Mount Pleasant, S.C. – Residents of Toler’s Cove, a neighborhood located between Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island, are raising alarms about safety at a dangerous intersection. The area, situated along the Ben Sawyer Boulevard bike path, has become a hotspot for accidents involving both drivers and bicyclists.
Rising Safety Concerns
Residents have expressed frustration over blind spots and bicyclists speeding down the Ben Sawyer Bridge. Marie-Louise Ramsdale, a Toler’s Cove resident, recalled an incident that occurred a week and a half ago, where a cyclist came speeding down the bike path and collided with a car pulling out of Toler’s Cove. The crash left the woman unconscious in the road.
“It was a terrifying scene,” Ramsdale said. “We’ve seen many incidents like this since I’ve lived here. It’s a dangerous area, especially with the speed of cyclists coming off the bridge.”
Community Advocacy
Several other residents also witnessed the crash and shared their concerns during the town’s August 4 transportation meeting. David Quick, a Mount Pleasant resident and avid cyclist, highlighted the problem during the meeting, calling it a “design flaw” and stressing the need for more driver caution. “The bike lane curves too close to Toler’s Cove, making it a dangerous spot,” Quick added.
Previous Safety Measures
In response to earlier concerns, the town has made some changes to improve safety, including the installation of a stop sign, a high-visibility crosswalk, a new stop bar, and the removal of some vegetation to improve visibility. However, residents feel that these measures are not enough.
Calls for Further Action
At the town meeting, Mike Tinkey, a Mount Pleasant council member, acknowledged the concerns and proposed additional solutions. “Anything that slows down cyclists coming off the bridge is important,” Tinkey said. “Rumble strips, caution signs, or even a stop sign could help. Moving the bike path further out from the road would also be a good solution, ensuring cyclists are not too close to drivers.”
Residents are also worried about marina visitors, contractors, and delivery drivers who may be unfamiliar with the area, further contributing to the risks. Ramsdale has been advocating for changes for over a year and remains concerned about a future fatal accident in the area. “We often see bikers coming at high speeds, and no matter how cautious we are, it’s hard to see them in time,” Ramsdale said. “We’re all worried that one day, someone will be seriously hurt or even killed.”
Next Steps and Government Involvement
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is currently working on solutions for the area and will provide an update during the next transportation meeting in Mount Pleasant next month. Residents are hopeful that more action will be taken to prevent future accidents.
