tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75507624085893007642024-03-13T10:42:49.109-07:00Regional Forum for Addressing Walking & Biking Needs in the Greater Nashville RegionThis blog contains news and information about walking and bicycling in the Greater Nashville Region.Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-85595810122784579882009-09-14T09:51:00.000-07:002009-09-14T09:52:53.578-07:00NY Times - Article on Walking to School<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsN56S6e7C88x0CvYRXyauno3w5a_FMOGkMcISex_yIeJ-3G3WoGSk6hnMnmpf7UfHvMcWhWt_uULYG9I1-o0M3icoeaNxMoZ12xcbHQWk6OPf3v6b0QDNA_sFbLBnMzhJXlDfTLnP2AM/s1600-h/Eakin1_041206.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381367097353669826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsN56S6e7C88x0CvYRXyauno3w5a_FMOGkMcISex_yIeJ-3G3WoGSk6hnMnmpf7UfHvMcWhWt_uULYG9I1-o0M3icoeaNxMoZ12xcbHQWk6OPf3v6b0QDNA_sFbLBnMzhJXlDfTLnP2AM/s320/Eakin1_041206.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The NY Times reports on the issues parents consider when allowing their children to walk to school, an activity that was common place just a few decades ago. September 12, 2009.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a title="blocked::http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/13/fashion/13kids.html?_r=" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/13/fashion/13kids.html?_r=1&hpw">http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/13/fashion/13kids.html?_r=1&hpw</a></div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-18428639553389785702009-09-04T12:14:00.001-07:002009-09-04T12:17:16.892-07:00Tennesseen Reports about Safe Cycling on Greenways<div align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3o36JG0-_OVFfAaOf_RcijioTRaV8glnA1E5iW_VJvTdKK3R7e1NAWiJmL9xyVTpm3fIX5mWNgBfTMpZrfR6cGe8sNrWwVTiDrwYO7WyXGhDaNNKPQc9mGk7aqSSJyimCstvUcCaWhg/s1600-h/Friends+BikingWesley+Aldridge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377693312381798466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3o36JG0-_OVFfAaOf_RcijioTRaV8glnA1E5iW_VJvTdKK3R7e1NAWiJmL9xyVTpm3fIX5mWNgBfTMpZrfR6cGe8sNrWwVTiDrwYO7WyXGhDaNNKPQc9mGk7aqSSJyimCstvUcCaWhg/s320/Friends+BikingWesley+Aldridge.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> Photo by Aldredge<br /></span><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090830/NEWS01/908300368/Nashville+parks+enforce+bicycle+speed+limit+as+walkers++cyclists+clash">Nashville parks enforce bicycle speed limit as walkers, cyclists clash</a></div></div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-43521781892335464162009-09-02T07:51:00.000-07:002009-09-02T08:01:34.656-07:00Tennesseean - Opinion Pieces About Pedestrian Safety in Nashville<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkyFEpa1JfMpZboyq_kM0XHNorZfr9tBTatTndTm_zPm2VjXCTl1FX8S3JiIs9YyJwHmjx3hzX0Z-P96C53JZ2McyPprIyhACtv2ldrwZU0XTuemUiO2xygIRjlF9l-I6TMA-FN7blDY/s1600-h/Survey_walkers.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376885300934396914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkyFEpa1JfMpZboyq_kM0XHNorZfr9tBTatTndTm_zPm2VjXCTl1FX8S3JiIs9YyJwHmjx3hzX0Z-P96C53JZ2McyPprIyhACtv2ldrwZU0XTuemUiO2xygIRjlF9l-I6TMA-FN7blDY/s320/Survey_walkers.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>From the <em>Tennessean </em>on Wednesday, September 3, 2009</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090902/OPINION01/909020380/1007/">Guest editorial: Making Walking safer pays off</a> </div><div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090902/OPINION01/909020381/1007/OPINION/Drivers++walkers+are+out+of+sync+in+Music+City">Drivers, walkers are out of sync in Music City: Today's Topic: Pedestrian accidents on rise<br /></div></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090902/OPINION01/909020379/1007/">Guest editorial: Statistics show walking is safe<br /></a></div></div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-44839291302596452332009-08-25T13:23:00.001-07:002009-08-25T13:26:20.095-07:00Tennessean Reports on Dangers to Pedestrians<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_j9quT48Ob0h25e3_IPtorF2oV-6qxNfBKRYb733PK-i8EARNDoe-XNBZO5QyiAXztgEEsa_qjmXVV1GnFhbBxE2ScZYhrnMmB1BGx-5BTDZkWhzRn-yfZuoiDNPJ234EDN_iFwzw9pE/s1600-h/jaywalkingstudent.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374000364991548082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_j9quT48Ob0h25e3_IPtorF2oV-6qxNfBKRYb733PK-i8EARNDoe-XNBZO5QyiAXztgEEsa_qjmXVV1GnFhbBxE2ScZYhrnMmB1BGx-5BTDZkWhzRn-yfZuoiDNPJ234EDN_iFwzw9pE/s320/jaywalkingstudent.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Sunday, August 23, 2009</div><br /><div><br /><a title="blocked::http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090824/NEWS03/908230376/Deadly+drivers+threaten+walkers+in+Nashville" href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090824/NEWS03/908230376/Deadly+drivers+threaten+walkers+in+Nashville">http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090824/NEWS03/908230376/Deadly+drivers+threaten+walkers+in+Nashville</a><br />Deadly drivers threaten walkers in Nashville<br />Nashville among least safe cities for pedestrians<br /><br />By Jennifer BrooksTHE TENNESSEAN </div><br /><div><br />Pedestrian accidents are on the rise in Metro Nashville, where hundreds are hit, hurt or killed by vehicles each year. The number of pedestrian accidents has gone up nearly every year since 2004 — a grim statistic in a city already known as one of the least-pedestrian-friendly places in the country.</div><br /><div><br />Seventy-three people died trying to cross or walk along Nashville streets from January 2004 to August 2009, according to Metro police records. More than 1,600 pedestrians have been hit.<br />Not only are Nashville pedestrians getting hit, they're getting hit in the same intersections, neighborhoods and along the same main traffic corridors over and over again. They're also getting hit for the same reasons, over and over again.</div><br /><div><br />Some get hit while jaywalking. Others are hit because reckless drivers don't know, or don't care, that the law requires them to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Some get hit because they go walking in dark clothes on a dark night.