SIDEWALKS & BIKE PATHS
Safe ways to walk and bike, built into every project.
Sidewalks, protected bike lanes, shared use paths, and a bridge connecting West Ashley and North Charleston, with bicycle and pedestrian access considered in the design of every project in the program. [1]
 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
The stakes.
In too much of Charleston County, the only way to reach a school, a store, or a bus stop on foot is the shoulder of a road built for cars only. This plan treats that as a design problem and fixes it at the source. County Council wrote the requirement directly into the ballot language: all featured projects, intersection projects, pavement management projects, and all other projects shall consider the inclusion of bicycle, pedestrian, and public transit access in the design process, as contextually appropriate. [1] On top of that, the program dedicates $77 million specifically to bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and $115 million to redesigning the intersections with the worst crash records. [2]
Featured project: the Better North Bridge.
A $90 million connection between West Ashley and North Charleston. [2] Today, no safe walking or biking route links two of the county's biggest population centers. The Better North Bridge changes that, connecting neighborhoods, jobs, and the growing path network on both sides of the Ashley River. It is funded in the published program with $45 million on each side. [2]
Already delivered.
The existing half cent has already built 49 miles of bike, pedestrian, and shared use paths across the county, alongside 69 intersection improvements. [3] Renewal continues that work and closes the gaps, prioritizing routes to schools, parks, and transit stops, with crossings and curb ramps built to current accessibility standards.
SOURCES:
[1] Charleston County news release, third and final reading, July 21, 2026 (ballot language design requirement). https://www.charlestoncounty.org/news/2026/charleston-county-council-approves-third-and-final-reading-of-2026-transportation-sales-tax-ordinance.pdf
[2] Charleston County 2026 Transportation Sales Tax program one pager, July 21, 2026 ($77 million bike and pedestrian, $115 million intersections, Better North Bridge at $45 million plus $45 million). https://charlestontransportation.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/TST-Program-One-Pager_July-21.pdf
[3] Charleston County Transportation Development, program impact page (49 miles of paths, 69 intersections). https://charlestontransportation.com/impact/