Hilton Head Island Pedaling into the Future: A Bike-Friendly Transformation
Did you know that Hilton Head Island is on its way to becoming one of the most bike-friendly communities in the country? That’s right! Over the past two decades, the town has seen a major shift thanks to a past president of an influential biking organization, who rolled into the spotlight not unlike that new 10-speed cycle still squeaking a bit. And who could forget Frank Babel? This biking enthusiast took it upon himself to tackle the challenges of biking on the island, transforming a less-than-ideal situation into a shining example for communities everywhere.
The Beginning of a Journey
Frank’s journey began in 2006 after he traded in his golf clubs for a bike. As a retiree from Ross Perot’s Electronic Data Systems, he started pedaling around the island only to discover that the bike paths were sorely lacking. “There was a lot of weed and root intrusion, and pathways weren’t connected,” Frank recalled. This led him to Town Hall where he expressed his concerns about the state of the bike paths. Determined to make a difference, he took matters into his own hands and created a comprehensive map connecting the various routes throughout Hilton Head!
A Community on Two Wheels
Since then, Babel has paved the way (pun intended!) for better, safer biking on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding Lowcountry. The bike path network now spans about 125 miles, creating a safe, functioning, alternative transportation system for residents and visitors alike. Today, you can find helpful informational kiosks along the paths, thanks to partnerships with local organizations.
One of the biggest changes is the sheer number of bikes on the roads. At this point, Hilton Head boasts a thriving biking industry with as many as 36 retail shops renting bikes to vacationers each week! For years, TripAdvisor has ranked riding the bike trails as one of Hilton Head’s top attractions, and it’s no wonder why! And let’s not overlook Sea Pines, where the improvements can now accommodate between 600 to 800 bikes at their main beach park.
An Award-Winning Effort
Thanks to Babel’s efforts and the cooperation of the community, Hilton Head has received recognition upon recognition. Starting with a silver recognition from the League of American Bicyclists in 2011, the town went on to earn the prestigious gold level in 2015, distinguishing itself as one of only two cities on the East Coast to achieve such a high honor.
Looking Ahead
While Babel has recently stepped down from his role at Bike Walk Hilton Head Island due to health concerns, his legacy lives on. In a heartfelt letter to the mayor and Town Council, he reflected on the progress made and shared his hopes for the future. He emphasized the need for further advancements, urging the town to consider hiring a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian coordinator to keep driving improvements.
Despite personal struggles—including the heartbreaking loss of his wife Linda two years ago—Babel’s spirit and determination have never wavered. He views biking as a solution to parking dilemmas caused by the influx of tourists. “Where are all these people going to park?” he pondered, realizing that with better biking options, they would have a greener, simpler solution.
A Community that Comes Together
With groups like the Kickin’ Asphalt riding club expanding from just 10 members to about 300 in just over a decade, it’s clear that biking is more than just a mode of transportation on Hilton Head; it’s become a community endeavor. Recent events, such as the Pedal 4 Kids biking event, raise substantial funds while fostering connections among riders.
As Frank Babel pedals into the next chapter of life, it’s evident that his contributions will continue to inspire residents and visitors alike. Hilton Head is riding high, making strides towards a bike-friendly future, all while proving that to build something great, you don’t need to blow it up—you just need to keep your eyes on the road ahead and keep pedaling.