</div><br /><div><br />"The bottom line is, if more pedestrians and drivers would follow the rules, many of these (accidents) could have been avoided," said Metro Public Works spokeswoman Gwen Hopkins-Glascock, whose department is responsible for pedestrian crossings around the city.<br />But there are things other cities have done to cut down on their pedestrian accident and death rates — things like stepped-up enforcement at pedestrian crossings, more visible crosswalks, bans on right turns at red lights, and remaking entire streets to calm traffic and protect pedestrians.</div><br /><div><br />Nashville Mayor Karl Dean has appointed a bicycle and pedestrian coordinator in an effort to create a more "walkable" city, and Metro's Planning and Public Works departments have scrutinized dangerous crossings. But the city has yet to come up with a comprehensive safety plan that targets dangerous crossings.</div><br /><div><br />"We're looking into how to address this, but for now it's a little premature to say," said Metro Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Toks Omishakin. "More detailed analysis needs to be done."<br />But even a cursory look at pedestrian accident data highlights the streets around town that are accidents waiting to happen.</div><br /><div><br />7 hit on Broadway</div><br /><div><br />There's Broadway, where pedestrians have been hit in almost every intersection in the dozen blocks between the river and the highway overpass over the past five years — 14 pedestrians hit at Broadway and Third Avenue, 11 more at the Fifth Avenue crossing. This year alone, there have been seven pedestrians hit between First and 12th avenues.</div><br /><div><br />Then there's the Main Street/Gallatin Road/Gallatin Pike corridor, site of three of the seven pedestrian deaths the city has seen this year. The first traffic death of the year was a pedestrian, 44-year-old Allen Young, killed while trying to cross Main Street by a driver who never saw him until it was too late to stop. The driver wasn't cited and the final police report on the incident concluded: "It appears Young's failure to yield to traffic while crossing the roadway was the contributing factor to this fatal accident."</div><br /><div><br />But several months later, several miles up the road, Nashville grandfather James Hamsley was waiting quietly at a bus stop along Gallatin Pike when he was sideswiped by a hit-and-run driver and killed.</div><br /><div><br />What Nashville needs, Omishakin said, is a change in the culture and mindset of drivers and pedestrians alike. "There is a lot of education that needs to happen," said Omishakin, whose office is also leading a push for more bike paths and pedestrian corridors in a city that the National Surface Transportation Policy Project once ranked as the 10th-most-dangerous place for pedestrians in the nation.</div><br /><div><br />A look around any busy intersection in town offers a vivid glimpse of just how far Nashville has to go in its pedestrian safety education. It was the noon lunch rush at the intersection of Fifth and Charlotte avenues, and Billy Harris had his eye on the Dunkin' Donuts across the street, not the glowing red "don't walk" signal overhead.</div><br /><div><br />Harris bounded into the street, ignoring the red minivan bearing down on him. Brakes squealed as the vehicle slowed, then swerved around him and continued through the intersection.<br />Safely on the other side, Harris, a day laborer, seemed amused by the suggestion that it might have been safer to wait for a walk signal. Or at least look both ways before he crossed.<br />"I knew I could make it," he said with a laugh.</div><br /><div><br />Not long afterward, Barbara Williams, 77, waited at the same corner for the walk signal and started across, hobbled slightly by recent foot surgery that had her stepping slowly and gingerly down Charlotte. Halfway across, she cringed as a dark sedan whipped a right turn on red, just missing her. "People drive like idiots in this town," said Williams, whose failing eyesight forces her to walk everywhere or take the bus around town. "There are drivers who will speed up when they see you in a crosswalk, like they think it's funny to scare the daylights out of you."</div><br /><div><br />In 2004, there were 278 pedestrian accidents in the Metro area. By 2008, the number had risen to 302. The death rate has ranged from 11 in 2004 to 17 in 2006 and 13 deaths last year. By contrast, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has charted a steady decline in pedestrian deaths nationwide over the years.</div><br /><div><br />Circumstances vary</div><br /><div><br />There's no one reason people keep getting hit on Nashville streets. A look at the 1,600 pedestrian accidents turns up odd tidbits: More accidents happened during daylight hours than nighttime; more pedestrians were hit in intersections than in the middle of roads; and Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays were the most dangerous days of the week.</div><br /><div><br />The pedestrians are all ages, races and genders: 4-year-old Ronald Easeley III, hit and critically injured while trying to cross Nolensville Pike at Old Hickory with his parents last month; James Veach, 39, sideswiped and killed while steering his electric wheelchair along Dupont Avenue by a driver who police said was under the influence of drugs; even an old friend of Elvis, Marvin "GeeGee" Gambill Jr., 61, hit by a car on Antioch Pike while walking to work. Gambill was Elvis Presley's longtime driver.</div><br /><div><br />"It's a bad situation for everyone. For the driver, not being able to do anything, not having time to react before they hit someone, it's really hard on them," said Officer Greg Davis, crash investigator for the Metro Police. "And in general, for the pedestrians getting hit, even if they don't die, they're going to have injuries that are potentially life-changing."<br />For Davis, the worst part of any pedestrian accident scene is knowing that it could have been prevented.</div><br /><div><br />"We have good crossing areas in this city, but from what we see, people just aren't using them. … It goes the other way, too. Motorists have to exercise due caution, pay attention," Davis said.