Charleston cyclists want access to bridge

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Bicycle riders in Charleston want access restored to a bridge to James Island.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported (http://bit.ly/x0S09d) that the group Charleston Moves has written state transportation officials asking that they be allowed to ride bikes on the bridge, calling it the safest alternative available for riders.

The road was closed to riders after a cyclist was struck and killed on the bridge last summer.

But Tom Bradford of Charleston Moves says the James Island connector is the best alternative for riders going from Charleston’s peninsula to the island. Bradford says an alternative bridge is more dangerous because it is more narrow and slippery.

The state Department of Transportation last week put up signs prohibiting bicycles and pedestrians from using the James Island bridge.

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Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com