Regional Forum for Addressing Walking & Biking Needs in the Greater Nashville Region

NY Times - Article on Walking to School

2009-09-14T09:51:00.000-07:00

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.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/13/fashion/13kids.html?_r=1&hpw

Tennesseen Reports about Safe Cycling on Greenways

2009-09-04T12:14:00.001-07:00

Photo by Aldredge

Nashville parks enforce bicycle speed limit as walkers, cyclists clash

Tennesseean - Opinion Pieces About Pedestrian Safety in Nashville

2009-09-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

From the Tennessean on Wednesday, September 3, 2009

Guest editorial: Making Walking safer pays off

Drivers, walkers are out of sync in Music City: Today's Topic: Pedestrian accidents on rise

Guest editorial: Statistics show walking is safe

Tennessean Reports on Dangers to Pedestrians

2009-08-25T13:23:00.001-07:00

Sunday, August 23, 2009

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090824/NEWS03/908230376/Deadly+drivers+threaten+walkers+in+Nashville
Deadly drivers threaten walkers in Nashville
Nashville among least safe cities for pedestrians

By Jennifer BrooksTHE TENNESSEAN

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.

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.
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.

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.

"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.
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.

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.

"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."
But even a cursory look at pedestrian accident data highlights the streets around town that are accidents waiting to happen.

7 hit on Broadway

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.
"I knew I could make it," he said with a laugh.

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."

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.

Circumstances vary

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.

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.

"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."
For Davis, the worst part of any pedestrian accident scene is knowing that it could have been prevented.

"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.
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.

Davis, for one, would be happy if that doesn't happen, and had a few words of advice for pedestrians:
"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.

Additional Facts
MEAN STREETS
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

Walk Nashville Week Now on Facebook

2009-08-14T10:49:00.001-07:00

Walk Nashville Week is coming up October 3-9, 2009. Events include:

Walk to Worship Day

Walk Your Neighborhood Day

Walk to Work Day

Walk to School Day

Walk for Active Aging

Nashville On the Move Day

To find out more information please visit the Community Health and Wellness Team website or facebook page.

Create-A-Bike-Lane with Bike Lane Light

2009-08-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

An innovative concept -- don't have a bicycle lane, create your own at night with a personal bike lane light.

Light Lane Bike

Rumble Stripe Write-up In Tennessean

2009-08-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

Rumble Stripes Rattle Cyclists

Road Safety Features May be Redesigned for Bikes

By Mitchell Kline, The Tennessean

August 4, 2009

MPO Hosts Meetings on Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Study

2009-08-10T13:11:00.001-07:00

Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Open to Public Comment

By Jenny Upchurch, Tennessean

Tennessean Reports on MPO Bike/Ped Meeting in Williamson County

2009-08-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

(Photo courtesy of Tennessean)

For county cyclists, path is often bumpy
Regional, local plans encourage bike paths and greenways

By Mitchell Kline • THE TENNESSEAN • August 4, 2009

Click here to read the article.

Getting to Know the Laws for Bicyclists and Pedestrians

2009-07-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a bicyclist and pedestrian is extremely important to not only travel safely but also to enjoy the journey.

Test your knowledge and see if you know the answers to the following questions:

1. Bicyclists should ride against the flow of traffic. T/F

2. Traffic should yield to pedestrians when the are preparing to cross or crossing the street at a marked or unmarked crosswalk. T/F

3. A 12 year-old is not required by state law to wear a helmet. T/F

4. Bicyclists are not allowed to ride at night. T/F

Click on the following links to find out the laws in Tennessee for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Answers:

1. False - bicyclists should ride on the road going with the flow of traffic.

2. True - motorists should yield to pedestrians preparing to cross or in the act of crossing at a marked or unmarked intersection crosswalk.

3. False - anyone under the age of 16 must wear a helmet by law.

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).

Register for Walk Nashville Week

2009-06-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

The Nashville Community Health and Wellness Team, sponsor of Walk Nashville Week, has launched a new website at http://www.nashvillechwt.org/. The website provides information on all of the Walk Nashville Week Activities, held this fall from October 4-11. The activities include:

Walk to School Day

Walk for Active Aging

Walk at Lunch Day

Walk to Worship Day

Walk Your Neighborhood Day

To register your school, workplace, community center or place of worship, just visit the website.

Transit Now Video - How to Ride MTA Bus

2009-04-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

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.

The video discusses purchasing fare cards, selecting routes and includes a demonstration of the bicycle racks featured on the front of every bus.

Click to view the video or to see the Transit Now website.

Sign up for the eNewsletter

2009-04-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

The MPO is sending out periodic updates on the development of the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan through our new eNewsletter.

If you would like to receive the updates and find out about the progress of the plan, click here.

Green Ribbon Committee Report

2009-04-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

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.

Read the summary report here.

