Safety: Figures released by NHTSA in February of 2011 show South Carolina's bicycle and pedestrian death rates declining again for 2009. While remaining in the 'top five' worst states nationally in terms of the per capita deaths to pedestrians, South Carolina went from 4th place to 5th place. This is based on 89 fatalities documented during 2009, the third year in a row to witness a decrease in the number of pedestrian fatalities on our roads and streets. Our 2009 state pedestrian fatality rate of 1.95 pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 population is down from the rate of 2.23 in 2008, yet it remained above the national average of 1.33 which also improved for 2009.
The year 2009 ended with 11 cyclist fatalities as a result of crashes with a motor vehicle. This is 3 fewer persons killed than in 2008 and the lowest number in 6 years. South Carolina's cyclist fatality rate dropped from 3.13 fatalities per million population (in 2008) to 2.41 in 2009. In relative terms, SC improved from being the 5th highest state in the nation in 2008 to the 11th from the top in 2009, breaking out of the 'top ten.' South Carolina moved ever closer to having a cycling fatality rate more consistent with the national rate of 2.05 in 2009.
Air Quality: Improving our air quality involves identifying and managing sources of air pollution. One of the major sources of certain types of air pollution is the motor vehicle. As South Carolina continues to increase in population and in numbers of vehicles on our roads, we need to look for ways to reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled. Motor vehicles generally have the highest level of pollution output per mile in the first few miles of operation-those miles before the engine has warmed up. That is why it is important to be able to use walking or cycling as substitute modes for more and more short trips.
Public Health: Walking and cycling are modes of transportation you can use to lose weight, increase your cardiovascular health and stay fit.
Energy: The South Carolina Energy Office offers information on Energy conservation.
Economy: Facilities that support the recreational use of cycling by tourists can offer economic benefits to our citizens.
Links of Interest:
South Carolina Department of Public Safety Crash Data
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (Bureau of Air Quality)
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (Eat Smart Move More SC)
USC Arnold School of Public Health Prevention Research Center
The South Carolina Energy Office
PDF documents:
NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts 2008 - Pedestrians
NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts 2008 - Bicyclists and Other Cyclists
NCDOT report 'Pathways to Prosperity - the Economic Impact of Investments in Bicycle Facilities' (1.1Mb)
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Getting Around in South Carolina
