Bike Walk Tennessee

House Bill Kills Bike/Ped Funding

2012-01-26T11:57:00.005-06:00

Biking and walking are under attack in the House — please take action TODAY!

Next Thursday (Feb 2), the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will vote on the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, a bill that eliminates crucial funding for biking and walking. The following Representatives from Tennessee are members of this committee and are in a key position to save dedicated funding for biking and walking.

Jimmy Duncan, http://duncan.house.gov/ TN 2'nd District (Knoxville)
Chuck Fleischmann, http://fleischmann.house.gov/ TN 3'rd District (Cattanooga)
Steve Cohen, Tennessee http://cohen.house.gov/ TN 9'th District (Memphis)

Click here to send a message directly to your Representative using the League of American Bicyclists' Action Center — and please forward the link to your members and supporters.

The American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, the long-awaited, multi-year transportation bill, eliminates the two largest programs that fund biking and walking — Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School. Without these programs communities across the country will lose resources to build sidewalks, crosswalks and bikeways that making biking and walking safer and more accessible.

We can't let that happen.

Our partners at America Bikes are working to introduce an amendment that will preserve funding for biking and walking. During Thursday's vote, your Representative could be the key in making sure this amendment is passed. Please reach out to your T&I committee member and ask that he or she support dedicated funding for biking and walking. Below, you'll find a sample letter you can customize to send to your Representative. In addition, America Bikes has compiled a number of additional resources, including:

A scriptfor talking to your Representative about this vote
Resourceson bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in your district
A timelineexplaining the bill's projected movement over coming weeks

Please take action today and forward this message to all of your members and supporters, with a link to the League of American Bicyclists' Action Center, where they can send an email directly to your T&I committee member.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at (202) 445-4415. Thanks in advance for your action on this critical issue.

Jeff Miller, President/CEO
Alliance for Biking and Walking

Here's a note you can use

Memphis MPO Seeks Public Input for LRTP

2012-01-26T06:22:00.000-06:00

Memphis MPO now seeking public input for Long Range Transportation Plan:

The Direction 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) can be accessed and downloaded from the Memphis MPO website at: http://direction2040.com

. The public comment period begins on January 17, 2012 and runs through February 17, 2012.

Local Parks and Rec Fund Grants

2012-01-26T06:17:00.001-06:00

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is now accepting applications for Local Parks and Recreation Fund grants to help communities create and expand parks and recreation services. The department is contacting local communities about the grant availability, and will host a series of workshops throughout the state on Monday, Feb. 13 to help communities understand the application process. The application deadline is June 29, 2012.

"Gov. Haslam proposed and the General Assembly approved restoring the funds for this program to help local communities purchase lands for parks, natural areas, greenways and recreational facilities," said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau. "These grants are specifically designed to help local communities improve their green spaces and we are pleased to provide this funding for the benefit of Tennessee's citizens."

Local Parks and Recreation Fund grants may also be used for trail development and capital projects in parks, natural areas and greenways. LPRF grants require a 50 percent match, with a maximum possible award of $250,000. By statute, at least 60 percent of the funds allocated for these grants will be awarded to municipal governments.

The department's Division of Recreation Educational Services will host three workshops on Monday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon (local times apply) at the following locations:

Environment and Conservation's Jackson Environmental Field Office, 1625 Hollywood Drive, Jackson, Tenn., 38305

Environment and Conservation's Downtown Nashville Central Office, 401 Church Street, L&C Tower, 17th Floor, Nashville, Tenn., 37243

Environment and Conservation's Knoxville Environmental Field Office, 3711 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, Tenn., 37921

Each county government and incorporated municipality is allowed to submit one grant application per cycle. Cities and counties may apply jointly for one project in addition to applying for one city or county project. Governments with open LPRF/RTP/HPP projects from a previous year are not eligible to reapply until the open project is completed. The workshop series is designed to help local government officials and parks and recreation departments understand the application process for the 2012 grant cycle (attendance by grant applicants is recommended but not mandatory).

