Who We Are

Our Mission

Bike/Walk Summerville is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that advocates for safer active transportation options within the greater Summerville area.

Bike/Walk Summerville is a volunteer-run nonprofit that started out as a Facebook Group raising awareness in 2019, and is now operating as a 501c3 Nonprofit that hosts community events, performs community service to benefit our community, and keeps the community informed on bicycle and pedestrian issues within the town of Summerville, Dorchester County, and Berkeley County.

Our Purpose

We accomplish this objective by:

Creating opportunities to gather and serve the bicycle and pedestrian community in order to achieve greater visibility and raise awareness for our community’s needs
Address barriers to participating in alternative transportation options while collaborating with local governments, businesses, and organizations

The organization serves to create a safer, accessible, economically vibrant and equitable Summerville to create a more connected region within the Lowcountry

Our Vision

We believe that when our local municipalities, accomodate all modes of travel in our streets, we will not only create safe streets for pedestrians and bicyclists, we can also create solutions to the Summerville area's most pressing issues including:

Reducing Traffic Congestion
- More Biking and Walking means less cars on the road
Preserve the small town feeling of Summerville without stifling growth
Support our Local Economy and Small Businesses
- Saving Parking Spots by encouraging walking/biking in town
- Slowing vehicle speeds leading to greater walkability, and Sales Tax for towns/counties
- Increase Tourism while reducing traffic impact
Safe Streets for All
- Creating safe streets for all modes of travel, no matter your ability or circumstance
- No matter your age, ability, or income, our streets should be designed for all who travel them

Our Origin Story

Honoring Megan Jenkins and Advocating for Safer Roads

Bike/Walk Summerville was founded in the wake of a tragic loss that deeply impacted our community. On the morning of September 8, 2019, Megan Jenkins, a guidance counselor at Ashley Ridge High School, was struck and killed while cycling on U.S. 78 in Dorchester County, South Carolina. The driver who caused this tragedy was not held accountable for their actions beyond a small traffic citation, sparking outrage and a call for change.

Megan Jenkins was known for her dedication to her students and athletes, embodying the spirit of encouragement and support. Her untimely death highlighted a critical issue: the need for safer, more accessible roads for cyclists and pedestrians. In response, the Bike/Walk Summerville Facebook Group was created to honor Megan’s legacy by advocating for improved road conditions and greater safety measures for all road users.

Our mission is driven by the belief that every person deserves to travel safely, whether on foot or by bicycle. We are committed to raising awareness, engaging with the community, and advocating for meaningful changes that will make our streets safer.