similar local advocacy organizations that are members of the Alliance for Biking and Walking.