Bicycle fatalities on South Carolina roads climbed by nearly 50% last year, even as overall highway deaths fell to their lowest level in four years, according to newly released figures. Preliminary reports from the S.C. Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) show 985 people died on the state’s roadways in 2024, down 6% from 1,045 deaths in 2023. Although that drop continues a welcome downward trend from 1,048 deaths in 2022 and 1,193 in 2021, the number of bicyclists killed rose from 23 in 2023 to 34 in 2024—an alarming increase.
These figures come in the context of a 2024 WalletHub report, which found South Carolina had the highest rate of fatalities per 100 million miles driven. More broadly, the Palmetto State has consistently grappled with traffic safety issues. Older SCDPS data highlight that while some years saw slightly lower cyclist fatalities (16 in 2020), the general trend has remained stubbornly high.
Following national trends—and then some
Katie Zimmerman, executive director of Charleston Moves—a nonprofit that advocates for safer infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians—said South Carolina’s latest data is consistent with national patterns in which traffic deaths for vulnerable road users (bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists) are either steady or climbing.
“We are not investing enough money and enough time in good infrastructure that is designed for the safety of our most vulnerable travelers,” she said.
Zimmerman pointed out that discussions about safety often center on education and enforcement, but that design deserves much more attention:
“The bottom line is if you don’t have a safe space to be and a street is designed to encourage motorists to be distracted and to speed, more people are going to be killed. It’s just the unfortunate reality of our design standards, investment and our bike-ped infrastructure.”
South Carolina has a three-foot passing law intended to protect cyclists from vehicles, but many advocates argue enforcement is limited and overshadowed by poor road design. Proponents say the best solution lies in “complete streets” policies, which ensure roads are built or upgraded with all users in mind—pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and drivers alike.
Big projects for safer access
In Charleston, a major infrastructure project is underway to improve safety for bikers and pedestrians: the West Ashley Crossing, a bike-walk bridge over the Ashley River. This $90+ million project aims to connect West Ashley with downtown Charleston. Currently, cyclists and pedestrians must navigate narrow, unsafe paths on two aging bridges over the river.
Local advocates hail this project as evidence that communities can take proactive steps to protect vulnerable travelers. They also hope it will serve as a model for other high-traffic corridors in the state.
State comparisons and rankings
Despite some signs of progress, the 2024 WalletHub report ranked South Carolina as the nation’s 18th best state for driving overall, but the ninth worst for safety. These seemingly contradictory findings mirror the state’s challenges: while certain roadway improvements and interstate projects have made driving more convenient, roads remain perilous for vulnerable users.
A separate analysis by the League of American Bicyclists has often placed South Carolina among the more dangerous states for cyclists due to a combination of infrastructure deficiencies, driver behavior, and limited funding.
Other annual traffic numbers (SCDPS data)
- Pedestrian deaths: 154 in 2024; 159 in 2023; 163 in 2022; 194 in 2021
- Motorcycle deaths: 129 in 2024; 140 in 2023; 137 in 2022; 160 in 2021
- Total deaths: 998 in 2024; 1,045 in 2023; 1,088 in 2022; 1,193 in 2021
While overall totals have improved from their peak in 2021, the consistent toll on bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists remains a major point of concern among safety experts.
South Carolina’s roads need work
A 2021 report by the S.C. Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers noted that while the state increased its gas tax in 2017 to address road maintenance—neglected for three decades—billions of dollars in roadwork remain necessary through 2040.
“Based on data from 2018, 74% of the interstate pavements are in good condition, 14% are fair and 12% are in poor condition,” the report stated.
“Unfortunately, the same does not appear to be true for the primary and secondary roads, where the good condition pavements are less than 30%; the fair-condition pavements are about 20%; and poor condition pavements are approximately 50%.”
The state has completed or is nearing completion on several large-scale interstate projects—such as expansions on I-85 and reconfigurations of I-26—but many of the roads used heavily by cyclists are secondary or rural routes, which often lag in upgrades.
Looking ahead
In recent years, SCDOT has initiated a few “road diet” pilots in selected counties. These involve reducing lanes, widening shoulders, and adding sidewalks and bike lanes to calm traffic. Early data suggests these steps help reduce crashes for all users, but implementation remains patchy and depends heavily on local support.
Some cities, including Columbia and Greenville, are exploring Vision Zero strategies aimed at eliminating all traffic deaths through measures like enhanced crosswalks, protected bike lanes, and reduced speed limits in high-risk corridors.
Moreover, organizations like Charleston Moves and the Palmetto Cycling Coalition continue to push for stronger safety laws, better enforcement, and, critically, more investment in bike-and-pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Despite the grim rise in bicycle fatalities for 2024, these groups remain optimistic that sustained advocacy and better design can reverse the trend.
Though overall traffic deaths have declined in South Carolina, the sharp increase in bicyclist fatalities underscores a serious gap in roadway safety—especially for those on two wheels. Statewide upgrades, consistent application of Complete Streets policies, and local initiatives like Charleston’s West Ashley Crossing project could help address these gaps. However, until design standards, enforcement and funding priorities shift to protect cyclists and pedestrians, South Carolina will remain a challenging and sometimes dangerous place for those who share the road.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
