Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr.

P.O. Box 21625 Charleston, SC 29413 843-608-0303

City of Charleston, South Carolina P.O. Box 652 Charleston, SC 29402 Dear Mayor Riley: October 9, 2012

I speak for a large number of residents of Charleston and the Lowcountry who are frustrated with the impasse over re-opening the James Island Connector for use by people other than motorists. The City of Charleston once appeared extremely supportive of the efforts that quickly delivered legislative relief in Columbia. Yet now, no one seems able to muster the will to follow through here in our home city. It is long past time that we see cyclists (and runners) back on the Connector I realize that an ordinance must be drafted, to be approved by City Council. I do not underestimate the possible complexity of that task. However, Im puzzled at the need for a study of additional safety measures and the apparent lack of funds for it. At this rate, it could take years to clear hurdles in Charleston, the city that once expressed chagrin that the Connector was being closed to cyclists. If the city insists on conducting a study about how safety can be improved, and if funds are scarce, we urge you to become creative in finding them. Why, for example, cant a portion of revenues derived from traffic fines be used? We established that there was a class of people who depended upon two wheels for essential transportation, and that the Connector was by far the safest route for them between James Island and the peninsula. We also established that any individuals right to this choice is clear. Lets follow through on this. As always, we stand ready to assist in any way we can.

Tom Bradford, Director