Bike Walk Golden Isles has repeatedly heard from people about confusion as to the legality of riding bikes on the various pathways on St. Simons Island. BWGI has asked the Glynn County Commissioners to relieve this confusion by updating ordinances.
It is clear that Glynn County leadership believes the pathways on the Island are usable for bicycling. One can see that through efforts to widen the walks and occasional signage. There is, however, nothing in County ordinances that designates the pathways as such. Many riders have defaulted to state law, which says only those age 12 and under can ride a bike on the sidewalk. Designate them as multiuse paths in the County ordinances and the situation becomes clearer.
In addition, crosswalk procedures should be clarified. Common sense says that anyone in a crosswalk should be protected from being hit by a motor vehicle, especially if a signal beacon has been activated.
Bike Walk Golden Isles has offered a list of actions to Glynn County staff that should be undertaken to enhance the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. To date, nothing on this list has been done. Now is the time for the Glynn County Commissioners to take action on this important topic.
To clarify where bikes can be ridden on Saint Simons Island, the following language should be introduced into the Glynn County ordinances. An example of some appropriate language can be found here.
The following sidewalks/paths along the following roads/streets can be used by those on pedal-powered two-wheel and three-wheel vehicles, as well as Class 1 and Class 2 E-bikes:
Torras Causeway, entire length.
Sea Island Road from the end of the Torras Causeway to Hamilton Road.
Kingsway, entire length from the intersection of Sea Island Road to Mallery Street.
Mallery Street from Ocean Blvd./Kingsway to Demere Road.
Ocean Blvd., entire length from Mallery Street to East Beach Causeway.
Ocean Road, entire length from East Beach Causeway to end of road.
East Beach Causeway from Ocean Road/Blvd. to Demere Road.
Old Demere Road (entire length).
Frederica Road, entire length, from Kingsway to End of path at Christ Church.
South Harrington Road from Frederica Road to Silver Oaks Lane.
Lawrence Road from Frederica Road to Butler Lake Drive.
Sea Island Causeway from Frederica Road to entrance to Sea Island.
Riders of bicycles as described above have the right of way over motorized vehicles and may ride bikes across intersections provided they follow all cautionary signs and utilize any electrified signals prior to crossing.
If not already in the ordinances, it should also be stated that parking on any sidewalk is illegal.
In addition to codifying these pathways, Glynn County should consider the following enhancements to the pathways. Each trail/walk should be marked with the sign (see example) at each end and approximately every 1000 feet or so. Adding instructions for passing walkers, runners or slower riders would also be useful. Intersections should be marked in a consistent fashion, or not at all.
Maintenance of the walkways needs to be upgraded. Tasks should include replacing uneven pavement, cutting back intruding overhead obstructions, and ensuring the full width of the pathway is cleared back to the edge. Glynn County should continue to seek opportunities to widen all pathways designated for use by bicyclists to a minimum of 8”.
An immediate need is to add a signalized crossing on Ocean Blvd. at Sea Island Elementary School.
