Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : Charleston Moves, a nonprofit organization advocating for bike-friendly infrastructure in Charleston, South Carolina, has a humble beginning that started with a fight for a bike lane on the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in 2002. Despite facing resistance, local cyclists successfully convinced engineers to include a pedestrian walkway and bicycle path on the bridge. This victory led to the formation of Charleston Moves, with Tom Bradford playing a pivotal role as the interim executive director.
Under Bradford’s leadership, Charleston Moves grew into a formal organization with a budget that supported two full-time staff members. Bradford was instrumental in advocating for a more walkable and bike-friendly city, as well as leading various infrastructure projects such as the Lowcountry Lowline and Ashley River pedestrian bridge. He was also a strong advocate for road equity.
Tragically, Bradford passed away at the age of 81 in Atlanta, where he had been living with his wife for three years. Despite his passing, his legacy lives on through the work of Charleston Moves. Colleagues and friends remember Bradford as a modest, methodical, and patient individual who inspired others with his quiet confidence. He was well-respected by engineers, politicians, and nonprofit leaders alike.
Charleston Moves continues to honor Bradford’s vision by advocating for safer and more accessible biking and walking infrastructure in the Charleston area. The organization remains dedicated to creating a more sustainable and equitable transportation system for all residents. Tom Bradford was a visionary who dedicated his life to making a difference through his work in journalism and television broadcast news. Although some of the projects he championed have not yet come to fruition, they are not forgotten or abandoned. Bradford’s story is one of optimism and perseverance, inspiring those around him to continue pushing forward.
Born in Philadelphia in 1942, Bradford’s journey in journalism began while he was still in college at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His talent and passion for storytelling quickly propelled him into the world of television broadcast news. Starting as a producer at a CBS News affiliate in Chicago, he soon caught the attention of CBS News headquarters and made his way to New York City.
Throughout his career, Bradford held various roles, including deputy foreign editor and executive producer of “Up to the Minute,” a show he developed himself. During the Persian Gulf War, he produced “American Tonight,” a late-night broadcast hosted by Charles Kuralt and Lesley Stahl. His dedication to his craft and innovative approach to news production set him apart as a major figure in the industry.
Bradford’s impact extended beyond his professional achievements. He was known for his kindness, mentorship, and ability to inspire those around him. His legacy lives on through the projects he initiated and the people he influenced. Tom Bradford truly made a difference in the world of journalism and beyond.
Charleston cycling advocate Tom Bradford dies at 81 | News
“He was a visionary, always seeing the bigger picture and pushing for change that would benefit the entire community. His legacy will live on in the infrastructure improvements he fought for and the people he inspired to continue the work of making Charleston a more bikeable and walkable city.”
Bradford’s impact on the field of journalism was undeniable. His commitment to quality reporting and dedication to storytelling set him apart from his peers. His leadership and vision paved the way for numerous journalists to follow in his footsteps.
Despite the challenges he faced and the projects that have yet to come to fruition, Bradford’s legacy lives on. His story serves as a reminder of the power of optimism and perseverance in the face of adversity. He may have passed on, but his influence continues to inspire and motivate those who work in the field of journalism today.
Bradford’s journey from a young journalist to a major figure in broadcast news is a testament to his passion and determination. His story will forever be remembered as one of hope and resilience in the ever-changing world of media.
It was the first news broadcast to offer regular internet content on its own platform. When he and Bass moved from New York City to Charleston in 2004, they gained a foothold quickly. Bradford’s modesty and gentle demeanor belied a unshakable patience and fierce determination to improve the quality of life for residents of Charleston, said Stephanie Hunt, a colleague and friend.
“Tom was no pushover,” she said. He wasn’t afraid to challenge mayors, council members and other civic leaders. “He was respectful but forthright when he disagreed with their policies.” Hunt called him a “visionary of the public realm.”
“Our streets are actually the largest public space we have, and he did for that public realm what Darla Moore has done for our parks,” Hunt said, referring to the wealthy businesswoman and philanthropist who established the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “She was cash and capital; his capital was relational,” Hunt added. “He built friendships and relationships with people, and brought them along.”
He appeared at Charleston City Council meetings arguing that a north bound lane of U.S. Highway 17 on the lower Ashley River bridges be closed to cars and turned exclusively over to bikes, joggers and walkers. The effort failed but spawned the adjacent Ashley pedestrian bridge that today carries a nearly $100 million price tag. Construction is scheduled to start this month. In 2013, Bradford and Michael Messner, an investment banker and greenspace enthusiast, launched an effort to transform an old Norfolk Southern railroad right-of-way into a linear park modeled partly on New York City’s Highline.
“The goals were both physical and psychological” – What were the goals of the public greenway vision described by Bradford?
“It started with a fight to get a bike lane” – How did the push for a pedestrian walkway and bicycle path on the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge begin?
“Bradford died Oct. 14 in Atlanta” – What were the circumstances surrounding Bradford’s passing According to his wife, Susan Bass?
“He inspired people with quiet confidence” – How did Don Sparks describe Bradford’s character and impact on others?
Bradford’s impact was felt not only in the world of journalism but also in the projects he championed. Despite the fact that these projects have yet to materialize, they have not been abandoned either, showing his perseverance and dedication. Sparks noted that Bradford’s story is one of optimism, showcasing his ability to inspire and make a difference.
Born in Philadelphia in 1942, Bradford’s journey began in high school in Patterson, N.J. He then pursued his education at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he discovered his passion for journalism. His career took off quickly, leading him to become a prominent figure in television broadcast news.
Throughout his career, Bradford held various roles, from producer at a CBS News affiliate in Chicago to editor at a CBS station in Los Angeles. His talents were recognized by CBS News headquarters, leading him to move to New York City. He served as deputy foreign editor in the mid-1980s and produced “American Tonight” during the Persian Gulf War, hosted by Charles Kuralt and Lesley Stahl.
In the early 1990s, Bradford’s career continued to flourish as he took on roles such as director of recruitment and night news manager. He later became the executive producer of “Up to the Minute,” a program he developed himself, showcasing his innovative spirit and leadership skills. Through his work and dedication, Bradford left a lasting impact on the field of journalism and the projects he supported, truly making a difference in the world around him.
