American Heart Association supports Quality Bus and Transit Services

The Charleston American Heart Association (AHA) and the City of Charleston’s Department of Traffic and Transportation are supporting a new zoning ordinance that focuses on providing quality transportation services to underserved communities.

Now that the ordinance is passed, the City of Charleston could see an increase in the number of bus shelters. Improving bus shelters in the city will encourage our community to use alternative methods of transportation, which improves mobility and allows for more opportunities to access healthier foods and healthcare.

“Low-income residents are more likely to have uncontrolled blood pressure and cardiovascular disease due to a variety of factors, including transportation access, said Katie Schumacher, Charleston American Heart Association Executive Director. “Right now, 100,000 community members in the tri-county area live in low-income neighborhoods. That could fill a school bus 1,200 times!”

Keith Benjamin, Director of the Department of Traffic and Transportation in the City of Charleston believes this ordinance is the next step in providing citizens with more transportation options. “It remains our highest priority that when a citizen, worker or visitor decides to get into their motor vehicle, hop on a bike, stand at a transit stop or put on their walking shoes that they remain safe and feel a sense of dignity in their mode choice,” said Benjamin. With the passage of the transit accommodation ordinance, people in the City of Charleston will continue to see transit as a viable option for their everyday needs.”

The AHA is also advocating for complete streets, which benefit all road users and encourage physical activity for people who may prefer walking or biking instead of driving. Incorporating things like sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian bridges into neighborhood and street designs improve accessibility, health, and safety for all. Unfortunately, South Carolina ranks among the worst in the nation for walking and biking fatalities according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The AHA also supports the Federal BUILD Grant that would fund a freestanding bicycle and pedestrian bridge across the Ashley River. To learn more about the AHA’s mission to build a healthier community, visit www.heart.org/lowcountry.