Volunteers Needed – Palmetto Dunes Bike Ambassador Program

Palmetto Dunes is getting ready to launch a volunteer Bike Ambassador program, and we’re excited to invite members of our community to take part.

The goal of the program is simple: to help create a safer, more welcoming experience for everyone who lives in and visits Palmetto Dunes. Bike Ambassadors provide friendly assistance, help encourage good behavior on our streets and leisure paths, and serve as a helpful, visible presence around the community.

This program will operate as the Palmetto Dunes chapter of the Town-wide Bike Ambassador program led by Walk and Bike Hilton Head. By partnering with their established program, Palmetto Dunes will benefit from their experience and training, while tailoring the program to fit our gated resort environment.

Bike Ambassadors are not an enforcement presence. This is a service-oriented, community engagement role. Ambassadors ride through Palmetto Dunes, offer friendly reminders when appropriate, answer questions, and help residents and visitors who may need a little assistance along the way.

While the core concept of the Bike Ambassador program is established, some operational details may continue to be refined and finalized as the program moves forward. This early outreach is intended to preview the initiative with the community and gauge interest so we can stay on track for the planned implementation timeline.

The program will roll out in phases. Training is expected to begin in April and will include the Town’s Bike Ambassador training, followed by Palmetto Dunes-specific orientation in early May. We anticipate a soft start in early May, with full implementation beginning the weekend of Memorial Day.

We are looking for residents interested in volunteering during the peak season, generally May through September. The anticipated commitment is about two to four hours per week, depending on how many volunteers participate. As this is the program’s first year, there will be flexibility as schedules and coverage take shape.

We also welcome participation from family members who may be spending the summer in Palmetto Dunes, including college-aged students home for the season. If you have children or grandchildren staying with you over the summer who might enjoy contributing a few hours a week, we would be glad to hear from them as well.

Volunteers will need to provide their own bicycle and bicycle helmet. The program will provide ambassador vests, tool kits, and informational materials, including Bike Ambassador handouts used throughout Hilton Head as well as Palmetto Dunes-specific materials to share with residents and visitors.

While volunteers are welcome to express interest at any time, hearing from those who are willing to raise their hand by mid-March will help us plan training, equipment, and scheduling for the initial launch.

If you’re interested in learning more or volunteering as a Bike Ambassador, please click here.