<br />Seven pedestrians have died on the streets of Nashville this year. If recent patterns hold true, another seven or so are likely to die before 2010.</div><br /><div><br />Davis, for one, would be happy if that doesn't happen, and had a few words of advice for pedestrians:<br />"If there's crosswalks available, use 'em. Treat 'walk' and 'don't walk' signs seriously. The city doesn't put them up for entertainment. They're there to keep people safe," he said.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Additional Facts<br />MEAN STREETS<br />Since 2004, 73 pedestrians have been killed in traffic accidents in Nashville and more than 1,600 have been hit. Year Hit Killed2004 —278; 11 2005 — 277; 13 2006 — 294; 17 2007 — 301; 13 2008 — 302; 12 2009 — 157; 7** as of Aug. 2 </div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-10530332763731887432009-08-14T10:49:00.001-07:002009-08-14T10:53:04.904-07:00Walk Nashville Week Now on Facebook<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqteIFbWXKc2H_SI_CCaf7XSINfEMwqqleC6uKI7tuGteanTduh-EfqyqP4EcTRMKBwpAyJfM6_3VOjoQmaSR4yL8kMpb0SdvyPiFWIWlG64uhGou8xDNXbNRzOIeCYTtYqcmw1wiI6w/s1600-h/WTSD_Pic.PNG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369878944346358786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqteIFbWXKc2H_SI_CCaf7XSINfEMwqqleC6uKI7tuGteanTduh-EfqyqP4EcTRMKBwpAyJfM6_3VOjoQmaSR4yL8kMpb0SdvyPiFWIWlG64uhGou8xDNXbNRzOIeCYTtYqcmw1wiI6w/s320/WTSD_Pic.PNG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Walk Nashville Week is coming up October 3-9, 2009. Events include:</div><br /><ul><br /><li>Walk to Worship Day</li><br /><li>Walk Your Neighborhood Day</li><br /><li>Walk to Work Day</li><br /><li>Walk to School Day</li><br /><li>Walk for Active Aging</li><br /><li>Nashville On the Move Day</li></ul><br /><p>To find out more information please visit the Community Health and Wellness Team <a href="http://nashvillechwt.org/walk_nashville_overview.html">website</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=115787072731&ref=mf">facebook </a>page.</p>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-83748697591487775042009-08-12T13:47:00.000-07:002009-08-12T13:54:02.883-07:00Create-A-Bike-Lane with Bike Lane Light<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRNcTgjMRwnAEwlWQwZ36a2DRc_vanG6pYAuOz5BXHF8Ytjft30RbDx4Qs4tFXyi7TvnoDbqa55qUS7H_LQBTISk_yEn78lsGn2NK1Jq1zgIw4PPqdXA8pDJ_jhKucBoU4070SW57gpo/s1600-h/bikelanelight.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369183383759948546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRNcTgjMRwnAEwlWQwZ36a2DRc_vanG6pYAuOz5BXHF8Ytjft30RbDx4Qs4tFXyi7TvnoDbqa55qUS7H_LQBTISk_yEn78lsGn2NK1Jq1zgIw4PPqdXA8pDJ_jhKucBoU4070SW57gpo/s320/bikelanelight.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>An innovative concept -- don't have a bicycle lane, create your own at night with a personal bike lane light.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.lightlanebike.com/">Light Lane Bike </a></div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-39360606512902303972009-08-11T14:24:00.000-07:002009-08-11T14:28:27.266-07:00Rumble Stripe Write-up In Tennessean<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOZ5QEnffmlo2oaPZA7JZAXJKJJDMXDfPUTiO4G3bsCNz3djhg3ffwV5AsmtuLO59cZh1fPK0CE5Z7PTAVidVFHE0jhijuOuUXwyzSw-9YlH09VaOfR0ZQaU5KeWIy9Spfhip9x9aw8g/s1600-h/Rumblestrip.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368821191871616386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 131px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 103px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOZ5QEnffmlo2oaPZA7JZAXJKJJDMXDfPUTiO4G3bsCNz3djhg3ffwV5AsmtuLO59cZh1fPK0CE5Z7PTAVidVFHE0jhijuOuUXwyzSw-9YlH09VaOfR0ZQaU5KeWIy9Spfhip9x9aw8g/s320/Rumblestrip.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090804/COUNTY090101/908040303/1164/COUNTY09">Rumble Stripes Rattle Cyclists</a></div><br /><div><em><a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090804/COUNTY090101/908040303/1164/COUNTY09">Road Safety Features May be Redesigned for Bikes</a></em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>By Mitchell Kline, <em>The Tennessean</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>August 4, 2009</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-36722532232922157072009-08-10T13:11:00.001-07:002009-08-10T13:13:32.944-07:00MPO Hosts Meetings on Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Study<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYUkr56ZiIHVJIIUpOZD8IuuCTS7xqPm1qnRXkkoIXziZCSRTAD4r5XCErHLCPTQV8YRjUgQEBMBcd1QIo0iQPZKiOL9ZrByiE8iUZxcnL2maxcMhUnYYzUSC4KS2pOYamDLUvVApQo8/s1600-h/Publicmeeting1.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368430758574929970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYUkr56ZiIHVJIIUpOZD8IuuCTS7xqPm1qnRXkkoIXziZCSRTAD4r5XCErHLCPTQV8YRjUgQEBMBcd1QIo0iQPZKiOL9ZrByiE8iUZxcnL2maxcMhUnYYzUSC4KS2pOYamDLUvVApQo8/s320/Publicmeeting1.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090724/COLUMNIST0128/907240359">Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Open to Public Comment</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>By Jenny Upchurch, <em>Tennessean</em></div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-54107379945292142692009-08-07T08:37:00.000-07:002009-08-07T12:19:56.579-07:00Tennessean Reports on MPO Bike/Ped Meeting in Williamson County<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUOnvOBoKMHyoRWxNGtnZ5Zla57nvuVIT72U1pA8XRpyCQeMkyYY0CZLO12yz8olTqsPfDsrM0WI9V26NeLzXzY-lsfZAK57LYJ3uYcsM96URX-LsxxGVHBETI1ZXQB02NsalJV0WqTM/s1600-h/RumbleTennessean.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367303458239958610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUOnvOBoKMHyoRWxNGtnZ5Zla57nvuVIT72U1pA8XRpyCQeMkyYY0CZLO12yz8olTqsPfDsrM0WI9V26NeLzXzY-lsfZAK57LYJ3uYcsM96URX-LsxxGVHBETI1ZXQB02NsalJV0WqTM/s320/RumbleTennessean.