For Grant Application, Manual & Forms, visit: http://www.tn.gov/environment/recreation/grants.shtml

Grant recipients are expected to be announced this summer. The application deadline for the 2011-2012 Local Parks and Recreation Fund grant cycle is June 29, 2012, at 4 p.m. (CST).

For more information about the upcoming application workshop or to register, contact Recreation Educational Services at (615) 532-0748 or tdec.res@tn.gov.

2012 Benchmarking Report on Biking and Walking

2012-01-23T11:19:00.003-06:00

In a new report, Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2012 Benchmarking Report, the Alliance for Biking & Walking ranks all 50 states and the 51 largest U.S. cities on bicycling and walking levels, safety, funding, and other factors.

This report comes at a critical moment, as Congress takes up the imminent passage of the next federal transportation bill, which dictates how billions of tax dollars will be spent over coming years. The Benchmarking Report reveals that, in nearly every city and state, pedestrians and bicyclists are disproportionately at risk of being killed, and currently receive less than a fair share of transportation dollars. While 12 percent of trips in the U.S. are by bike or foot, 14 percent of traffic fatalities are bicyclists and pedestrians. Pedestrian and bicycle projects receive less than 2 percent of federal transportation dollars.

"The Benchmarking Report shows that biking and walking are smart solutions to many of our country's most pressing challenges when it comes to transportation, job creation and health," Jeffrey Miller, Alliance President/CEO, says.

Click here to download the report and media fact sheet.

The report compiles persuasive evidence that bicycle and pedestrian projects create more jobs than highway projects, and provide at least three dollars of benefit for every dollar invested. The report also highlights the health benefits of active transportation, showing that states with the highest rates of bicycling and walking are also among those with the lowest rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. "The data points to one conclusion: Investing in biking and walking projects creates jobs, leads to more people biking and walking, and improves safety and public health," Miller says.

John Pucher, a professor at Rutgers University, emphasizes: "The wide range of environmental, social, and economic benefits of walking and bicycling, so clearly documented in this report, justify greatly increased investment in facilities and programs to encourage more walking and cycling, and to improve the safety of these most sustainable of all transportation modes."

The 2012 Benchmarking Report compiles important state and city rankings, including:

Other highlights from the report include:

In 2009, 40% of trips in the United States were shorter than 2 miles, yet 87% of these trips are by car. Twenty-seven percent of trips were shorter than 1 mile. Still, Americans use their cars for 62% of these trips.

While bicycling and walking fell 66% between 1960 and 2009, obesity levels increased 156%.

Seniors are the most vulnerable bicyclists and pedestrians. Adults over 65 make up 10% of walking trips, yet comprise 19% of pedestrian fatalities. This age group accounts for 6% of bicycling trips, yet 10% of bicyclist fatalities.

Bicycling and walking projects create 11-14 jobs per $1 million spent, compared to just 7 jobs created per $1 million spent on highway projects. Cost benefit analysis show that up to $11.80 in benefits can be gained for every $1 invested in bicycling and walking.

On average, the largest 51 U.S. cities show a 29% increase in bicycle facilities since the 2010 report. Cities report that 20,908 miles of bicycle facilities and 7,079 miles of pedestrian facilities are planned for the coming years (much of this contingent upon funding).

Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2012 Benchmarking Report was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and made possible through additional support from AARP and Planet Bike. To view rankings of the 50 states and 51 largest U.S. cities, and to download or purchase a hard copy of the report visit www.PeoplePoweredMovement.org/benchmarking.

Bike Party in Johnson City

2012-01-21T15:07:00.001-06:00

Hey! We're having a bike party in Johnson City.

