Mount Pleasant Town Council voted Tuesday to expand bike lanes along West Coleman Boulevard, approving nine additional segments in a $2.8 million project that builds on the recently completed Shem Creek Bridge cycling infrastructure.

The 7-2 vote authorizes staff to begin design work for protected bike lanes stretching from the bridge to Chuck Dawley Boulevard, connecting existing bike infrastructure with residential areas and commercial districts along the busy corridor.

Councilwoman Kathy Landing said the project addresses safety concerns raised by residents who use the Shem Creek Bridge bike lanes but face gaps in protected cycling routes.

“We’ve created a bridge to nowhere if cyclists can’t safely continue their journey,” Landing said during Tuesday’s meeting. “This fills critical gaps in our transportation network.”

The project represents the largest expansion of cycling infrastructure in Mount Pleasant since the town completed its comprehensive transportation plan in 2022. Construction will begin in spring 2025, with completion expected by late 2026.

Opposition centered on traffic concerns and parking impacts. Councilman Jake Rambo voted against the measure, citing complaints from Coleman Boulevard business owners who fear reduced vehicle access will hurt sales.

“We’re prioritizing a small group of recreational cyclists over the thousands of cars and businesses that depend on this road,” Rambo said.

The bike lane segments will include:

• Protected lanes with concrete barriers from Shem Creek Bridge to Live Oak Drive
• Painted buffer zones with flexible posts from Live Oak Drive to Rifle Range Road
• Intersection improvements at six major cross streets
• New traffic signals at Coleman and Hungryneck boulevards
• Additional parking on side streets to offset spaces lost to bike infrastructure

Funding comes from a combination of federal transportation grants ($1.9 million), state bicycle and pedestrian funds ($600,000), and town capital reserves ($300,000). The Federal Highway Administration approved the grant application in September after a two-year review process.

Town Administrator Eric DeMoura said the project aligns with regional transportation goals and could position Mount Pleasant for additional federal infrastructure funding. The Biden administration has prioritized bicycle and pedestrian projects in recent grant cycles.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to multimodal transportation,” DeMoura said. “It also makes us competitive for future federal dollars.”

The Shem Creek Bridge bike lanes opened in August after a $4.2 million reconstruction project. Town officials report average daily usage of 180 cyclists, exceeding initial projections of 120 daily users.

Business impacts remain a key concern for some council members. The Coleman Boulevard corridor generates an estimated $85 million in annual retail sales and employs roughly 2,400 people, according to town economic development data.

Restaurant owner Patricia Mills, whose establishment sits near the proposed Live Oak Drive intersection improvements, said the project could hurt customer parking during peak dining hours.

“I support bike safety, but this feels like it’s being rushed without adequate input from affected businesses,” Mills said during public comment.

The town will hold three public meetings in January to review detailed design plans and address specific business concerns. Property owners within 300 feet of proposed improvements will receive individual notices about the sessions.

Similar bike lane expansions across the Charleston region have produced mixed results. The city’s King Street protected lanes saw increased cycling usage but generated ongoing complaints about delivery truck access and ride-share pickup zones.

Mount Pleasant’s project includes dedicated loading zones for businesses and modified traffic signal timing to maintain vehicle flow during peak hours. Town traffic engineers project minimal impact on drive times for most users.

The Charleston County Planning Commission has identified the Coleman Boulevard corridor as a priority connection in its regional bicycle master plan. The county provided technical assistance and traffic modeling for Mount Pleasant’s project design.

Construction will occur in three phases to minimize disruptions:

• Phase 1: Shem Creek Bridge to Live Oak Drive (spring 2025)
• Phase 2: Live Oak Drive to Rifle Range Road (fall 2025)
• Phase 3: Final striping and signal installation (spring 2026)

Local cycling advocacy group Lowcountry Bike Coalition praised the council’s decision. Executive Director Michael Santos called it “a significant step toward making our roads safer for all users.”

The project requires South Carolina Department of Transportation approval for signal modifications and lane reconfiguration. Town staff expects that review to conclude by February.

Council will receive monthly construction updates and can modify or halt the project if significant problems emerge. The town has allocated an additional $200,000 contingency fund for unexpected costs or design changes.

As part of broader regional Politics & Government initiatives, Mount Pleasant’s bike infrastructure investments reflect growing pressure on local governments to address transportation alternatives and climate concerns while managing economic development priorities.

Next steps include final engineering reviews, contractor selection, and community outreach sessions scheduled for January 15, 22, and 29 at Town Hall.