First “Show Congress” Microgrant Celebrates South Carolina’s First Protected Bike Lane
Today, we’re thrilled to recognize a milestone achievement in our push for safer, more connected streets across the nation: the unveiling of South Carolina’s very first sidewalk-level protected bike lane. The grand opening celebration was supported through our Show Congress microgrant, which helps local advocates shine a spotlight on the benefits of biking to their members of Congress.
While Representative James Clyburn had planned to attend, his staff—along with staff from Senator Tim Scott’s office—joined the event to underscore the importance of investing in safe biking access. Rep. Clyburn also shared his support, saying:
“With the continued growth of the city, it is vital that we make downtown safer and ensure its accessibility for all. Through this critical investment, a major step has been taken towards fulfilling that mission… It makes me proud to see our Capitol City becoming an example for pedestrian safety.” — Rep. James E. Clyburn
His words echo the core of the League’s Show Congress program: connecting local advocates with their elected leaders to demonstrate how better biking infrastructure benefits everyone. Show Congress microgrants of up to $1,000 are designed to support meaningful, visible community events—like ribbon cuttings, bike rides, or audits—that make the case for safe biking directly to policymakers.
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As the statewide advocacy organization that helped bring this celebration to life, Palmetto Walk Bike shared how meaningful the event was for their work:
“This project transformed a critical stretch of South Main Street that…now stands as one of the most visible examples of a complete street in South Carolina. The design includes a sidewalk-level protected bike lane, upgraded lighting, improved crosswalks, and new landscaping. It is already being looked to as a model for future street redesigns across the state.
More than 70+ people joined us for the 4-mile celebration ride, including multiple state legislators, Columbia City Council members, and Richland County Council members. Despite the heat advisory, the ride was full of energy and optimism. Several elected officials have already reached out to follow up on how to support additional bike/ped projects and future events that spotlight safe infrastructure.”
Congratulations to Cola Town Bike Collective for kicking off the very first Show Congress event of the season! We can’t wait to see the creative and inspiring ways our other grantees will use their events to elevate the voices of people who bike, connect with decision-makers, and show why biking matters in communities nationwide. Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing more highlights from the 2025 Show Congress grantees soon.