Share the Road Editorials in Tennessean

2009-04-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Tennessean

The Tennessean published several editorials on April 15, 2009 regarding bicyclists and cars sharing the road. Click below to read the individual letters:

Bikes, Cars Jostle for Space - Motorists, Cyclists Can Share Road Peaceably (Tennessean)

City, State Move to Make Road Safer (Rep. Gary Moore)

Follow Law, Apply Courtesy On Roads (Walk/Bike Nashville)

Accommodate Cyclists for City's Health, Well-Being (Nashville Area MPO)

Bicycle Recycling Program Benefits Kids, Teaches Skills

2009-04-14T07:04:00.001-07:00

From the Tennessean - Ms. Cheap, April 12, 2009

Wanted: used bicycles, any style, any size, any condition.

Oh, yeah. I love this literal ReCycling.

Here's the deal: A bike donation program has been organized by Oasis Center, Team Green and the ReCYCLE your Cycle initiative, with the new Halcyon Bike Shop leading the charge.
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.

"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.

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.

"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.''

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.''

"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.

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.' ''
Isn't it great when things just work out like that? I just love it.

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.

Federal Policy - Complete Streets

2009-04-13T08:26:00.001-07:00

Photo courtesy of Rickard Drdul

COMPLETE STREETS POLICY PROGRESS

Complete Streets are streets that are designed for the safety and convenience of all transportation users, including bicyclists.

The Complete Streets Act of 2009 was introduced in both houses of Congress on Thursday, March 12. Senator Harkin (IA) sponsored S. 584 with Senator Carper (DE) as original cosponsor. In the House, Congresswoman Matsui (CA-5) sponsored H.R. 1433 with Representatives Tauscher (CA-10), Maloney (NY-14), and Wu (OR-1) as original cosponsors.

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.

Click here to learn more about Complete Streets.

Information provided by Smart Growth America.

Share the Road - Motorcycle and Bicycle Awareness Event

2009-04-10T07:12:00.000-07:00

Sharing the Road applies to motorists who share the road and are observant of both motorcycles and bicycles.

The annual Share the Road event on May 2nd, sponsored by the Motorcycle Awareness Foundation of Tennessee (MAFT) and the Governor's Highway Safety Office, is the traditional kick-off of the motorcycle season in Middle Tennessee.

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.

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.

Click here for the event flier. If you would like to learn more, please email leslie.meehan@nashville.gov.

Motorcyclists and bicyclists together can work for safer roadways for everyone!

Bicycle and Pedestrian Survey

2009-04-08T12:04:00.000-07:00

The MPO Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Survey is still ongoing, however staff has compiled some preliminary results:

Almost 1,700 participants have filled out the survey

Most respondents live and work in Davidson County (Nashville)

39% live within a reasonable walking or bicycling distance from work (0-5 miles)

40% of households have students

25% bicycle to work at least once a month

49% walk to errands at least once a month

Lack of facilities, traffic, and driver behavior are the most common reasons for not walking or bicycling more often.

More facilities, connections between facilities and with other modes, and education were sited as the most important improvements that can be made for walking and bicycling.

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.

Click here to view the summary of survey responses.

3 Feet Please - Bicycle Jersey

2009-03-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

The MPO 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.

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.

Find the jersey here.

Cyclist Killed On Tennessee Road

2009-03-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

From WRCB in Chattanooga

A cyclist and bicycle shop owner, David Meek, was struck by a truck and killed on Friday March 6th on a local road in Chattanooga. Click link below to read the full story.

http://www.wrcbtv.com/global/story.asp?s=9959220

Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Meetings Draw Large Crowds

2009-03-05T12:06:00.000-08:00

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.

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.

The feedback from the participants is going directly into the development of the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian.

In addition, nearly 1,600 people have filled out the Bicycle and Pedestrian Survey to date. To take the survey, click here.

Dedicated Funding for Mass Transit

2009-03-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

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.

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.

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 http://www.capitol.tn.gov/.

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.

Read more about the MPO's vision for mass transit in the greater Nashville region.

Tennessean Reports on Sumner County Bike/Ped Meeting Tonight

2009-02-26T08:35:00.000-08:00

SUMNER COUNTY
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 greenways through 2035.

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 Hendersonville Public Library, 140 Saundersville Road, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

A focus of the plan will be to examine how to expand bike lanes, greenways 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.

The city of Hendersonville recently held a weeklong planning event, called a charrette, which addressed bicycle and pedestrian concerns among other issues.

That was a good first step toward "addressing bicycling needs in the community," said David Hardin, owner of Biker's Choice in Hendersonville.

Link to the Tennessean article here.

News Channel 5 Interviews Team for Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Study

2009-02-25T13:01:00.000-08:00

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.

View a 10-minute portion of the show here.

First Night of Public Meetings a Huge Success

2009-02-24T10:26:00.001-08:00

On Monday, February 23, 2009 the Nashville Area MPO staff and consultant team headed by RPM Transportation met with residents of Williamson and Rutherford Counties to discuss the MPO's Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.

Participants were given an overview of the planning process and provided input about how walking and bicycling impacts their lives, and how those modes could be enhanced.

Channel 4 covered the Williamson County meeting. View the video report here. (Once on the video page, click the local tab and the Video titled: Meetings Center On Bike, Walking Safety).

