Student survey finds low awareness of bike lanes and trails; presenter asks council to promote walkability
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Sign Up Free
Summary
A graduate student shared findings from a master’s project surveying college students in Spartanburg: many students reported low awareness of bike lanes and trail connections, and respondents expressed interest in more transit options, visible trails, and art along routes.
Liv Hawkins, a master’s student and resident at 230 College Street, presented public comments at the June 9, 2025, City of Spartanburg City Council meeting summarizing a survey on walkability among college students.
Hawkins said many students were unaware of existing bike lanes and trail connections, and that “I maybe I had 1 or 2 students that knew anything about the River Birch. I think it's kinda hidden over there where it is.” She reported survey respondents asked for more robust public-transportation options, more visible trail connections and community features such as art or history exhibits along trails.
Hawkins said students told her that seeing more people walking and biking would make them feel more comfortable using those modes themselves, and she invited council members and staff to review a fuller summary of findings on her Substack (thewalkingspartan.substack.com) and Instagram (@thewalkingspartan).
Ending: Hawkins offered to speak further with council members or staff and provided her contact information for follow-up; several council members said they expected to be in touch.