L-R, Council Members Mark Campen, Duane Grieve, Nick Pavlis, George Wallace
Over 50 eager bicyclists participated in the Ride with
Elected Officials on May 7, 2012. The ride included some of the Knox County and
Knoxville City Greenways including Ten Mile Creek and Jean Teague
Greenways. Knoxville City Council
members George Wallace (at large seat A), Nick Pavlis (1st
district), Mark Campen (5th district), and Duane Grieve (2nd
district) rode their bikes in the event. Other participating cyclists
representing local governments included:
Bob Whetsel, director of Knoxville Redevelopment; Jim Hagerman, director of
Knoxville Engineering; ; Lori Goerlich, Knoxville Greenways coordinator; Doug
Bataille, director of Knox County Parks; Jeff Welch, director of Knoxville
Regional Transportation Planning Organization (TPO); Kelley Segars and Ellen
Zavisca, TPO planners responsible for bike and pedestrian programs.
The City Council members enjoyed the ride and spoke with
various citizens who rode along with them. At West Hills Elementary the
physical education teacher discussed the Safe Routes to School Program and how
the greenway is a critical link for children walking and biking to school. The
bike route signs for the West- East Knoxville route which includes Ten Mile
Creek and Jean Teague greenways have just been erected by city engineering and
Jim Hagerman was pleased to see them. The greenways serve as corridors for
active transportation as well as recreation.
After the ride, Earthfare provided refreshments. Jeff Roth Foundation and Bike Walk Tennessee
offered information about their organizations. They both advocate for safe and
accessible bicycle facilities. Information regarding the economic and health
benefits of implementing a Complete Streets policy was given to each
City Council member by Caroline Cooley.
This first bike ride with Elected Officials was well
received by all participants. The Elected Officials expressed interest in
potential future events showcasing other area greenways.
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