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo courtesy of <em>Tennessean</em>)</span><br /></div><div align="left"><strong>For county cyclists, path is often bumpy<br /></strong>Regional, local plans encourage bike paths and greenways</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><br />By Mitchell Kline • THE TENNESSEAN • August 4, 2009<br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Click <a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090804/COUNTY090101/908040302/1164/COUNTY09/For+county+cyclists++path+is+often+bumpy">here</a> to read the article.</div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-79190264872796664182009-07-21T09:00:00.000-07:002009-07-21T09:16:28.658-07:00Getting to Know the Laws for Bicyclists and Pedestrians<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mKepgPrU8Mg5I_vFK1-3KnMvwMwvJChKq-5iCBf0jtr0wp6fK4-AZLS_FQ2OBIK1cmvcRLQXb0jbnQIrGWvgKQzT25wfc24sAJiKrsNOKTFgabWA9QW1q-xdjH1Q-1iQUbXo446DSwM/s1600-h/crosswalk.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360946982271437730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mKepgPrU8Mg5I_vFK1-3KnMvwMwvJChKq-5iCBf0jtr0wp6fK4-AZLS_FQ2OBIK1cmvcRLQXb0jbnQIrGWvgKQzT25wfc24sAJiKrsNOKTFgabWA9QW1q-xdjH1Q-1iQUbXo446DSwM/s320/crosswalk.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a bicyclist and pedestrian is extremely important to not only travel safely but also to enjoy the journey.</div><br /><div></div><div>Test your knowledge and see if you know the answers to the following questions:</div><div></div><br /><div>1. Bicyclists should ride against the flow of traffic. T/F</div><div></div><br /><div>2. Traffic should yield to pedestrians when the are preparing to cross or crossing the street at a marked or unmarked crosswalk. T/F</div><div></div><br /><div>3. A 12 year-old is not required by state law to wear a helmet. T/F</div><div></div><br /><div>4. Bicyclists are not allowed to ride at night. T/F </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Click on the following links to find out the laws in Tennessee for <a href="http://www.tntrafficsafety.org/htm/Laws/cbslaw.htm">bicyclists</a> and <a href="http://www.tntrafficsafety.org/htm/Laws/plaws.htm">pedestrians</a>.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Answers:</div><div></div><br /><div>1. False - bicyclists should ride on the road going with the flow of traffic.</div><div></div><br /><div>2. True - motorists should yield to pedestrians preparing to cross or in the act of crossing at a marked or unmarked intersection crosswalk.</div><div></div><br /><div>3. False - anyone under the age of 16 must wear a helmet by law.</div><br /><div></div><div>4. False - Bicyclists may ride day or night, but at night must have a front white head light and a rear red reflector (although a blinking rear light is strongly recommended, as is additional reflective clothing/gear).</div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-31099542963602510742009-06-19T12:49:00.000-07:002009-06-19T12:54:39.805-07:00Register for Walk Nashville Week<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMch0TxHYQr-9kn-O8GjQxxnZ3P1FSdjZfS9kgmvT9U2v8eci6EQlhr97aWRKk_VkugzeIUjhyphenhyphenMthFdNG-_05BqmkGYDh2J2BtlIOPpKZPjYoQqw9yYYtuWmi7_ynS-M6u-Lcr2kAjlg/s1600-h/CHWTwebsite.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349129373766511058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMch0TxHYQr-9kn-O8GjQxxnZ3P1FSdjZfS9kgmvT9U2v8eci6EQlhr97aWRKk_VkugzeIUjhyphenhyphenMthFdNG-_05BqmkGYDh2J2BtlIOPpKZPjYoQqw9yYYtuWmi7_ynS-M6u-Lcr2kAjlg/s320/CHWTwebsite.gif" border="0" /></a>The Nashville Community Health and Wellness Team, sponsor of Walk Nashville Week, has launched a new website at <a href="http://www.nashvillechwt.org/">http://www.nashvillechwt.org/</a>. The website provides information on all of the Walk Nashville Week Activities, held this fall from October 4-11. The activities include: <div><br /><div></div><ul><li>Walk to School Day</li><br /><li>Walk for Active Aging</li><br /><li>Walk at Lunch Day</li><br /><li>Walk to Worship Day</li><br /><li>Walk Your Neighborhood Day</li></ul><p>To register your school, workplace, community center or place of worship, just visit the website. </p></div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-59333559081561982802009-04-27T07:33:00.000-07:002009-04-27T07:50:32.564-07:00Transit Now Video - How to Ride MTA Bus<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDR6YYXv8QuJnFAEK2Bm5qNDbF4Pu2aE8cI0LUxpDogkoGhDIceZQGis1rG8uZ7IWhyphenhyphenrV5uqa0Um-aHkTPjf_mUL_GXRUm_2Phw1E_H0Pij_muNNUxT_Bwni-bVRW6ewGwVxSZDhe4qGw/s1600-h/transitnow.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329383239012576146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDR6YYXv8QuJnFAEK2Bm5qNDbF4Pu2aE8cI0LUxpDogkoGhDIceZQGis1rG8uZ7IWhyphenhyphenrV5uqa0Um-aHkTPjf_mUL_GXRUm_2Phw1E_H0Pij_muNNUxT_Bwni-bVRW6ewGwVxSZDhe4qGw/s320/transitnow.gif" border="0" /></a> <div><div><div><div>Transit Now, a group dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of regional mass transportation in the Nashville Area, recently released a video about the ease of riding the MTA bus.</div><div></div><br /><div>The video discusses purchasing fare cards, selecting routes and includes a demonstration of the bicycle racks featured on the front of every bus.</div><div></div><br /><div>Click to view the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Krc90q4gPIg">video</a> or to see the <a href="http://www.transitnownashville.org/">Transit Now </a>website.</div></div></div></div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-49257645218589972782009-04-21T07:02:00.000-07:002009-04-21T10:46:44.137-07:00Sign up for the eNewsletter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfojjXKNlziLYq48Bn-n_MXZSWBC7-4Z8XdnKF69TwxMauQuHxhHQGOSratwZcqWaX4-k6QDdawKi81u7NoNYVxAuBXW1NJEsu2EKcsR5Gn8to7g20Y8DM5DdFQsjCUJ1hicdoEkdYfE/s1600-h/eNewsletter.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327147228835127282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfojjXKNlziLYq48Bn-n_MXZSWBC7-4Z8XdnKF69TwxMauQuHxhHQGOSratwZcqWaX4-k6QDdawKi81u7NoNYVxAuBXW1NJEsu2EKcsR5Gn8to7g20Y8DM5DdFQsjCUJ1hicdoEkdYfE/s320/eNewsletter.gif" border="0" /></a> <div><div>The MPO is sending out periodic updates on the development of the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan through our new eNewsletter. </div><br /><div></div><div>If you would like to receive the updates and find out about the progress of the plan, click <a href="https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:Join/signupId:54848">here</a>.