Under the warm glow of the James Island city hall, community members gathered for the July meeting of the ReThink Folly Road Steering Committee, a forum dedicated to enhancing the safety and accessibility of the beloved Folly Road. The meeting commenced with a heartfelt prayer, invoking guidance for the betterment of James Island and Folly Beach, setting a collaborative tone for the discussions ahead.

As the minutes from the previous meeting were swiftly approved, the floor opened for public comments, allowing residents to voice their concerns and suggestions. Among the speakers was Richard Stuhr, a local cyclist who raised an important issue regarding traffic light placements at the intersection of Soledogree Road and Folly Road. He pointed out that the current positioning of the stoplights on the far side of the intersection creates confusion for both drivers and cyclists, particularly during busy weekends when traffic swells due to beachgoers.

Stuhr explained that the lights, as they are now, often leave vehicles trapped in the intersection, unaware of changing signals. He proposed that relocating the lights to the near side would enhance visibility and safety, allowing all road users to better gauge when it is safe to proceed. His concerns resonated with the committee, highlighting the ongoing need for improvements in traffic management to ensure the safety of all who traverse this busy route.

Following Stuhr, Karen Henriksen also took the microphone, although her comments were not detailed in the transcript. The meeting concluded with no further public speakers, leaving the committee to reflect on the valuable input from the community.

As the sun set over James Island, the discussions from this meeting underscored a collective commitment to fostering a safer and more navigable environment for residents and visitors alike. The ReThink Folly Road Steering Committee continues to serve as a vital platform for community engagement, ensuring that the voices of those who live and travel through this vibrant area are heard and considered in future planning efforts.