Franklin Health Fair - Bicycle and Pedestrian Booth

2009-02-23T08:14:00.001-08:00

On Saturday, February 21, 2009 the Nashville Area MPO and RPM Transportation staff set up a booth at the Franklin Special School District Health Fair. Over 400 students, parents, teachers and community members came to fair to learn about healthy lifestyles.

Maps of the regional bicycle and pedestrian plan helped residents see where existing and planned facilities for walking and bicycling are located in local communities. Parents talked about challenges with going places like the park or a grocery store on a bicycle or walking, especially with small children.

Participants filled out the Bicycle and Pedestrian Survey and were given tire gauges to make sure that bicycle tires are inflated to the proper pressure. Bicycle Safety books, one for students and one for parents, were handed out as well.

Click here to take the Bicycle and Pedestrian Survey.

Public Meetings on Regional Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan

2009-02-20T09:39:00.000-08:00

The Nashville Area MPO is hosting five public meetings next week for the development of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Regional Long-Range Transportation Plan. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about the planning effort and will be able to provide input about bicycle/pedestrian projects, strategies and educational efforts needed in the region.

Please share this information with others. We look forward to seeing you there!

Public Meeting Schedule
February 23rd, Rutherford County, Smyrna Town Centre, 5:30-7:30 pm
February 23rd, Williamson County, Franklin First United Methodist Church, 5:30-7:30 pm
February 24th, Davidson County, East Park Community Center, 5:30-7:30 pm
February 26th, Sumner County, Hendersonville Public Library, 5:30-7:30 pm
February 26th, Wilson County, Lebanon City Hall, 5:30-7:30 pm

More details about the Regional Bicycle/Pedestrian plan are available at www.nashvillempo.org/bikeped.html.

Tennessean Reports On MPO Bike/Ped Study

2009-02-09T14:53:00.000-08:00

The Tennessean ran an article on Saturday, February 7, 2009 on the bicycle/pedestrian study being conducted by the Nashville Area MPO.

Click to read the article.

Daily Commuter Takes Train and Rides Bicycle

2009-02-06T06:49:00.000-08:00

Rails & Trails: One Commuter Shares Her Multi-Modal Experience

Monday through Friday Sally Robertson rises at dawn to begin her daily commute into downtown Nashville. Sally’s commute is a multi-modal experience, a story set on rails and trails.

She rides her bike one and a half miles to the station in Mount Juliet where she boards the Music City Star. When the commuter train arrives at the Downtown Station, Sally straps her helmet back on, takes her bike off the train, rolls up her pant leg, and starts peddling down Demonbreun towards Music Row. From there, Sally bikes another seven miles to Nashville State Tech Community College where she is a librarian.

With gas prices at all time highs, Sally Robertson is one of many Nashville-area residents looking to alternative modes of transportation. In fact, the Music City Star has seen a 27 percent increase in ridership since May 2007; 700 to 800 passengers are now aboard each day. For Sally, the combination of commuter rail and bicycling makes the ride into work not only more affordable, but much more enjoyable.

“I do it for more than just the savings,” Robertson states. “I ride because it is fun, and is good for my health and the environment. The money I save is an added bonus. ”

Sally, age 52, has been getting to work through different means of public transportation since she moved here from Chicago. She and her bike have been riding the Music City Star since it first began service in 2006. Before using the train, she and her bike rode MTA buses. Her favorite mode of transportation, however, is her bicycle.

“Riding my bike to work gives me the opportunity to really experience Nashville,” Robertson claims. “Instead of staring at the car’s bumper in front of me, I’m seeing, smelling and breathing Nashville. I’m interacting with my city.”

“The last two miles of my ride are my favorite part,” Robertson explains. “Riding on the Richland Creek Greenway is very relaxing.”

Multi-modal commuting is working well for Sally and for many other people whose daily travel combines the Music City Star, bus, walking and bikes, of course. Sally is convinced that she will soon have more company on the rails and trails as more commuters recognize the convenience, savings and fun of traveling the multi-modal way.

From Star Tracks Newsletter, Courtesy of Varallo Public Relations

Bicycle Safety - 8 Minute Video

2009-02-02T08:25:00.000-08:00

The full-length bicycle safety video is now available. Click below to view the video.

TN Health Dept Hosts Bicycle Safety Poster Contest

2009-01-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

Tennessee Department of Health
Traumatic Brain Injury Program
Bicycle Safety Poster Contest for grades K-8

The purpose of this contest is to decrease the incidence of traumatic brain injuries by promoting the use of bicycle helmets.

Contest Rules and Entry Form

10 Tips for Cyclewise Kids

New Bicycle Safety Video for Nashville

2009-01-29T06:45:00.001-08:00

Nashville has a new video on bicycle safety guidelines produced by the Renaissance Center in cooperation with Music City Moves and Active Living by Design. The video is being distributed on DVD to local bike clubs and schools. The eight-minute video covers bike maintenance, riding rules, and proper use of helmets and other safety equipment.

To request a copy of the video, email music.citymoves@nashville.gov.

Click here to view a shorter version of the video in a Public Service Message.