Who: Volunteers primarily from Johnson City and the greater Tri-Cities area. This month is our first ride, so it is undetermined how many riders we will have. Our call is for a Critial Mass. We always need more help! What: JC Bike Party is made up of all types of bicyclists and human-powered transportation advocates who celebrate and build community in a monthly ride that must be experienced to be understood. When: Last Friday of every month. The ride starts at 4pm and will last until 8pm with stops along the way. Where: Each month an optimal route is chosen by some of JC's most enthusiastic cyclists. We are starting off small. This month's ride will be no longer than 5 miles and will focus on the southeastern part of town. Hit it where the Heart is ;) Why: To build community through bicycling! To help spread bike safety for bicyclists and motorists alike. Bike Parties give the public a closer look at what their community has to offer, even if they do not ride everyday. How: We have seven basic rules to keep the ride safe. We ride legally and follow all traffic rules. We have many volunteers (called BIRDs -Bicycle Information Resource Directors!) who help to lead and direct the ride itself – please listen to their helpful instructions! Stay far away from anyone who appears inebriated, and encourage them to go home safely – they will likely hurt themselves or others and/or get a nasty ticket before the night is out. BRING: Everything to make your bike legal and safe! Lights (a white front light is required by law, as is a red rear reflector) We ride rain or shine, so bring weather-appropriate clothing. Helmet (not required by law for adults, but always a good idea) Snacks and water – the rides are long, you will be tired! Stay healthy and hydrated! Repair kits/tools (or a friend who will share) Lock (in case you want to stop somewhere-after party?) WHY HAVEN’T YOU HEARD OF THIS? We honestly have no idea. Get invovled and/or Get intouch: charisofjohnsoncity@gmail.com

The Green Lane Project

2012-01-21T10:43:00.001-06:00

The Green Lane Project is a new initiative from Bikes Belong aimed at catalyzing the installation of protected bike lanes and similar facilities in U.S. cities. The project will work with six leading U.S. cities over the next two years to create on-the-ground models from coast to coast.

The application process will open in early February and close in early March, with a kick-off planned in Chicago in May in conjunction with National Bike Month.

Learn more about this program from Martha Roskowski, Green Lane Project director, during an Alliance informational call on Monday, January 30 from 2 - 3 p.m. Eastern.

To make sure you receive the call agenda and other materials, register by Friday, January 27 at 5 p.m. EST.

Changing Kid's Lifes with bikes

2012-01-20T11:44:00.002-06:00

Thirty-year-old Daniel Furbish has found his calling: working to change kids’ lives, one sprocket at a time. He teaches inner-city kids to build bicycles. WPLN’s Kim Green visited his class at a Nashville youth center and has this story, of how Furbish aims to give his students power beyond mere locomotion.

Click Here for more info http://wpln.org/?p=32993

JOB Announcement

2012-01-19T11:52:00.001-06:00

The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is hiring a state advocacy organizer in Tennessee who will build and maintain a network of diverse partners to achieve three main policy objectives: (1) Leverage funding for bicycle and pedestrian construction projects including Safe Routes to School and Transportation Enhancements funds, (2) Facilitate additional street-scale improvements through Complete Streets policies and other mechanisms and (3) Advance joint-use agreements. Policies must benefit lower-income communities and improve the built environment to increase physical activity to help reverse childhood obesity. Applications are due on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. PT. The position begins on March 1, 2012.

Pedestrians Hit by Traffic TRIPLES

2012-01-18T05:56:00.001-06:00

Serious injuries involving pedestrians wearing headphones have more than tripled since 2004, a U.S. study showed. Researchers from the University of Maryland found that people often were hit by vehicles because their music blocked out horns or sirens alerting them to danger. In 70 percent of cases, the headphone-wearing pedestrians died as a result of the injuries they sustained from being hit by traffic.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/01/17/serious-injuries-triple-for-headphone-wearing-pedestrians/#ixzz1joHmyfjf

They are also a major hazard on Greenways!

Knox County Pedestrian Fatality - Safety Lessons?

