Cola Town Bike Collective to celebrate South Main St. bike lane completion with community ride – July 27

The City of Columbia and the Cola Town Bike Collective are teaming up to host a community-wide bike ride on Sunday, July 27, to celebrate a major milestone in local bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

The family-friendly event will begin at 10:30 a.m. at 711 Elmwood Avenue and will highlight the recent completion of separated bike lanes along South Main Street—a first for the City of Columbia. The ride will serve as both a celebration and a show of continued support for the city’s growing network of safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation options.

The new bike lanes are part of the South Main Capital District area plan, a collaborative project launched in 2017 by the City of Columbia, the University of South Carolina, and the State of South Carolina. The plan aims to transform the South Main corridor into a more pedestrian- and bike-friendly area through updated infrastructure and streetscape improvements.

City and County officials, along with community leaders and residents, are expected to participate in the ride. Organizers say the event is designed to celebrate recent progress, strengthen community engagement, and build momentum for future bike and pedestrian projects across the region.

“The addition of the South Main cycle track marks a significant step forward in our efforts to create a safer, more inclusive Columbia,” said city officials in a joint statement. “This ride gives residents a chance to see those changes firsthand and to be part of the conversation about what comes next.”

The event is open to all ages and riding levels, with safety escorts and refreshments provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their bikes, helmets, and a sense of community spirit.