11-Year Old's Dream Comes True of Owning a Bicycle

2009-01-28T08:31:00.001-08:00

(from News Channel 5)

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -

Like any father, Scott Monteiro simply wanted to make his son's dreams come true.
For years, money and a debilitating illness got in the way of 11-year-old Josh Monteiro's greatest wish. That is - until this week.

As NewsChannel 5 photojournalist Nathan Sharkey and reporter Jeff Tang show us, a few kind teachers and a group of bikers changed one boy's life forever. Scott Monteiro makes his living explaining things as a 7th grade social studies teacher at West Creek Middle School in Clarksville.

But Mr. Monteiro explains no map, no battle, no story of history better than he explains his son's love of bicycles. "It's a dream of his. It's something he's always wanted just like any kid since he was three, four years old.

A bike never quite fit into Josh Monteiro's life.

"He has an illness called Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2," Scott explains. "He has no use of his legs anymore from the waist down." His disease does not change the fact that he still wants the same things other boys his age want.

"You know, every time we go past the bikes he still looks at them. He doesn't' mention them but he still looks at them," Scott says.

Josh did not know, but a visit to his dad's school Wednesday had something to do with his dream. All he knew was that a surprised waited for him. While waiting, Josh didn't talk much - nor did he ask for much. Maybe it's because he already knows exactly what he wants.

"What would be the one thing that would be a wish come true?" he was asked.
"Having a bike," he replied. "I've been having that dream almost every night."

Josh had no idea it was coming, but at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, his one dream came true.
Everyone gathered around Josh as a surprise pulled into West Creek Middle School.
A large smile found its way onto his face when the bike was unveiled. Tears soaked his eyes as he gave his dad a big hug. His one wish came true.

Scott Monteiro makes his living explaining things, but there are some things that hardly need explaining at all. "That smile... I have never seen him smile as big as today. This is the happiest day of his life. Thank you... thank you... thank you," Scott told those who made his son's wish a reality.

There is no cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Many with Josh's condition do not live past the age of 20. His family says exercise can help improve his quality of life. They're hoping the new bike does just that.

Several of Scott's co-workers donated money to help purchase the specialized bike. The group "Bikers Who Care" covered the rest.

View the video.

Local Scout Troop Builds Greenway Connector in Mt. Juliet

2009-01-28T07:33:00.000-08:00

Boy Scout Troop 150 in Mt. Juliet recently worked on earning merit badges for surveying as part of a greenway connector project. The troop is assisting Josh Tuttle in constructing a greenway connector for Tuttle's Eagle Scout project. The connector is between Old Mt. Juliet Road and New Mt. Juliet Road near the Mt. Juliet Church of Christ.

The greenway will cross Stoner Creek using an old bridge built in 1930.

Bicycle Track Riding Now at Nashville Motor Speedway

2009-01-27T07:48:00.000-08:00

The Harpeth Bicycle Club has signed a one-year lease with the Tennessee State Fairgrounds to allow recreational bicycling on the Motorsports race track. Separate areas will provide opportunities for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders to ride on the track.

For more information, visit the Harpeth Bicycle Club website.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Survey

2009-01-23T07:16:00.001-08:00

The Nashville Area MPO is conducting a survey to obtain a better understanding of the walking and bicycling needs in the greater Nashville Region. The survey asks questions about current walking and bicycling habits as well as improvements that could be made to make these modes more appealing, safe and enjoyable.

The MPO seeks to gather input not just from those who already walk and bicycle but also those who do not. These answers will help to assess what the region is already doing to address walking and bicycling needs and what improvements could be made to encourage more people to use these modes.

Click here to take the survey.

City Paper Reports On Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator

2009-01-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

Toks stands in front of his new office talking to Glen Wanner of Walk/Bike Nashville during the 2008 Great Commuter Race.

The City Paper reports on the appointment of Toks Omishakin as the Nashville Mayor's Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator.

Read the article.

Nashville Bike/Ped Coordinator Moves to Mayor's Office

2009-01-21T08:25:00.000-08:00

MAYOR APPOINTS BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN COORDINATOR
Work to include coordinating efforts of recently formed Bike/Ped Advisory Committee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean announced today he has appointed a Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the Mayor's Office. Toks Omishakin, currently the Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner for the Metro Planning Department, is moving to the Mayor's Office.
The appointment follows an update to the Strategic Plan for Sidewalks and Bikeways, initiated by the mayor shortly after taking office in the fall of 2007. Dean also recently appointed a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) to assist in the implementation of the updated sidewalks and bikeways plan and other efforts to make Nashville a more walkable and bikeable city.

"My goal is to transform Nashville into one of the most walkable and bikeable cities in the country, and to do that will take consistent effort and coordination from my office," Dean said. "Toks brings to my office the right experience and expertise in this area. I look forward to what I know he will be able to help us accomplish."

Omishakin will work with various Metro and State departments on policy issues related to pedestrians and cyclists, including coordinating efforts of the BPAC. During his tenure with Metro Planning, Omishakin spent five years managing Music City Moves, a community partnership committed to community design that supports active lifestyles. He also worked on bicycle and pedestrian issues for Nashville's 14 planning communities, and on the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Sidewalks and Bikeways, which was originally completed in 2003.