2012-01-17T22:05:00.001-06:00

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports that a pedestrian was struck and killed while on a walk in her neighborhood on January 4. Time of the crash was sometime after 5:00 PM. The driver claimed that the sun got into his eyes, causing him to not see the couple in the street.This particular tragedy raises questions of staying safe around sunrise and sunset. Some people have argued that it's best for cyclists and pedestrians to avoid being in the street around these times, due to the blinding effect of the sun on drivers, especially on east/west routes. Avoiding these times may not be too difficult with slight tweaks in one's schedule being sufficient. On the other hand, how much added danger is there in reality from the sun during these times?

FULL Time Position for SRTS

2012-01-17T21:40:00.000-06:00

Safe Routes to School National Partnership

The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is hiring seven state advocacy organizers

(one per state) in California, Florida, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee. Applications are due on Thursday, February 2nd, at 5:00 p.m. PT. The California position begins February 13, and the other six positions begin on March 1.

2012 Chattanooga, TN LCI Seminar

2012-01-15T11:15:00.000-06:00

Location: 200 River Street Friday, April 27, 2012 To Sunday, April 29, 2012
Location: Outdoor Chattanooga 200 River Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405
Coach: Preston Tyree
Hours: 5-9pm Friday; 8am-one hour after sunset Saturday; 8am-3pm Sunday
Registration fee: $200

We will be holding Traffic Skills 101 Sessions later in January and February and on demand for potential participants for this course. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Philip Pugliese, Bicycle Coordinator

Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405

T 423.643.6887 M 423.322.1489 Fax 423.643.6885

ppugliese@outdoorchattanooga.com

www.outdoorchattanooga.com

www.bikechattanooga.org

New BRAT Spring Ride

2012-01-14T10:37:00.001-06:00

Join us for the BRAT spring ride (River & Lakes Tour) April 20th-21st to knock the dust off your bike and get the winter blues right out of your legs. Come see what makes the Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee so great. If your not sure you can handle our 7 day event in the fall the spring ride is a great chance to see what a multiday tour is like. Click here for more details.

More on RWJF Grant Renewal

2012-01-06T07:05:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to share the news with you all that Tennessee was one of 7 states chosen by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for continued funding! This means the Tennessee Network will be funded for the next 3 years. The state network organizer position will become a full time position and the network organizer will be a direct employee of the National Safe Routes to School Partnership. Therefore the position will be advertised and the National Safe Routes to School partnership will have an application and interview process to select the state network organizer. I will forward details about the position and interview process as soon I receive them, probably by next week.

This is wonderful news for the state of Tennessee to be chosen for this continued funding which was based on the momentum and success of the state network! I believe having a full time dedicated network organizer will help the network to be even more successful in achieving the goals set forth by RWJF and the National Partnership. It has been a great joy to serve as the state network organizer in 2011 and I will continue to be involved with the network as much as possible. Please let me know if you have any questions about this new funding opportunity and new direction for the Tennessee State Network!

Millie Halvorson

RWJF RENEWS FUNDING FOR SRTS in TN

2012-01-06T07:00:00.002-06:00

Boulder, CO (January 5, 2012)– The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has provided a three-year renewal grant of $2,999,725 to the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) National Partnership. The grant will support the Partnership’s efforts to advance SRTS, a federal program that creates safe, convenient and fun opportunities for U.S. children to walk and bicycle to and from school.

“This program will help a generation of children to become more active and healthy through the construction of lasting street-scale improvements that will result in more walking and bicycling,” said Deb Hubsmith, director of the SRTS National Partnership. “We are grateful for the RWJF’s generous support, and look forward to working with many partners to help reverse the childhood obesity epidemic in the next three years.”

The grant will build on policy wins from recent years, and advance built environment improvements in all 50 states and the DC. This project will result in thousands of more miles of sidewalks and bike paths, traffic-calming projects and safer street crossings, and will enable many more students to benefit from SRTS. The project will focus on supporting communities with high rates of childhood obesity.