</div></div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-49359477674260267062009-04-20T11:02:00.000-07:002009-04-20T11:10:04.611-07:00Green Ribbon Committee Report<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1MG6J4HwsHbR0xwwHfiefdtnociYQ4f40b4o3iuolP2p3GXDOwcYIYSf-p1KJFRvs5j91pQLL7I-ZeRAckPq_XCwz32BWoLbPBeW_Zk0qxLfFULCuwQd9YTzjkZWY8XPQf70V3z4_Uo/s1600-h/Green_Ribbon_Committee.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326837433758719538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 144px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1MG6J4HwsHbR0xwwHfiefdtnociYQ4f40b4o3iuolP2p3GXDOwcYIYSf-p1KJFRvs5j91pQLL7I-ZeRAckPq_XCwz32BWoLbPBeW_Zk0qxLfFULCuwQd9YTzjkZWY8XPQf70V3z4_Uo/s320/Green_Ribbon_Committee.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Mayor Dean's Green Ribbon Committee presented a summary of the final report to Mayor Dean at a meeting last week. The Committee has been working for the past 9 months to develop a plan to make Nashville the greenest city in the Southeast.</div><br /><div></div><div>Public input, including 1,800 responses to an online survey and over 300 attendees at five public meetings, guided the committee on creating the 16 goals and 71 action recommendations.</div><br /><div></div><div>The overall goal for transportation is to have two forms of transportation available to citizens, provide a percentage of funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalks and greenways, and provide educational classes for the public on bicycle safety.</div><div></div><br /><div>Read the summary report <a href="http://business.nashvillepost.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/2009-04-grc-summary-report.pdf">here</a>.</div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-3295272969608499282009-04-15T10:00:00.000-07:002009-04-15T10:08:39.717-07:00Share the Road Editorials in Tennessean<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmjFYKrfQ7YKCEdmV_gmFNbeR5EjCcOX1HLYirY7CB-47OwVq4ZQdyfU6hYNgrh1poAwm93q-3yFbjfLgAu-oqSbsl5_q5z2qSxe-3M0VtLEzkJctQhZK_kduOv_6KnrehhO9TpKsD9w/s1600-h/RiverRoad_tennessean.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324966014559390546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 174px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmjFYKrfQ7YKCEdmV_gmFNbeR5EjCcOX1HLYirY7CB-47OwVq4ZQdyfU6hYNgrh1poAwm93q-3yFbjfLgAu-oqSbsl5_q5z2qSxe-3M0VtLEzkJctQhZK_kduOv_6KnrehhO9TpKsD9w/s320/RiverRoad_tennessean.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="right"><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo courtesy of Tennessean</span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> </div><div>The Tennessean published several editorials on April 15, 2009 regarding bicyclists and cars sharing the road. Click below to read the individual letters:</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090415/OPINION01/904150390/1007/OPINION">Bikes, Cars Jostle for Space - Motorists, Cyclists Can Share Road Peaceably (Tennessean)</a></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090415/OPINION01/904150387/1007/OPINION">City, State Move to Make Road Safer (Rep. Gary Moore)</a></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090415/OPINION01/904150391/1007/OPINION">Follow Law, Apply Courtesy On Roads (Walk/Bike Nashville)</a></div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090415/OPINION01/904150388/1007/OPINION">Accommodate Cyclists for City's Health, Well-Being (Nashville Area MPO)</a></div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-73486599687448542382009-04-14T07:04:00.001-07:002009-04-14T07:26:38.348-07:00Bicycle Recycling Program Benefits Kids, Teaches Skills<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LM0mk_zdviA2XPuGOSl9-WkAqxtG5yViVqhaTIkLE73U6Gojf1IoTuj1zJobPxPwsvI7MqbYtHqS5msf-fImxmpqRYb8ZcibDwdidVxWW0kHJw1-UU_sk-qw04bww9hQcku9YSyzkvY/s1600-h/kidfixingbicycle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324552997263547298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LM0mk_zdviA2XPuGOSl9-WkAqxtG5yViVqhaTIkLE73U6Gojf1IoTuj1zJobPxPwsvI7MqbYtHqS5msf-fImxmpqRYb8ZcibDwdidVxWW0kHJw1-UU_sk-qw04bww9hQcku9YSyzkvY/s320/kidfixingbicycle.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">From the Tennessean - Ms. Cheap, April 12, 2009</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div>Wanted: used bicycles, any style, any size, any condition.</div><br /><div>Oh, yeah. I love this literal ReCycling.</div><br /><div>Here's the deal: A bike donation program has been organized by <a href="http://www.oasiscenter.org/">Oasis Center</a>, <a href="http://www.teamgreenonline.com/">Team Green</a> and the ReCYCLE your Cycle initiative, with the new Halcyon Bike Shop leading the charge.<br />The idea is for Halcyon to conduct a series of bike repair workshops, where young people can learn how to work on bikes and actually earn a bike for themselves, according to Halcyon co-owner Elise Tyler.</div><br /><div></div><div>"The (donated) bicycles are recycled, repaired and transformed into valuable vehicles for youth who are homeless or living in low-income areas,'' said Elise, who said the free workshops should crank up in late May at the new Oasis Center on Charlotte.</div><br /><div>She says initially a group of about 20 young people (ages 11-21) from the Oasis neighborhood will serve as a test of the program — attending bike workshops three days a week through the summer, learning just about every aspect of repairing and maintaining bicycles as well as learning about bike safety, bike lanes, greenways and other aspects of the wonderful world of biking.</div><div><br />"After that we want to expand it into other neighborhoods. It's a very practical program," Elise said. "The kids (who will be the first workshop students) are so excited about it. It's really cool to see the energy. A lot of them are too young to drive, and even if they could drive they can't afford a car. This works on several practical levels — providing transportation and building skills and confidence.''