Omishakin holds a master's degree in urban and regional planning from Jackson State University in Mississippi. He is a member of the American Planning Association (APA) and a long-time member of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals.
As an expert on street design and multi-modal transportation issues, Omishakin has frequently been called upon to present at national conferences, including the National APA Conference, International Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference and the American Public Transportation Association Conference.
###

Vote on Parking in Bicycle Lane Deferred

2009-01-20T12:47:00.001-08:00

(not image of Douglas Avenue)

The Tennessean reports that a vote on the issue of parking vehicles in the bicycle lane on Douglas Avenue in Nashville has been deferred at the request of Council member Pam Murray. The issue will be heard at the February 9, 2009 meeting of the Metro Nashville Traffic and Parking Commission.

Read the article.

TN State Legislature Bill Proposes Bicycling Ban

2009-01-16T08:55:00.000-08:00

TN State Legislature House of Reps. Bill HB0095 filed on 1/15/09 proposes a ban on bicycling on River Road from Charlotte Pike (Highway 70/State Route 24) to the Cheatam County line. If you would like to read the bill or contact your Legislator about the bill, click on the links below.

TN General Assembly Bill History

Find my Legislator and View District Maps

To Park or Not To Park: That is the Question

2009-01-15T06:38:00.000-08:00

This video article from the Tennessean highlights the problems created for area bicyclists when encountering parked cars in bicycle lanes. (Click here to view the video article.)

The Metro Code was changed in late 2008 to prohibit vehicle parking in a bicycle lane unless an exception is granted by the Traffic and Parking Commission. The Commission heard its first exception request on January 12, 2009 for Z' Chicken Shack in East Nashville to allow on-street parking in the bicycle lane in front of the business. The vote on the request is delayed until the February 9, 2009 Traffic and Parking Commission to give the community more time to comment.

You may email the secretary of the Traffic and Parking Commission, Diane Marshall at diane.marshall@nashville.gov and request that your email be considered at the meeting if you can't make it in person.

View the original article in the Tennessean from January 12, 2009.

2 Billion in Bicycle Projects Ready for Stimulus Package

2009-01-13T11:20:00.000-08:00

America Bikes has put together a list of "shovel-ready" bicycle projects from all 50 states totaling about $2 Billion in infrastructure. The intent of the list is to demonstrate that infrastructure projects that are ready to be constructed should be considered for all modes of transportation.

Read the report.

Meet Earl Blumenauer

2009-01-13T11:14:00.000-08:00

The NY Times has published an article on Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D) from Oregon. Blumenauer is considered a long-time bicycle champion at the Federal level.

Read the article .

Pet Owner Faces Charges After Bicyclist Injured By Dogs

2009-01-08T15:08:00.000-08:00

(not picture of actual rider)

By Amy HunterReporter / Bristol Herald CourierPublished: January 6, 2009
A Blountville, Tenn., woman has been charged with allowing two dogs to run loose after police said they ran into a bicyclist, who was seriously injured.
Barbara Pearce was cycling with a small group on Barger Hollow Road between 1-2 p.m. on Dec. 27 when two dogs struck the bike she was riding, said Sullivan County Sheriff’s Capt. Keith Elton.
Pearce was hospitalized at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tenn., with multiple injuries, including a broken collar bone, broken shoulder blade, bruised brain, seven broken ribs and a broken hand, Elton said. She was released Friday, according to a hospital spokesman.
The dog owner, who Elton would not identify until the arrest warrant has been served, faces felony charges of allowing the dogs to run loose; each carries a maximum sentence of one to three years in prison, he said.
Rick Heppert, an officer in the Kingsport Bicycle Association, said it’s extremely rare for charges to be filed in connection with crashes between dogs and bicycles, which he said are the most common danger to cyclists in the area.
“I’ve been at several scenes before where cyclists saw dogs take someone down and officers said they couldn’t issue charges because they didn’t see anything,” he said.Heppert said he does not know Pearce, but he has heard a great deal about the incident from the biking community.
“This [owner] had been warned before and the dog was still out there, the police said,” Heppert said. Heppert explained that new legislation was approved more than a year ago that changed the penalties for owners of loose dogs. Now, he said, any owner whose dog is loose can be fined $50, regardless of how the dog gets out, he said.
And if a loose dog causes any personal injury, Heppert explained, the new penalty is a $2,500 fine.
ahunter@bristolnews.com

Cost/Benefit Website for Bicycle Facilities

2009-01-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

Bicyclinginfo.org has created a Cost/Benefit tool to calculate how the benefits of bicycle infrastructure can be related to the cost of installing the infrastructure. The tool is described as being able to calculate generation of new bicyclists, economic benefits to a community and health benefits to users.

View the cost/benefit tool.

U.S. Bicycle Route Map

2009-01-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

The United States is on a path to what could become the largest official bicycle route network in the world, thanks to the approval of a new plan by America’s leading authority on national route designations. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has just approved a National Corridor Plan laying out the framework and guidelines for the development of this system.