RWJF is leading national efforts to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic by 2015. This grant contributes toward that goal, and has four main elements:

1) Helping all states to increase the award and obligation of federal SRTS and Transportation Enhancements funds, resulting in the construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities nationwide, particularly in lower-income communities;

2) Developing a national learning network to share best practices among advocates for advancing street-scale improvements, such as sidewalks and pathways and joint-use agreements that develop opportunities for cities and schools to collaborate on creating safe places for kids to play and engage in healthy physical activity;

3) Advancing state-level policy reform in seven states (Calif., Fla., Miss., N.C., N.J., Ohio, and Tenn.) which will result in the award and obligation of federal transportation funds, street-scale improvements and joint-use agreements. The seven states were selected based on need and their capacity to succeed with the program goals; and

4) Publication of two policy reports highlighting the importance of the built environment in relation to improving health.

The SRTS National Partnership was founded in 2005 and is leading a national movement designed to make it safe, fun and convenient to walk and bicycle to and from school and in daily life. In 1969, approximately half of all school-age children walked or bicycled to school. Today, only about 13 percent of children in America walk or bicycle to school. Since 2005, Congress has dedicated funding for state departments of transportation to provide grants to schools and communities to build pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and run educational programs to support more walking and bicycling. A growing body of evidence confirms that community and street-scale improvements to the built environment play an important role in increasing physical activity for children and adults.

About the Safe Routes to School National Partnership
The SRTS National Partnership is a network of more than 550 organizations and professional groups working to set goals, share best practices, leverage infrastructure and program funding and advance policy change to help agencies that implement SRTS programs across the nation. The National Partnership’s mission is to advocate for safe walking and bicycling to and from schools and in daily life, to improve the health and well-being of America’s children and to foster the creation of livable, sustainable communities. The National Partnership is a major program of the Bikes Belong Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which is a sister organization to Bikes Belong Coalition. For more information, visit www.saferoutespartnership.org

Deb Hubsmith

NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS

2012-01-04T21:27:00.000-06:00

Nominations for two year term Bike Walk Tennessee directors are now being accepted and can be submitted until January 31, 2012. Positions for both regional and at large directorships are open. Please click here for further details. Email nomination to Carey Rogers, Nominations Committee Chair, at careyrogers@comcast.net

Please consider nominating yourself or someone with an interest in advocacy for non-motor- ized transportation. Tough times are ahead and we need new people.

Happy New Year: "Death by Degrees" bike ride

2012-01-01T02:05:00.001-06:00

From the board of directors of Bike/Walk Tennessee we would like to wish everyone a happy new year as we ring in 2012. There is a ride organized by Knoxville locals Gary and Helen Picou on New Years's Day named the "Death by Degrees" ride. As its name suggests, the ride is one that goes for the number of miles in degrees that are present at the start. So, if say it is a warm 60 degrees at the start, then the ride is a 60 miles ride. On the other hand, if it's an utterly frigid 0 degrees, then the ride is cancelled. A tamer option exists for riding the number of kilometers in derees Celsius.Setting ride distances based on temperature is quite creative. Are there other creative rides out there with an element of chance?

Walking to "outpace" the grim reaper

2011-12-19T22:16:00.000-06:00

Vitals On MSNBC.COM is reporting that Australian researchers have found that older folks who walked at a pace of 3 mph or faster tended to stay alive over a given period of time, versus folks who walked at a slower pace. Thus, 3 mph is considered the pace at which one outruns the grim reaper. Interestingly, 3 mph is a typical pedestrian walking speed at which transportation planning is done.Having communities in which it's feasible to walk to work, school, and various other destinations makes it that much easier to be and stay active for all people. And staying active makes it that much easier to have that 3+ mph pace even as one ages, not to mention maintaining one's independence.

