Looking Back at 2019

To all of you who participated in HHI bicycling and the work of the HHI Bicycling Advisory Committee this year, we thank you for your time and contributions.  We wish you and your families a special holiday season and excellent New Year.

As we bring this year to a close, 2019 was a year of continued accomplishments for biking on Hilton Head Island and your Bicycle Advisory Committee.  Here is a brief recap to wrap up the year:

Recognition and Achievements

  • The BAC provided content information to Town staff who submitted a successful Bicycle Friendly Community renewal application to the League of American Bicyclists.  HHI received its second consecutive gold level Bicycle Friendly Community designation, one of 7 gold awards on the east coast, 34 nationally.  Award good until 2023.

  • For 5 consecutive years, Biking on HHI trails recognized on Trip Advisor as the #1 “Best Thing to Do on HHI” with five star 98% excellence rating.

Advocacy

  • Advocated for bike and pedestrian safety with numerous recommendations to the Town of HHI, elected officials and other entities on infrastructure improvements, policy and ordinance changes and programs.

  • Continues to work with Town staff implementing Complete Streets practices in Town projects.  Members of the BAC Steering Committee created draft Complete Streets policy for Town consideration which remains a work in process.     

  • Frank Babel, BAC Co-Chair, was appointed to HHI’s US 278 Gateway Corridor Committee advocating for safe bike/ped access between HHI and the mainland.

  • BAC members Frank Babel and Bob Brewer members in new Beaufort County Bike/Ped Task Force creating a county-wide bike/ped plan as part of the Beaufort County Comprehensive Plan update process.

  • BAC joined South Carolina Livable Communities Alliance.

  • The BAC is working with Town staff and POA’s on motorized vehicle and e-bike issues and policies.

  • BAC members have been active in providing input to community groups involved with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan update process and have been supporting the Town’s Parks & Recreation Master Plan Task Group. 

On-Going Projects and Programs

  • Maintained and growing HHI Biking Ambassador program with new leadership, 15 newly trained Ambassadors and appreciation luncheon.

  • Partnerships with HHI Kiwanis on special event bike parking (4,000+ bikes parked at RBC Heritage) and HHI Rotary on Vulnerable Users vest program (300+ vests distributed) continues.  Assisted HHI Rotary with bicycle oriented Scavenger Hunt fund raiser in May 2019.

Events and Special Projects

  • Developed, marketed and supported robust National Bike Month programs.

  • Reached partnership agreement with HHI/Bluffton Chamber on May 2021 HHI Biking Symposium

  • Under Linda Warnock’s leadership, conducted League Certified Instructor (LCI) education & training program on HHI.  Five new HHI LCI’s trained.

  • Conducted six bicycle safety education training classes with various audiences and teamed with Town of HHI and POA’s in various safety and bicycle skills training events during the year.

  • Assisted Pedal HHI in achieve record 2019 Pedal HHI results benefitting the HHI Boys & Girls Club (Russ Whiteford elected chair of HHI B&GC).

  • Partnered with Culture HHI on Cultural Trail map project and created and supported arts & cultural events which included bicycle safety tips.

  • Created and began implementation of action plan for HHI Bicycle Support Fund to fund BAC financial needs.   

MAY IS BIKE MONTH!

ENJOY THESE #BIKEMONTH EVENTS!

Wednesday, May 8th

FREE Historic Sites Bike Ride Presented by The Heritage Library + Culture HHI. Bikes Provided!
Registration Required - Visit http://HeritageLib.org to register!
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Saturday, May 11th

Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island Feeding Frenzy Scavenger Hunt.
Contact Mike Hills for details: mikehills423@gmail.com
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Wednesday, May 15th

Ride of Silence - Leave from Street Meet in Port Royal Plaza at 6:30pm
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Friday, May 17th

National Bike to Work Day!
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Saturday, May 18th

Hilton Head Island Community Beach Bike Ride at Coligny Beach - Meet at Coligny Beach Park at 10:30am. 1 hour and 1/2 hour rides.

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WE NEED YOUR HELP

As part of the Bicycle Friendly Community review process, the League of American Bicyclists wants your input to gain a better understanding of local bicyclists experiences on Hilton Head Island.  Please take a few moments to complete the survey by clicking the link here. 

Whether you bike every day or only occasionally, we encourage you to take the survey and please share it with your friends that bike as well. The survey takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete and includes optional questions. The survey will remain open through Sunday, March 24th. 

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