"The plan -- under development over the last four years -- identifies corridors connecting America’s urban, rural, and suburban areas. The corridors cover well over 50,000 miles, which, if transformed into routes along roads and trails, would create the largest official bicycle route network in any country or on any continent. By comparison, the planned Euro-Velo network in Europe is projected to be 60,000 kilometers or 36,000 miles..." (from National Center for Bicycling and Walking)

View the map and learn more about the planning process.

New Years Resolution - Six Reasons Why You Should Walk

2009-01-02T14:21:00.001-08:00

Six Reasons Why You Should Walk

1. It's easy. You already know how.

2. It's safe. Walking is low impact yet can burn as many calories as running.

3. It's cheap. You just need a good pair of walking shoes.

4. It helps manage weight. Walking burns calories and may reduce appetite.

5. It's weight bearing. Walking helps build bone mass, important for fighting osteoporosis.

6. It's a lifesaver. Walking is good for the heart - it lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and cancer.

Go for a walk. You'll be glad you did!

Report: Active Transportation for America

2008-12-29T11:23:00.000-08:00

A new report released by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy entitled "Active Transportation for America" quantifies for the first time the benefits of building and using infrastructure for walking and bicycling. The report states that in a modest-case scenario, Americans could avoid driving 69 billion miles per year in their cars, resulting in saving 3.8 billion gallons of gasoline and not emitting 33 million tons of carbon dioxide.

The report talks about Active Transportation being the missing part of our national transportation system, and also discusses the role that transportation can play in our quality of health, especially relating to the diabetes and obesity epidemics.

Click here to read the report.

Employer Incentives to Walk, Bicycle or Take Transit

2008-12-19T11:06:00.000-08:00

Mast General Stores, headquartered in North Carolina, reportedly rewards employees who walk, ride or take transit with $4 a day. These transportation modes are not only better for environmental health, but for physical and emotional health as well.

Do you think that local employers would consider a similar type of incentive program?

Universities - More Bicycles, Less Parking for Cars

2008-12-18T14:09:00.000-08:00

Some universities across the nation have stopped building expensive parking decks for students and started providing bicycles and bicycle accessories such as helmets and lights instead. The result -- less money spent on unsightly parking structures, less traffic around institutions and a healthier student population.

Nashville is known for its many universities. Do you think encouraging bicycle use by providing reduced cost or free bicycles would help with traffic and parking around universities?

A few examples:

Bike Emory

Ripon College

Nashville Goes Green with Green Ribbon Committee

2008-12-16T15:10:00.000-08:00

The Nashville Green Ribbon Committee appointed by Mayor Karl Dean is looking into ways that Nashville can become more green and sustainable. The Committee conducted a survey this fall in which almost 2,000 people responded. The number one sustainable practice that people want to see is availability of mass transportation.

Important to a successful system of mass transportation are connections for bicycle and pedestrian travel. After all, taking transit involves some walking or bicycling to or from a place of origin (like a home) or a destination (a school or office, for example).

What are your thoughts on mass transportation being the most important green practice on the minds of Nashvillians?

View the Green Ribbon Committee website.

Paris Bicycle Rental Program Celebrates 1st Year

2008-12-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

The Paris Velib program is an extensive system of thousands of bicycles available for rent all across the city. The program has seen extensive success in its first year of service. Check out this great video documenting the successes of the program.

Do you think a bicycle rental program like this could ever work for Nashville? Perhaps in the downtown area or near some of the colleges like Lipscomb, Belmont and Vandy?

Can Cars and Bikes Coexist?

2008-12-10T14:28:00.000-08:00

View this article from the Sacramento Bee entitled: The Conversation: Can Cars and Bikes Coexist?

TDOT Safe Routes To School Grants

2008-12-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will be awarding over $3 million in Safe Routes to School funds in 2009. These funds are provided at 100% to local municipalities who receive grants to install infrastructure and provide education to students on walking and bicycling.

Sample infrastructure projects include sidewalks and crosswalks. All projects must be located within 2 miles of an elementary or middle school.

Projects must demonstrate 5 E's: Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Encouragement and Evaluation.

To apply, visit the TDOT Safe Routes to School Website. Project applications are due March 27, 2009 and will be awarded in late fall 2009. Maximum project awards are $250,000.

Parking Cars in Bicycle Lanes - Updated

2008-12-02T14:25:00.000-08:00

It's official! Parking a vehicle in a bicycle lane is now illegal in Nashville, unless a sign is posted to permit parking. This is a big win for cyclists. The next step is education for the public and enforcement by police.

Original Post:

Walk/Bike Nashville reports on the debate and proposed ordinance in Nashville over whether/not to allow vehicular parking in bicycle lanes:

Metro Nashville City Council passed Ordinance BL2008-307 on second reading on Tuesday, November 18. The ordinance is scheduled for its third reading on Tuesday, December 2nd. Walk/Bike Nashville has been very active in promoting the creation and approval of this ordinance.

Erik Cole championed this ordinance and vocal supporters of the council include: Mike Jameson, Erica Gilmore, Jason Holleman, Vivian Wilhoite, and Karen Bennett.

Eric Crafton was concerned about inner city parking issues and raised the question during the Traffic & Parking committee meeting just prior to the council meeting on Monday.