Knoxville Fifth Annual Tour de Lights

2011-12-15T09:36:00.001-06:00

The Knoxville Regional Transportation Organization is having the fifth annual Tour de Lights holiday ride tonight, December 15, 2011. This fun ride starts and ends at Market Square downtown, and travels at a leisurely 8 mph or so through several local neighborhoods, for a distance of a few miles. Riders are encouraged to decorate their bikes for the holiday season. In the past, there have been between 200-400 or so participants.Being one of several large group rides put on each year, the Tour de Lights is nevertheless unique in being the ride that takes place at night. It provides a great way to showcase cycling to the community, and to show people that it can easily be done.

SRTS Network in Tennessee Terminates

2011-12-14T12:48:00.004-06:00

Over the past two years, Safe Routes to School Network in Tennessee has been funded through a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. That contract ended December 14th, 2011. For that reason, the Tennessee crew has decided to join forces with the Tennessee Obesity Task Force (TOT). They are very excited about the potential to continue to advance the work the network has begun through the shared experiences and resources of the Tennessee Obesity Task Force. In the near future, The Safe Routes to School Network will have a direct link from the TOT website , and an email address through TOT. Until then the state SRTS network’s temporary email address is tnsrts@gmail.com . The National Partnership’s website will continue and updates for the state of Tennessee can still be found there.

Click on these links for more information (Fact Sheet) about the network, best practices, and its final report

Better Medicine - 10 Reasons to Keep Fit as You Age

2011-12-13T08:51:00.000-06:00

Better Medicine lists 10 Reasons to Keep Fit as You Age. They are

Increasing bone density and limiting osteoporosis
Helping one stay independent
Increasing metabolism
Reducing the risk of falls
Making one more flexible
Gives one a reason to be more sociable
Improves one's mood,
and finally helps one's body.

Now, as they report, much physical activity has been engineered out of the everyday lives of people. It's gotten to a point where for many folks, activity has to be specifically scheduled into one's day. The last item that the article lists, namely parking further away from one's destination and walking, is a good idea. But wouldn't it be much more productive and fun if physical activity could be part of everyday life itself? Having an extensive complete streets network, where people may readily walk or bike to work and to run chores doing the same would go a long way toward achieving such.

John Daugherty Case Closure

2011-12-08T19:30:00.004-06:00

The Oak Ridge (link below) and Knoxville newspapers recently reported the outcome of the case regarding the tragic death of bicyclist John Daugherty in 2009. The three foot law played a critical role in the determination of charges against the motor vehicle's driver who killed John as he rode on the shoulder of the roadway. The driver entered a "no contest" guilty plea t0 criminal negligent homicide. He was sentenced to two years of probation with diversion and 200 hours of community service.

Bike Walk Tennessee board directors Mark Hicks and Jonell Johnson remained involved with the prosecuting Roane County District Attorney General Russell Johnson regarding the use of the three foot law in this case. They also expressed the concern of the bicycling community that similar previous incidences did not result in any criminal charges. Hopefully, this unfortunate case raises awareness of the consequences of distracted, inattentive driving behavior that results in injury or death.

The expanded “Due Care” law enacted July 1,2011 increases the penalties for distracted driving that results in injury or death of a person(s). Bike Walk Tennessee drafted the law and secured House and Senate legislative sponsors who shepherded the law through the General Assembly. Bike Walk Tennessee remains committed to creating legislation and promoting enforcement of laws that protects bicyclists and pedestrians who are using the public right of way.

link

Proposed Federal mandatory sidepath law

2011-12-05T14:04:00.001-06:00

The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) is reporting that S. 1813, the Senate draft transportation authorization bill, contains a mandatory sidepath law that would require cyclists to ride on sidepaths on federal land. The LAB article has much more information on why such is a terrible idea. But if you have non-cycling friends who are wondering why such proposals actually do not promote safety, here are a few reasons.First, the vast majority of car-bike crashes take place at intersections. Riding on a sidepath is dangerous for the same reasons sidewalk riding tends to be dangerous. Behavior at intersections is complicated by the presence of a sidepath. Car drivers do not typically look for same direction cyclists passing from the right, when making a right turn (right-hook conflict). Cyclists are also less visible to oncoming traffic, which may be planning to make a left (left-hook conflict).Second, many sidepaths are maintained well below the standards of main roads. Debris tends to accumulate, and cracks and potholes tend to accumulate to a larger degree before remedial action is undertaken.Finally, travel at higher speeds (say anything above 10 mph) is difficult to do safely when riding on even a well-maintained sidepath since there tends to be insufficient room to maneuver.None of these facts are obvious to a non-cyclist. The proposal seeks to get cyclists "out of the way" of car traffic, even traffic traveling at a modest 30 mph. In practice, passing cyclists is something that drivers routinely accomplish within a minute or two at most.

