Touring - Riding north to south through Charleston SC?

Are there any good routes?
I was just looking on Google maps and there doesn't seem to be any other way to get through the city without taking HWY 17 most of the way. How's Hwy 17 in Charleston? I'm guessing it's a busy 4+ lane road with a bunch of sidestreets and a lot of drivers talking on the cell phones!

I want to ride through Charleston to see the city but I'm thinking that it might not be worth the hassle.

It has been almost 7 years since I was in Charleston, but I would say that the risks to your safety far outweigh any benefits of seeing that city.

I don't have any knowledge of the suitability of Hwy. 17 for biking. As for whether Charleston, South Carolina, is a place worth visiting, I emphatically and enthusiastically endorse the beautiful historic district there.

I have the Adventure Cycling Atlantic Coast map for the Charleston region at home, so ACA has figured out some way to get in and out of the city. Try their web site to see more at http://www.adventurecycling.org

I was in Charleston last summer with my wife and had a great time. I rented a beach cruiser just to pedal around town for 1-2 hours, and it was the perfect way to see the city, at 5-7 mph. 3 speeds, coaster brakes, laid back seating, etc. What a great change of pace from road bike geometry. There's a bike shop on the main drag that rents them for $10 an hour or so. You can also call the bike shop and ask them the best bike routes in/out of town. http://www.thebicycleshoppecharleston.com/

Additionally, there's a beautiful new bridge from Charleston across to Isle of Palms that accommodates bicycles. That would make a good day ride to work some ocean time into your trip.

Hope you can figure this out and enjoy a beautiful and historic city.

Ken

I would definately recommend going through the city itself. It is so rich with cultural history and probably my favorite city I have been to. The new bridge makes a fun 2 miles (maybe?) and has a seperated shoulder specifically for cyclists and walkers. I can't say much for some of the areas right outside the city, they are downright terrifying, but as long as you stay on the beaten path you are safe.

I should be back down that way in a couple of weeks and will see what I can find for you.:p I quite often drag a bike into downtown Charleston for some cruising, but you really have to watch out for the tourists driving through, they are looking at the buildings not where they are going. The new Bridge is awesome, it is also Highway 17, I will check the approaches from the south for you. I know 17 can be a beast going through Mount Pleasant if you catch it at high traffic periods. I will also take a look at the coming in from the south side, never been too far down that way.

Aaron:)