The ordinance is an amendment to Chapters 12.40 and 12.60 of the Metropolitan Code to prohibit the parking, stopping, or standing of motor vehicles within bike lanes. A copy of the ordinance can be found here: http://e2ma.net/go/1529487234/1393866/51204039/goto:http://www.nashville.gov/mc/ordinances/term_2007_2011/bl2008_307.htm
Walk/Bike Nashville encourages you to contact the five at-large council members and your local council representative to share your thoughts on this ordinance.

Find your council member here: http://e2ma.net/go/1529487234/1393866/51204037/goto:http://www.nashville.gov/council/

Strategic Vision for Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation in the Greater Nashville Region

2008-11-25T13:58:00.001-08:00

On Friday, November 21, 2008, the Nashville Area MPO convened the first meeting of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). The BPAC is assisting in the development of the Strategic Vision for Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Planning in the Greater Nashville Region by providing input to MPO staff and consultant RPM Transportation throughout the planning process.

The BPAC is made up of a geographically diverse group of bicycle and running clubs, greenways advocates, city planners, police officers, P.E. teachers, local health departments, transit operators and state transportation and environment departments. The BPAC will meet four more times over the course of the next 10 months to provide input on proposed bicycle and pedestrian facilities, policies and funding opportunities. View members of the BPAC http://www.nashvillempo.org/downloads/bikeped/BPAC_Membership.pdf.

President-Elect Supports Safe Routes to School

2008-11-25T13:55:00.000-08:00

PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA SUPPORTS SRTS
-> According to an article in the Nov. 6th Safe Routes to School E-News, "Earlier this year, Senator Barack Obama met in Chicago with board and staff members of Bikes Belong -- the Partnership's parent organization. Mr. Obama told the bike group's leaders that if elected president, he would support funding for bicycling, walking and Safe Routes to School in the next federal transportation bill.
"That same week, Mr. Obama celebrated his consolidation of the Democratic Presidential nomination by riding bikes with his two young daughters in a Chicago park. The Safe Routes to School National Partnership will now work closely with Bikes Belong and the America Bikes coalition to ensure that the new Obama administration is fully briefed on the tangible benefits and significant progress of Safe Routes to School programs as they prepare their legislative agenda."
Source: http://tinyurl.com/292n2j

Safe Routes to School

2008-11-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

Did you know that up to 30% of morning traffic can be attributed to parents driving their children to school?

Did you know that over 30% of children and adults in Tennessee are considered overweight or obese?

Did you know that 10% of children in the U.S. have asthma which is strongly related to poor air quality?

Want to know one possible solution for these problems? Safe Routes to School. This program encourages children to walk or bicycle to school, which gets them exercise and increases their attention spans and behavior for classroom work, in addition to lowering their BMIs. When caretakers join in, it's fun and healthy for the whole family.

Less congestion = better air quality = better health and quality of life.

Learn more about a report written for Congress by the Safe Routes to School Task Force.

Greenways and Bikeways in Nashville/Davidson County

2008-11-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

City Profile: Nashville/Davidson County.

In 2000, 5.6% of Davidson county residents lived within a half mile of a Greenway. No bicycle facilities existed at this time.

In 2007, 34.6% of Davidson county residents lived within a half mile of an existing Greenway or Bikeway Facility. 95.3% of residents will live within a half mile of a Greenway or Bikeway facilities if all planned/proposed facilities are constructed.

In the future, if almost all residents live within 1/2 mile of these facilities there will be increased opportunities for physical activity and active transportation. Do you live near a Greenway or Bikeway currently? If not, how would your walking or bicycling habits change if you did?

Tennessee 3 Feet

2008-11-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

Did you know that all motorists in Tennessee must provide 3 Feet when passing a bicyclist? The Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Bicycle Protection Act of 2007 requires that motorists must provide this safe passing distance to avoid contact between the vehicle and the cyclist.

Share your experiences about the 3 feet law. Does it work? Do you think motorists and bicyclists know about the law? We'd like to know what you think.

Learn more about TN 3 Feet here.

Order TN 3 Feet bumper stickers.

Share the Road License Plate

2008-11-05T13:13:00.000-08:00

The Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation of Maryville, Tennessee is organizing for a Share the Road license plate. This is not the first attempt at a license plate promoting road safety, but with enough support it just might happen this time around. The foundation needs no less than 1,000 pre-ordered plates in order to send the plate to print. As with other specialty plates, purchase of the Share the Road license plate sporting the adopted 3 Feet law will help to support the efforts of the Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation. Go here to learn more about the foundation or to place your order for a plate.

Bicycle Safety Video

2008-11-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

A new bicycle safety video aimed at educating riders on the basics of bicycling was filmed last week and will be ready for viewing in the next month.

The video will be approximately 7-8 minutes long and covers such topics as proper helmet and bike fit, where to ride (and not to ride) on the road, how to make turn signals, and proper etiquette for riding on a greenway.

The video production is coordinated by the Metro Nashville Planning Department and Music City Moves!, with funding provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and video production by the Renaissance Center.