Nashville MPO Delays Award Announcement

2011-12-05T08:14:00.000-06:00

Due to questions raised in the November BPAC review of the $2.5 Million that Nashville MPO is awarding for Bike/Ped projects, the MPO staff has requested additional information from applicants and TDOT regarding the grant process. Considering the tight timeframe, the MPO has decided to push back the awards until January. Our MPO Executive Board meets January 18^th, which means they would likely make the award announcements that day or the next.

Asheville, NC Region Looks to Create Better Bicycling Future

2011-11-30T11:59:00.002-06:00

The Land-of-Sky Regional Council, in cooperation with the Southwestern Rural Planning Organization, kicks off a two-year initiative in Waynesville with a $250,000 grant from the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation.“We’re trying to come up with routes that work well within the region to make it possible for people to get around better on bikes and also for tourism,” said Nix, a member of the Regional Bike Plan steering committee and co-owner of longtime Asheville bike shop Liberty Bicycles.

The goal of the project is to coordinate existing local bicycle plans while developing a regional action plan for seven counties: Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, Swain and Transylvania, said Lyuba Zuyeva, transportation planner for the Land-of-Sky Regional Council.

For the entire article go HERE.

Tennessee State Coordinator Sought

2011-11-30T07:17:00.001-06:00

UPDATE 12/1/11:

Anthony Siracusa, BWT Director for Memphis Region, has volunteered to coordinate Tennessee's committee during this critical Bike Summit starting on March 20'th and has notified Katie.

ORIGINAL MESSAGE
State Coordinators fill a vital role at the National Bike Summit. They help schedule meetings with their state's Senators and Representatives before the Summit, and then rally the troops from their states at the actual event. We are currently looking for willing and able volunteers from Tennessee.

If you are interested in playing an active state role at the Summit but are concerned because you've never done anything like this before, don't worry! You will have plenty of help from League staff and from our partners Advocacy Associates. We will help you draft letters for meetings, schedule meetings, and manage your state's schedule. If you would like to experience the Summit as a State Coordinator, please email Katie Omberg .

Fed Funding for Bike/Ped is Gone, BUT THERE'S MORE

2011-11-25T10:38:00.001-06:00

The following is from the League of American Bicyclists

The draft of the Senate’s transportation authorization (S. 1813 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act) has been a bit of a disappointment for cyclists. It reduces funding for dedicated bicycling programs and allows state departments of transportation an opt-out for spending it. However, even aside from funding, there is an egregious clause that has rightly upset cyclists.
Section § 203 (d) (p. 226), the part dealing with the “Federal lands transportation program”, states:

(d) BICYCLE SAFETY.—The Secretary of the appropriate Federal land management agency shall prohibit the use of bicycles on each federally owned road that has a speed limit of 30 miles per hour or greater and an adjacent paved path for use by bicycles within 100 yards of the road.

IDEAS FOR FUTURE FUNDING SOUGHT

2011-11-16T11:42:00.001-06:00

The Safe Routes to School Partnership has a two-year contract with the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation (RWJ). It ends on December 14^th, 2011 and as far as we know is not being renewed. It is by no means a reflection on the momentum that the network has been able to accomplish. We are simply at the end of the contract period. RWJ is reorganizing and re-prioritizing what it is funding. I would like to request ideas and suggestions for future funding sources through grants, partnerships with other organizations or even funding through businesses, hospital corporation, insurance agencies etc.

