The City of Greenville, South Carolina, mobilized City resources to implement three projects to enhance walking: a pedestrian-friendly downtown revitalization, neighborhood sidewalk improvements and neighborhood traffic management. Downtown Greenville, once a dying commercial district, has been revitalized as a 24-hour office/financial/residential district with enjoyable pedestrian ways.
Greenville is further enhancing the area by developing a significant riverfront public garden. The centerpiece of the garden will be a unique pedestrian bridge, which will replace an ugly vehicle bridge which now obstructs a scenic waterfall in the middle of downtown Greenville. In addition, since 1997, the city has undertaken a multi-million dollar rehabilitation of its sidewalks. A citizen committee designed a ranking system that gives priority to sidewalks near schools and recreation centers. The new and rehabilitated sidewalks have been augmented by the installation of marked pedestrian crosswalks and new pedestrian signals.
The City also initiated the first Neighborhood Traffic Management program in South Carolina. The program involves citizen volunteers and professional traffic engineers in the selection and design of traffic improvements, including speed humps, traffic circles, landscaped medians and other devices. The improvements have contributed to slower vehicle speeds and increased livability in city neighborhoods. The city received an award from America Walks in 2003.
Goal
Improve pedestrian access