Richland Penny Program holds meeting on bikeway projects

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — The Richland Penny Program is hoping to make the roads a little more friendly for bikers. They held a public meeting about proposed bikeway projects on Monday. The 87 projects they’ve been considering were approved by voters in a referendum in 2012. On Monday, they informed community members about 14 of the projects they hope to get done this year. Public input will not affect where they’re located, but how they’re installed. The county gets $3 million to bring bike projects to life this year. “We’re gonna hit that goal and keep on until we get all 87 completed,” Richland County transportation director Rob Perry says. Community members see three very specific benefits to more accessible bike-riding. Economics, health and transportation. “You ride your bike and health problems go away,” Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association president John Gibbons says. Richland County Penny program committee members are using factors like speed limit and traffic data to decide what kind of bikeway is installed. Class I is a bike path. This is an independent thoroughfare. Class II is a bike lane- two paint lines designate the area meant for bikers. Class III is a bike route- one paint lane indicates to drivers that they need to “share” the road with bikers. Perry says your concerns range from road safety to parking availability, but feedback from everyone is helpful. To view the program’s interactive map of the projects, be sure to check online at, richlandpenny.com/.