Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities

Eligible Transportation Enhancement projects in this category include providing bicycle and pedestrian facilities for safe accommodation, either through construction of new facilities or modifications to existing facilities. The facility must comply with American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and DOT standards. Bicycle facilities must be transportation-oriented (not solely for recreational purposes), can be located within or outside of the highway ROW and could include riding or walking surfaces and related amenities.

Costs associated with ADA compliance are eligible only when incidental to the TE project.

Helpful Hints for Bicycle Facilities

• Bike paths must be at least 10 feet in width.


• Bike paths must have an established design speed.


• Bike paths must connect to logical, accessible termini.


• Bike path surfaces typically include concrete or asphalt; however, other materials may be acceptable (as long as they meet ADA standards).


• Paved shoulders/bike lanes must be at least 4 feet in width and located on both sides of the road.


• Bicycle facilities must primarily serve a transportation purpose--not a recreational purpose.


• Bicycle designs must be consistent with the SCDOT "Roadway Standard Drawings" and the "Standard Specifications", and the "South Carolina Bicycle Facilities Planning and Design Guidelines" publication.

Helpful Hints for Pedestrian Facilities

• For sidewalks located within the state highway system ROW, sidewalks must be placed either on the back slope of an open drainage ditch or behind curb/gutter. Be aware that on many state streets with curb/gutter, the state ROW may only extend to the back of the curb/gutter (this relates to available public ROW).


• The minimum sidewalk width must be at least 5 feet.


• An Encroachment agreement will be required for all sidewalks constructed within the State Highway System.


• Sidewalk designs must be consistent with the SCDOT "Roadway Standard Drawings" and the "Standard Specifications".

For potential sidewalks located in historic areas, Archives and History may require certain color/texture/composition elements (i.e. white concrete may be incompatible with the historic character of the area).

Allowable Uses

• Construction of new sidewalks, separate walking trails/paths, bike paths.


• Adding and/or modifying bike lanes on existing roadways, and related striping.


• Adding and/or modifying road shoulders to accommodate bicyclists.


• Installation of items at intermodal points and vehicular parking facilities such as: bike lockers and racks and facilities for bikes on buses and trains.

Unallowable Uses

• Construction of a velodrome, running/jogging track (closed loop), mountain bike or similar recreation trail, or ice skating rink.


• Sidewalk repair/maintenance, unless incidental to construction of new sidewalks.


• Construction of new sidewalk or any other work listed in ALLOWABLE USES items above, when done as a normal part of a highway construction or reconstruction project advanced by DOT.

Budget Items for Consideration

Notes: Contingency amounts more than 10% over a two-year period must be accompanied by a detailed explanation.

Related Topics

Read the Transportation Enhancement Program instructions and download the application.