</div><div><br />So if you have unwanted, unused bikes, just drop them off at Centennial Park's Earth Day festivities, Saturday at the Halcyon Bike Booth (there should be lots of signs.) They'll also take bike parts and accessories such as helmets, locks, air pumps, "just about anything bicycle related,'' says, Elise who noted that your donations are tax-deductible and promised that "the process will be quick and easy.''</div><br /><div>"The bikes do not have to be in riding condition. Part of the program is that kids work on their bikes and fix them up, so it's fine if the bikes are not in riding condition,'' Elise said.</div><br /><div>Halcyon, whose main business is to repair and sell used bikes, opened just before Christmas over on 12 South. Elise said she and her partner, Andrew Parker, "had wanted to do this (youth workshop) from the start — but it was just too much to do when we first opened the retail shop, so we put it off a few months. Then just as we were thinking about it again, Oasis contacted us about us doing a bike workshop. And we said, 'well, yeah, that's exactly what we'd like to do.' ''<br />Isn't it great when things just work out like that? I just love it.</div><br /><div>Oh, and if you can't get your unwanted bikes to Centennial Park on Saturday, just take them to the Halcyon Bike Shop, at 1118 Halcyon Ave., whenever you can and tell them you want to donate them to the youth workshop.</div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-24023489090938632742009-04-13T08:26:00.001-07:002009-04-14T07:04:41.292-07:00Federal Policy - Complete Streets<div align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07sQcIHnS70JCO2l9zZlKaOhx5-DPmEBSxgm0Zmmjy6i1AlJxVieT2Cvrol1u0ZHCixN0zPP7-Cbm0pQKBJAd5ntpbqtpXX3R9volDEdZoMQErh9dnqQg7xQnMO0lZdINV00AI6lvtZs/s1600-h/Complete+Street.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324200840976772162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07sQcIHnS70JCO2l9zZlKaOhx5-DPmEBSxgm0Zmmjy6i1AlJxVieT2Cvrol1u0ZHCixN0zPP7-Cbm0pQKBJAd5ntpbqtpXX3R9volDEdZoMQErh9dnqQg7xQnMO0lZdINV00AI6lvtZs/s320/Complete+Street.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo courtesy of Rickard <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Drdul</span></span> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">COMPLETE STREETS POLICY PROGRESS<br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Complete Streets are streets that are designed for the safety and convenience of all transportation users, including bicyclists. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">The Complete Streets Act of 2009 was introduced in both houses of Congress on Thursday, March 12. Senator <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Harkin</span> (IA) sponsored S. 584 with Senator Carper (DE) as original cosponsor. In the House, Congresswoman <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Matsui</span> (CA-5) sponsored H.R. 1433 with Representatives <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tauscher</span> (CA-10), <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Maloney</span> (NY-14), and Wu (OR-1) as original cosponsors. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">The Complete Streets Act of 2009 defines effective complete streets policies that are flexible enough to use in daily transportation planning practice. The introduction of these bills is a key step in ensuring safer, better-designed streets across the country. Organizations from the YMCA to the National Association of Realtors have lined up behind the measure, because they see the benefits complete streets will provide on issues ranging from the obesity epidemic to greenhouse gas reduction to providing inexpensive transportation alternatives in tough economic times. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Click <a href="http://www.completestreets.org/benefits.html">here</a> to learn more about Complete Streets.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;">Information provided by Smart Growth America.</span></div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-8320271371278289592009-04-10T07:12:00.000-07:002009-04-10T07:29:26.004-07:00Share the Road - Motorcycle and Bicycle Awareness Event<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaV7-j05D2EZnwHSgxhQeqJ5d4xz23yrjYVnRYokXQA863o92tp_2FQmzQBdtzZzgdYOvGlxDULVoAyPH0OGP6MqU7Yjouk6czcTf16Dd3fGQdo2MzY3RXLRAaBftEcY2sudBNoAykLM/s1600-h/Motor_bicycle+Share+the+Road.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323068539868218018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaV7-j05D2EZnwHSgxhQeqJ5d4xz23yrjYVnRYokXQA863o92tp_2FQmzQBdtzZzgdYOvGlxDULVoAyPH0OGP6MqU7Yjouk6czcTf16Dd3fGQdo2MzY3RXLRAaBftEcY2sudBNoAykLM/s320/Motor_bicycle+Share+the+Road.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>Sharing the Road applies to motorists who share the road and are observant of both motorcycles and bicycles.</div><div></div><br /><div>The annual Share the Road event on May 2nd, sponsored by the Motorcycle Awareness Foundation of Tennessee (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MAFT</span>) and the Governor's Highway Safety Office, is the traditional kick-off of the motorcycle season in Middle Tennessee. </div><div></div><br /><div>This year, the bicycling community will be participating. We'll have a bicycle rodeo for kids, a Bicycle Street Smarts class for adults, plus educational materials for everyone. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Please join us to a fun day of activities and education. May 2, 2009 from 10am-1pm at the Bumpus Harley Davidson dealership on Broad Street in Murfreesboro, TN.</div><div></div><br /><div>Click <a href="http://www.cmtabate.com/maft/Motorcycle%20Safety%20Flyer%20Ev_print.pdf">here</a> for the event flier. If you would like to learn more, please email <a href="mailto:leslie.meehan@nashville.gov">leslie.meehan@nashville.gov</a>.</div><br /><div></div><div>Motorcyclists and bicyclists together can work for safer roadways for everyone!</div></div></div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-6776618609060200872009-04-08T12:04:00.000-07:002009-04-09T07:26:53.638-07:00Bicycle and Pedestrian Survey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rGoNlrk-FfoPLkvI9Tck1ZE6PzBxtKbtlgoyPeMd90VlGpo7Pjqkh01jeWnwgtmAfHGA5rZsfaKq4yPStlU_f8cIiW9epAnfLXBOinpig9fUQ_ffoXZd3SajC0vNZ1z-H-wjNuFhAbs/s1600-h/Surveyscreenshot.