Is West Columbia a good destination for biking and walking?

A Goals and Priorities report was presented by members of the City of West Columbia staff at the West Columbia City Council meeting on Tuesday. A portion of the report focused on West Columbia’s effort to make the city’s streets accessible and safe for biking and pedestrians. 

Click here for a link for a list of West Columbia parks for walking – Info about Riverwalk below

• Spring: This season is perfect for leisurely walks or a run along the Riverwalk to enjoy the blooming flora and pleasant weather. The amphitheater can be a great spot for outdoor concerts, local events, or simply enjoying the scenic views of the river.
• Summer: The Riverwalk is ideal for early morning or evening strolls, walks, or runs to avoid the summer heat. The shaded paths provide a cooler environment. Summer events and concerts at the amphitheater are popular, offering entertainment in a picturesque setting.
• Fall: The cooler temperatures make it comfortable for long walks or jogs along the Riverwalk. The changing leaves provide a beautiful backdrop. The amphitheater hosts autumn events, offering a cozy ambiance with the fall scenery.
• Winter: On milder winter days, the Riverwalk remains a beautiful place for a brisk walk, enjoying the serene river views. While outdoor events at the amphitheater might be less frequent, it can still be a quiet spot to appreciate nature’s tranquility.

Lots to offer bikers, too.

Coker Day is the owner of Pedego Electric Bikes at 521 Meeting Street in West Columbia. He gives the City of West Columbia high marks for its streets as they relate to biking. 

“West Columbia streets are the best for biking in the area,” Day said. He first opened a Pedego Electric Bike store in Aiken, before opening the second location in West Columbia. “We chose to open our store here because of the streets and the accessibility for biking.”

Pedego attracts a clientele that rents bikes. Day said one of the most popular paths, recommended by his shop, is the path at Riverwalk Park by the Congaree River. “It’s a long and safe path for a bike,” he said. Bikers can get to Riverwalk from Pedego via Center Street. 

In addition to Riverwalk, Day said bikers touring West Columbia like to traverse The Avenues. 

An example of a good biking route is the protected bike lane on B Avenue in front of the B Avenue Community Center. Day said expanding bike lanes has attracted more biking activity in other cities like Greenville. He said bikers tend to be spenders and he sees that coming to West Columbia.

“You can ride a bike to Cafe Strudel or to Savage Craft (Ale Works.) There are lots of stops for bikers in West Columbia,” Day said.   

Day also said he is excited about the Meeting Street improvements project. It will run from State Street to 9th Street along Meeting Street, and includes shared-use paths designed to accommodate both walkers and bikers.

Also, as an appeal to bike riders, the City of West Columbia installed three bicycle repair stations to create biking connectivity between all areas of the Midlands.  “I love the bike repair stations,” Day said. 

The bicycle repair stations are at Reeves Park – West Columbia Community Center – 754 B Avenue, the Moffatt Street Entrance to the Riverwalk – 100 Riverside Drive, and at the West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater – 109 Alexander Road. 

When the bicycle pathway on B Avenue and the bike repair stations were announced, West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles said a goal of the city is to create more bicycle accessibility and to increase the ability to enjoy West Columbia on a bike. 

All of the parks and The Avenues of West Columbia are also filled with walkers. Some walk their dogs on a daily basis and many walkers, and runners, find West Columbia’s parks as a great space to exercise.

Another project that will add to the biking routes of West Columbia, is the Saluda River Pedestrian Bridge. It was included as a part of the West Columbia Goals and Priorities Report reviewed Tuesday. Day said he is very much looking forward to the opening of the pedestrian bridge.

The pedestrian bridge will be a “Key addition to West Columbia’s active transportation network, supporting a comprehensive network for walking and biking.”

So if you like to bike or walk, West Columbia ia a great place for both. And even more features are in the works to make outdoor recreation even more appealing.