Resources for Local Bike & Walk Advocates
Local advocacy is taking off in South Carolina. Palmetto Walk Bike is here to support you—whether you’re just getting started or deep in the weeds—with practical tools, proven examples, and access to data. These resources are especially useful for volunteers, municipal partners, and nonprofits working across jurisdictions.
Have questions or want printed materials for a workshop or meeting? Contact us.
Recommended Resources
A starting point for grassroots advocacy and planning.
- Tips for Local Advocates (PDF)
Source: Palmetto Walk Bike
A primer on how to advocate effectively at the local level—developed from nearly a decade of on-the-ground experience in SC communities. - Complete Streets Toolbook (PDF)
Source: Palmetto Walk Bike & Eat Smart Move More SC
Originally published in 2010 and still relevant, this booklet is ideal for workshops and trainings. Multiple printed copies available upon request. - Advocacy Manual (PDF)
Source: Palmetto Walk Bike
Designed to accompany the Toolbook with more strategy and structure for staff and seasoned volunteers. - Advocacy 101 (PDF)
Source: South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
A guide to grassroots public advocacy, including lobbying rules and tips for talking with elected officials. - FHWA Resident’s Guide (PDF)
Source: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Covers how individuals can improve conditions for pedestrians in their neighborhoods using federal best practices.
Equity
Planning tools and frameworks for inclusive, community-first outcomes.
- Equity in Zoning Policy Guide (PDF)
Source: American Planning Association
A zoning reform guide that centers equity in land use decisions. - Transportation Equity Guidebook (PDF)
Source: StreetLight Data
Strategies for measuring and addressing disparities in access, safety, and investment. - Blog Post on Equity
Source: Palmetto Walk Bike
A reflection on how equity intersects with walking and biking in SC—originally posted in 2017.
Community Engagement
Build support through outreach that meets people where they are.
- It’s Time for Public Participation to Evolve
Source: Planetizen
A big-picture look at how traditional engagement methods are shifting. - Sample Outreach Plans (Seattle)
Source: City of Seattle
Real-world engagement strategies—click through for downloadable templates. - Top 5 Engagement Tips
Source: PeopleForBikes
Five simple ways to get more people involved in your advocacy work.
Campaigns
For local groups launching initiatives or ballot measures.
- Winning Campaign Planning Blueprint (PDF)
Source: Alliance for Biking & Walking, hosted by Palmetto Walk Bike
Used in national trainings (including one in SC), this blueprint helps advocates structure successful campaigns. - Ballot Measure Campaign Report (PDF)
Source: Alliance for Biking & Walking
Offers case studies and suggestions for communities considering a funding referendum.
Messaging
Say what you mean, and avoid common pitfalls.
- Messaging Guide (PDF)
Source: Palmetto Walk Bike
Offers word choice strategies to better reflect your values—plus a bonus section on Southern framing.
Economic Benefits
Make the financial case to decision makers and business leaders.
- Stronger Economies Through Active Communities (PDF)
Source: Eat Smart Move More SC & Palmetto Walk Bike
Highlights the economic return of investing in walking and biking infrastructure. - Economic Impact of Bicycling in Georgia (PDF)
Source: Georgia DOT & Georgia Tech
A comprehensive study of how biking contributes to Georgia’s economy.
Other Content & Data
Use data to support safer, healthier, and more connected communities.
- Palmetto Walk Bike Data Page
Crash data, trip statistics, and usage trends for SC. - Brief: Why This Work Matters (PDF)
A short overview showing how biking and walking improve safety, health, and economic opportunity.
Complete Streets Policy & Implementation
From policy language to real-world change.
- Complete Streets Elements
Source: Smart Growth America
A checklist of best practices for writing strong policies. - SC Policy Examples (PDF)
Source: Palmetto Walk Bike, AARP SC, and ESMMSC
Examples from workshops led across South Carolina in 2011. - 6-Step Implementation Process (PDF)
Source: National Complete Streets Coalition / Roger Henderson
A practical approach to turning policy into action.
Comprehensive Plans
How to integrate active transportation into local planning documents.
- SC Health Planning Toolkit (PDF)
Source: SCDHEC
See page 75 for transportation and land use language that supports walkable, bikeable communities.
Other Recommended Resources
National guides and innovations from across the movement.
- Safe Routes to School National Partnership
Policy and technical support for building safe, healthy routes for students. - Bike Bus
A global movement encouraging families to ride to school together—community-building and fun. - BPAC Best Practices (PDF)
Source: Advocacy Advance
How to start and sustain effective Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committees. - Working with MPOs (PDF)
Source: Advocacy Advance
Five lessons for collaborating with regional planning agencies to unlock federal funding.
Palmetto Walk Bike 