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322697889427871282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rGoNlrk-FfoPLkvI9Tck1ZE6PzBxtKbtlgoyPeMd90VlGpo7Pjqkh01jeWnwgtmAfHGA5rZsfaKq4yPStlU_f8cIiW9epAnfLXBOinpig9fUQ_ffoXZd3SajC0vNZ1z-H-wjNuFhAbs/s320/Surveyscreenshot.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MPO</span> Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Survey is still ongoing, however staff has compiled some preliminary results:</div><div></div><br /><div>Almost <strong>1,700</strong> participants have filled out the survey</div><br /><div>Most respondents live and work in Davidson County (Nashville)</div><br /><div>39% live within a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">reasonable</span> walking or bicycling distance from work (0-5 miles)</div><br /><div>40% of households have students</div><br /><div>25% bicycle to work at least once a month</div><br /><div>49% walk to errands at least once a month</div><br /><div></div><div>Lack of facilities, traffic, and driver behavior are the most common reasons for not walking or bicycling more often.</div><br /><div></div><div>More facilities, connections between <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">facilities</span> and with other modes, and education were sited as the most important improvements that can be made for walking and bicycling.</div><br /><div></div><div>With these improvements, the majority of respondents said they would be more likely to walk or bicycle to work, shop, eat out or go to the park.</div><div></div><br /><div>Click <a href="http://nashvillempo.org/downloads/bikeped/SurveySummary_040109.pdf">here</a> to view the summary of survey responses.</div></div></div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-76138287481558652532009-03-24T14:49:00.000-07:002009-03-24T14:55:50.348-07:003 Feet Please - Bicycle Jersey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIrBwy-EMcxIjoibhKsPngioorBkiLbGVe82s45WPs_BGbTj73qHRoYrT-BAhhdDldhzVCFzLkcGMnrnrs4Qn_ZErx6IdcUFhb0_nNcCcxO8h0GeY02dIIN1Sy0a_pRgWWyq4oazLucs/s1600-h/3feetjersey.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316876067304374370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIrBwy-EMcxIjoibhKsPngioorBkiLbGVe82s45WPs_BGbTj73qHRoYrT-BAhhdDldhzVCFzLkcGMnrnrs4Qn_ZErx6IdcUFhb0_nNcCcxO8h0GeY02dIIN1Sy0a_pRgWWyq4oazLucs/s320/3feetjersey.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MPO</span> staff recently found a 3-feet campaign offering bright yellow jerseys saying 3-Feet Please. While not endorsing this particular jersey, we'd like to let our readers know that a jersey of this type exists.</div><div></div><br /><div>Considering the recent bicyclist death in Chattanooga, please remember safely follow the rules of the road and wear bright colors so that you are visible to other motorists.</div><br /><div></div><div>Find the jersey <a href="http://http//www.3feetplease.com/3_Feet_Please.html">here</a>.</div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-5163649401041502342009-03-09T08:36:00.000-07:002009-03-09T08:39:18.469-07:00Cyclist Killed On Tennessee Road<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNtsV5QiJwXXPGUm9lSC3PMsNGF8L0dAs2oQPN8TYrJPPOmPlJpNqTHjxAfPIYX4S59W_gGZW3x7W24b5pCivwa41Oz0_vh9_EDdgylCzSdQYyaTGA5aaI3idyv2cxPXTTpmyVzpqV8c/s1600-h/Cyclist+Killed.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311212908760860514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNtsV5QiJwXXPGUm9lSC3PMsNGF8L0dAs2oQPN8TYrJPPOmPlJpNqTHjxAfPIYX4S59W_gGZW3x7W24b5pCivwa41Oz0_vh9_EDdgylCzSdQYyaTGA5aaI3idyv2cxPXTTpmyVzpqV8c/s320/Cyclist+Killed.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>From <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">WRCB</span> in Chattanooga</div><div></div><br /><div>A cyclist and bicycle shop owner, David Meek, was struck by a truck and killed on Friday March 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> on a local road in Chattanooga. Click link below to read the full story.</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://www.wrcbtv.com/global/story.asp?s=9959220">http://www.wrcbtv.com/global/story.asp?s=9959220</a></div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-90038303536008629962009-03-05T12:06:00.000-08:002009-03-05T12:15:21.492-08:00Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Meetings Draw Large Crowds<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbdUhgwJy6pFoTLz2jTudqcB6HV6LyHd1J7VbyWP3KWRghpy0weOHZroL9yiPs-9M1l_rrG8Aw9nAkFnvEHKR6G6Wu9cRT6auOhbk0SCI8RObjFrzDCxoINJQP6W0nihWYlMQItSADA4/s1600-h/WilliamsonPublicMeeting.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309799677151732178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbdUhgwJy6pFoTLz2jTudqcB6HV6LyHd1J7VbyWP3KWRghpy0weOHZroL9yiPs-9M1l_rrG8Aw9nAkFnvEHKR6G6Wu9cRT6auOhbk0SCI8RObjFrzDCxoINJQP6W0nihWYlMQItSADA4/s320/WilliamsonPublicMeeting.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Last week the Nashville Area MPO held five public meetings in Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson Counties to gather input on needs and suggestions for enhancing bicycling and walking in the Greater Nashville Region.</div><br /><div></div><div>Over 200 participants attended the meetings and were given an overview of the Nashville Area MPO and the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Study before engaging in small breakout discussion groups. </div><br /><div></div><div>The feedback from the participants is going directly into the development of the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian. </div><br /><div></div><div>In addition, nearly 1,600 people have filled out the Bicycle and Pedestrian Survey to date. To take the survey, click <a href="http://http//tinyurl.com/bx7kc6">here</a>.</div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-52691994948953403532009-03-03T11:18:00.000-08:002009-03-03T15:08:29.308-08:00Dedicated Funding for Mass Transit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yPp6sgeY9Ip6qfc2MCl1VU3g61EV0i0Cg2PHSan-jr8FoHej10x94Vi5erWZn77glLCeuFmzd9lD6gHoYlJPJrtQsS75VaPSvS2f_HqJzsp6Lmp3bKjiMtIkg0aZQ9TNB3_RbXRaAo0/s1600-h/mboro+rover.