The final video will be made available on this site, so stay tuned to view the finished product.

Bicycle Commuter Tax Credit

2008-10-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

The "bail-out bill" just passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush includes a provision that may provide cyclists who ride to work up to $240 to offset their commuting cost and hopefully encourage more bicycle commuting.

The bill offers employers a $20 per month per eligible employee tax credit to cover reimbursement expenses related to the needs of commuter bicyclists. As worded, almost anything related to bicycle commuting could be covered.

This tax credit is only for employers, so you have to convince your employer to set up a program to make it work. You submit your receipt for bicycle expenses to your company and they reimburse you for the cost in your paycheck. At the end of the year your company claims a tax credit for the amount they've reimbursed employees.

Ryan Cooper, a member of Knoxville Regional Bicycle Program Bicycle Advisory Committee, has drafted a sample letter that you can use as a starting point for contacting your Human Resources Department to ask them to implement such a program.

___________________

Human Resources Department,

As I'm sure you are aware, the Congress just passed H.R. 1424 "The Bail-Out Bill" on Capitol Hill. Although this legislation deals primarily with the housing market, there were several other
unrelated provisions added to the bill. Among these was a tax incentive for employers who promote the use of bicycles for commuting. The specifics of this tax break are laid out in Sec. 211, "Transportation fringe benefit to bicycle commuters" under the Transportation and Domestic Fuel Security Provision section but the change is pretty basic.

The bill offers a $20 a month tax relief per bicycle commuting employee to cover the cost of any employer reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred by the employee "for the purchase of a bicycle and bicycle improvements, repair, and storage, if such bicycle is regularly used for
travel between the employee's residence and place of employment."

I am interested in finding a way that [Company Name] could implement a program that would allow employees who cyclo-commute to expense less than $20 a month in bike related expenses. The benefits of an expense reimbursement program for cyclo-commuters include:

Lower fuel costs on company owned vehicles
Less required maintenance on company owned vehicles
Ability of [Company Name] to claim a full $20 per month per eligible
Employee when actual expenses are likely to be far less
Improved employee health which in turn increases employee productivity
Creates a progressive and environmentally conscious image for the company

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like additional information about this recent tax code change.

Thank you,

[Your name]
[Your job title]

Sharing the Road with Bicycles and Pedestrians

2008-10-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

On October 29, 2008 the Nashville Area MPO staff made a presentation to over 100 attendees of the Tennessee Highway Safety and Incident Management Conference on Sharing the Road with Bicycles and Pedestrians.

This annual conference addresses many important roadway safety issues such as preventing and responding to accidents, collecting accident data and increasing roadway safety.

For the first time, the conference addressed Sharing the Road not only with bicycles and pedestrians but with motorcyclists as well. The standing-room only crowd representing cities from all across the state asked many important questions about bicycle rider safety and laws pertaining to bicycles. A big thank you to TDOT for allowing the MPO to make this important presentation. Click here to view the presentation.

Nashville Mayor Appoints Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

2008-10-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

The Walk/Bike Nashville 10th Birthday Celebration held on October 23rd was a huge hit! Over 80 people in attendance enjoyed food and beverages and the biggest bicycle birthday cake you've ever seen.

The highlight of the event was Mayor Karl Dean's announcement of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). The Committee is made up of cycling clubs, community groups, greenways and transit organizations, and elected officials. The BPAC will serve as a liaison between the Nashville community and the Metropolitan Government. View Mayor's Announcement.

View video coverage of the event.

Celebrate Walk/Bike Nashville's 10th Birthday!!

2008-10-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

Join Walk/Bike Nashville and Mayor Dean TONIGHT for the Walk/Bike Nashville's 10th 'Birthday' Party celebrating 10 years of pedestrian and bicycle successes! The party goes from 6-8 pm at the Nashville Farmers' Market located at 900 Rosa Parks Boulevard next to Bicentennial Mall.

There will be plenty of food, drinks and of course birthday cake. Mayor Dean will be making a big announcement tonight that you won't want to miss!

For more information, visit http://www.walkbikenashville.org/.

Online Tool Determines Neighborhood Walkability

2008-10-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Walkable neighborhoods offer surprising benefits to our health, the environment, and our communities. With the surge in gas prices, people are really considering the consequences of where they live.

WalkScore.com, a service designed to help those seeking a less automobile-dependent life launched in July of 2007 and offers the ability for people to assess how walkable their neighborhood’s are based on proximity to grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, movie theaters and other amenities.

Find out how your home rates for walkability; punch in your address at http://www.walkscore.com/. After you explore the site and determine your neighborhood’s walkability, provide us your comments, thoughts, and ideas for improving the walking environment in the Greater Nashville Region.

Commuting to Work by Bike

2008-10-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

A recent article in The Tennessean highlighted the experiences of some commuting to work by bike in Williamson County.

The Tennessean conducted a follow up story and actually recorded one bike commuter's typical commute ride to and from work via roadways within Williamson County. View video journal.

If you bike or walk to work, share with us your commuting experience. Let us know what would help to improve your travel or share your secrets for travelling safely on roadways within the Nashville Region.