Petition for bicycle lanes on Maybank sent to DOT

Almost 2,000 people say they want bicycle lanes on Maybank Highway on James Island, but it's unclear if they'll get their wish.

Charleston Moves, a nonprofit cycling advocacy group, began circulating a petition late last month after it learned that the state Department of Transportation wasn't planning on adding bike lanes as it finished resurfacing Maybank between Folly Road and Riverland Drive.

The petition was signed by 1,980 people and has been sent to DOT Secretary Buck Limehouse. A message left at DOT Wednesday was not returned. Charleston Mayor Joe Riley also wrote Limehouse a letter supporting the addition of bike lanes.

Tom Bradford, director of Charleston Moves, said such lanes could be created by narrowing the four traffic lanes, as well as the middle turn lane.

"In other localities, organizations like ours don't have to remind the

DOT to do this stuff anymore," he said. "The DOT has committed to do this stuff. They're just not doing it."

Bradford said roads like Maybank Highway are a primary reason why the state has been ranked as the second-most dangerous in the nation for cyclists.

Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com.