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309102207366785250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yPp6sgeY9Ip6qfc2MCl1VU3g61EV0i0Cg2PHSan-jr8FoHej10x94Vi5erWZn77glLCeuFmzd9lD6gHoYlJPJrtQsS75VaPSvS2f_HqJzsp6Lmp3bKjiMtIkg0aZQ9TNB3_RbXRaAo0/s320/mboro+rover.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Transit is an important part of any active transportation network. Transit enables walkers and bicyclists to extend transportation options by allowing them to combine walking or bicycling trips with transit trips.</div><br /><div></div><div>As explained by Michael Skipper, Director of the Nashville Area MPO, dedicated funding is essential to the implementation and operation of a regional mass transit and is mandatory for federal funding assistance for major capital investments in new start projects.<br /><br />The first step in that process is a request to the legislature to provide additional tools for local governments to work together as a region to dedicate funds for mass transit. That request has been filed as SB 1471 (Haynes) and HB 1263 (Sontany) and is available for your review at <a title="blocked::http://www.capitol.tn.gov/" href="http://www.capitol.tn.gov/">http://www.capitol.tn.gov/</a>.<br /><br />The Nashville Area MPO, in partnership with the Nashville MTA, RTA, Franklin Transit Authority, and the Rover in Murfreesboro is currently working with business groups, local communities, and other regional organizations to develop a plan for transit which will be an integral part of a much larger multi-modal regional transportation plan. </div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://http//www.nashvillempo.org/docs/MPO_DedicatedFunding_110408.pdf">Read </a>more about the MPO's vision for mass transit in the greater Nashville region.</div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-3787792247454326582009-02-26T08:35:00.000-08:002009-02-26T08:41:01.969-08:00Tennessean Reports on Sumner County Bike/Ped Meeting Tonight<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYoI7sqeAT5zwZsIcYF-HUb61lV1s6sKw4g41IWJhP0Mj8DlLiCtcXRqFEl2vuLS2Q9GkYDPhDB-ixCX8ifMTsxd98-R4QhvNxXpImFTq8PORZn0F9Pkdw3F32Uj5zCofq0vbja9Hbk0/s1600-h/greenway_for+sumner+article.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307146794406714850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 143px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYoI7sqeAT5zwZsIcYF-HUb61lV1s6sKw4g41IWJhP0Mj8DlLiCtcXRqFEl2vuLS2Q9GkYDPhDB-ixCX8ifMTsxd98-R4QhvNxXpImFTq8PORZn0F9Pkdw3F32Uj5zCofq0vbja9Hbk0/s320/greenway_for+sumner+article.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>SUMNER COUNTY<br />Sumner County bicyclists, joggers and walkers will have the opportunity this evening to weigh in on a long-term plan geared toward mapping potential bike lanes and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">greenways</span> through 2035.<br /><br />The Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization is holding several meetings in the Nashville area as part of its efforts to create a bicycle and pedestrian plan. Today's is at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hendersonville</span> Public Library, 140 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Saundersville</span> Road, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.</div><br /><div><br />A focus of the plan will be to examine how to expand bike lanes, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">greenways</span> and sidewalks, connecting them together and with mass transit stops, according to a Planning Organization news release. The overall effort will be folded into the 2035 regional transportation plan, which estimates funding for projects and determines priorities.</div><br /><div><br />The city of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hendersonville</span> recently held a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">weeklong</span> planning event, called a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">charrette</span>, which addressed bicycle and pedestrian concerns among other issues.</div><br /><div><br />That was a good first step toward "addressing bicycling needs in the community," said David Hardin, owner of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Biker's</span> Choice in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Hendersonville</span>.</div><div> </div><div>Link to the Tennessean article <a href="http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009902260346">here</a>.</div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7550762408589300764.post-45897174249025620242009-02-25T13:01:00.000-08:002009-02-25T13:07:25.134-08:00News Channel 5 Interviews Team for Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Study<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONZhZovEAVMvpFjm3UZYywgiutv427Ki8wl4XGqFu7tOGjQCGBYIyxUIvoU4qSkrqSrWxAEYH_GWG9Gy-7uRQVljySbueTX42R0hyphenhyphenhe5coi5W8QtJl_DvGE_QSuFtkcQCB9ONwve-HN8/s1600-h/Channel5.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306843463628141474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONZhZovEAVMvpFjm3UZYywgiutv427Ki8wl4XGqFu7tOGjQCGBYIyxUIvoU4qSkrqSrWxAEYH_GWG9Gy-7uRQVljySbueTX42R0hyphenhyphenhe5coi5W8QtJl_DvGE_QSuFtkcQCB9ONwve-HN8/s320/Channel5.gif" border="0" /></a>Leslie Meehan from the Nashville Area MPO and Bob Murphy from RPM Transportation were guests on News Channel 5 Morningline on Tuesday, February 24, 2009. Discussion included an overview of the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Study, and callers were able to ask questions related to bicycling and walking in the Greater Nashville Region.<br /><br />View a 10-minute portion of the show <a href="http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=5372899&nav=menu374_9">here</a>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPt9OAOIlS40UYqECGKWiuJHxc1SGnBu6DwnxSXA7UhAsew4nJT06fPjQuuKJHZ7-Pu7Xik_2u-W4_IZmmwYELKLzbll4r9kfv31fQl0jUF4K24iMy8aoiNBYWXoIoIiPGTI7JH5X-wY/s1600-h/channel5_morningline.gif"></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Regional Forum on Biking & Walkinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210577350000084651noreply@blogger.com