about us
MISSION
To make Hilton Head Island safer and more bicycle and pedestrian friendly.
who WE ARE
A group of Hilton Head Island residents and business owners who are actively involved in making the island more bicycle and pedestrian friendly for everyone. BWHHI is led by a Board of Directors, who work closely with the Town of Hilton Head and Hilton Head-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce to set and achieve yearly goals. This includes working with these entities to maintain Hilton Head Island's Gold Bike Friendly Community standing.
our history
In 2006, a small group of biking enthusiasts led by Frank Babel formed a bicycling advocacy organization for Hilton Head Island called the the Squeaky Wheels Bicycle Advocacy Group. Their purpose was to raise awareness of and promote biking on HHI and to improve the island’s biking facilities and safety through collaborative efforts with the municipality and the Greater Island Council.
Through this work, it became evident that a broader collaborative platform was needed to improve biking on the island identified as the League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community Program. The Town’s elected officials recognized the value of this program and with Squeaky Wheels, collaborated on a workshop with the League identify areas of opportunity.
In 2011, because of HHI’s impressive biking infrastructure, the Pedal 4 Kids community bike ride and a number of safety, access and education initiatives achieved in the five years proceeding, the League awarded the Town the Silver Bicycle Friendly Community Award, the highest ranked in the state of SC.
One of the suggestions for improvement provided by the League was to establish a formalized bicycling coordination group and so for this reason, and to maintain the momentum of improvement, the HHI Bicycle Advisory Committee was formed. In 2021, the group reorganized into Bike Walk Hilton Head Island. Today, local advocates, local bike shop owners, biking, pedestrian and other pathway user enthusiasts and citizens form the Board of Directors and members.
when WE MEET
The BWHHI membership meets annually to review key issues affecting the island's bicycle and pedestrian community. The Board of Directors meets monthly.
OUR funding
The Hilton Head Island Bicycling Support Fund is BWHHI’s Field of Interest Non-Endowed Fund held by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. Donations collected through this fund go towards our operating expenses, including insurance for the Bike Ambassador's Program.
OUR partners
Our partners play an integral role in all that we do to raise awareness for bicycling and pedestrian safety, education and access on Hilton Head Island.
local affiliations
Many of our committee members participate in local charity causes, as well as ride in local bike clubs. Contact us if you would like to learn more about any of these events or bike clubs.
Chain Gang
Hilton Head Cycling Club
Easy Riders
Pedal for the Boys and Girls Club of Hilton Head Island
Rotary of Hilton Head Island Annual Scavenger Hunt and Raffle
Rotary of Hilton Head Island Vulnerable Users Vest Program
RBC Heritage Bike Parking
What We've Achieved
League of American Bicyclists' Gold Bike Friendly Community standing.
Support for bike friendly parking at local community events, including RBC Heritage and Concours de' Elegance.
Bike Ambassador's Program
The first regional Biking Symposium in the Southeastern U.S.
Served as a Focus Group for the Town of Hilton Head Island "Our Future" Vision program.
Advocated for new signage for safety on Hilton Head Island's bike path along William Hilton Parkway.
Continued safety education and training for our island communities and POA groups.
Click here to read more in our latest newsletter!