By Mac and Margie Mclellan
Pedestrians, Bicycles, Cars … Oh My!
TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | JUNE 2019 7
MMM...So
Good!
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hours mon-sat: 7:30-5 sun: 8-3
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1213 80 east
Next door to huc a poos in tybee oaks center
912-224-5227
Now that summer is here, we Tybeeites know what this means. The
population will increase from about 3,500 to 10,000 or more! Don’t get us
wrong, we love hosting visitors and tourists from all over the country (and
the world) to our beautiful island. But … it gets a little crowded and crazy
dealing with the increased population.
Not only does the traffic increase, but the pedestrians and bicyclers
grow tenfold. We realize that the best way to enjoy the island experience
is by walking or biking. There is so much more to see by taking the slow
route, rather than in a car. There are beautiful and unique homes, historical
landmarks, shops, restaurants, bars, not to mention some great people
watching, to take in.
The problem here is that our island is only about 3 miles long and a mile
or so wide in places. This makes for some serious congestion during our peak
season. This also causes concern that, sooner or later, someone is going to
meet with a serious accident, whether it be a car, biker or pedestrian.
We are offering some simple and sound advice – while walking, biking or
driving:
Pedestrians
Please use our crosswalks! They were put there for your safety. The
City of Tybee went to great lengths to put these crosswalks in to ensure
safe passage across the streets. Also, when you are walking down our side
streets, always walk facing oncoming traffic - this means walk on the left
side of the road! (If Roma was still here, God rest her soul, she would call you
out!)
Bicyclers
Ok, we know it’s fun to bicycle here. We have lots of places that rent
bikes for you to enjoy the island, and we want you to be able to explore all
that we have to offer. But there are some rules of the road that you need to
use. You need to follow the same rules as a car. Bikers and cars drive on the
right side of the road! Stop at all lights and stop signs. Please do not ride
your bikes on the sidewalks, these are for pedestrians. Also, we have an
awesome bike route that goes down 2nd Ave. thru Memorial Park. This route
will keep you off the main road, plus it’s very picturesque (and much safer).
There is, however, one road that we ask you not to bike (or walk) on – Jones
Ave. It is a very busy and narrow street, and quite dangerous to take a bike
on. Bicyclers have been hit on this road (right, Marlyce?).
Cars
Just please remember that this is a very busy time of the year and
there are lots of people here. Be vigilant! The pedestrians and bikers are
everywhere. When you stop at a stop sign, look both ways, then look again.
Please do not speed here. There are children and pedestrians walking down
our streets (and sometimes in our streets). Remember that Tybrisa St. is a
one-way street from Butler Ave. to the Strand. Be aware of all crosswalks
and intersections and remember that the pedestrian always has the right of
way.
Let’s all do our part to keep Tybee a fun and safe place, not only during
the summer, but year-round. There is room for all of us to enjoy this island
paradise together.
Stay safe! But have fun!