In April during the Concept Design Phase of the project, the community expressed an overwhelming desire to limit bicycling in the park, particularly along the central spine where pedestrian crowds are the heaviest and where biking is already prohibited in certain areas. In addition to this feedback, the City of Savannah and SCAD both confirmed that they regularly receive complaints regarding this issue. While there are not a large number of police citations nor reports regarding collisions issued, this is more a function of lack of enforcement of the ordinance than lack of incidents with pedestrians. The community and the City have expressed a strong desire to limit bicycles on the central spine, and the Master Plan seeks to support this goal by recommending deterrents at the northern and southern entrances to the park, creating a safe alternative route around the park on the proposed multi-use path and posting of signage.
With the growing number of wheeled vehicles operating in the park be they bikes, skateboards, scooters, both manual and electric, along with the increasing number of bike tour companies occupying the sidewalks, it is clear that steps need to be taken to provide for the safety of all persons enjoying this great park. Measures proposed by the draft plan are only one part of the solution. The City is aware that a broader strategy needs to be developed that provides both for the safety of pedestrians as well as the transportation and leisure needs of cyclists. City staff will be evaluating this issue in the months to come and making a determination on other actions.