Millie Halvorson

Tennessee Safe Routes to School Network Organizer

Tennessee@saferoutespartnership.org

www.saferoutespartership.org

615-305-3132

Is YOUR State Advocacy Doing the Job?

2011-11-11T08:12:00.002-06:00

. . Is your State Advocacy organization doing the job? If you don't know, its time to find out. Much of the impetus for bicycle and pedestrian friendly infrastructure was driven by federal mandate under previous transportation authorizations like SAFETEA-LU. With the new Transportation Authorization now in Congress that is about to disappear. As collateral damage Tennessee's network of Bike/Ped Coordinators is likely to disappear.
. . Is your club or bike/ped organization coupled effectively into your state advocacy org? Is your state advocacy org coupled effectively into the transportation planning and maintenance organizations in your region, your MPO/TPO, or RPO, the four TDOT regions? Don't know? It's probably time to find out!
. . We have benefited from federal mandates for bike/ped policies for a couple of decades, but that is changing and we need to back-fill. It's a job your State Advocacy org should be making pro-active plans to do and a job that certainly requires everyone's support.

. . David "Bud" Laumer, Bike/Ped Coordinator in Arkansas says "The network will be the big loss. Since 1991 the players have been learning their parts and sharing information. So, when rumble strips popped up here I went to the network to find out what others were doing. Betsey Jacobsen in Colorado had advice and alternative designs that we used here. Tom Huber of Wisconsin had more information. That network is part of a contract between FHWA and UNC Chapple HIll that gives us the PBIC--another resource that would be lost...."

Senate EPW Committee Considers Transportation Bill Today

2011-11-09T07:01:00.003-06:00

Senate version of the Transportation Bill MAP-21 eliminates dedicated funding for Bike/Ped projects by combining under CMAQ as "Additional Activities. Under the provisions of this Bill all funding on Bike/Ped focused activities (see below) will be gone in two to three years. The House version of the Bill totally eliminates that funding.
.
. . 1) The Safe Routes to School, Transportation Enhancements and Recreational Trails programs would be combined into a new “Additional Activities” program within the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program (CMAQ), with less funding available than the current spending level for the three programs combined.
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. . 2) In addition, an expanded list of project types are eligible for “Additional Activities”, including NEPA compliance and land acquisition for wetland mitigation.
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. . 3) Finally, the bill allows states to opt-out of spending any money on “Additional Activities” when the non-obligated balance exceeds 150% of the annual funding, and to redirect funds to any activities eligible in the broader CMAQ program. In Tennessee this BALANCE typically runs 2 to 5 times the annual allocation.

Memphis Hightailers Support Advocacy

2011-11-09T06:42:00.000-06:00

Paul Rubin and Steve Watson from the Memphis Hightailers Bicycle Club hand a check to Pat Clement from Bike Walk TN for $1250 that was raised from the Bluff City Blues 100 Bicycle Ride held on October 2nd.

Cyclists urge DA to Presses Charges

2011-10-30T14:25:00.000-05:00

PLEASE BE PATIENT. Video takes about 10 seconds to pull from Channel 4 News. It starts with a short commercial (that is why we can share.)

California Walking School Bus

2011-10-29T18:05:00.004-05:00

CNN is reporting that in parts of California children are participating in a "walking school bus." What's a walking school bus? It is a bunch of children walking to school together, carrying a "bus" that picks up other students along "stops" on the way to and from school. The article points to the very real fact that much of today's infrastructure has has physical activity engineered out of it. Combined with the ready availability of cheap calories, it's small wonder that the overweight/obesity rate there has topped 60%. The rate is not too different in Tennessee.The kids walk around half a mile to and from school every day. Calorie-wise, that would be around 100 or a bit fewer burned each and every day. Time spent walking per child is around 20 min. Could schools in Tennessee do something similar? How far or close to children live to their schools? In terms of time requirements, let's not forget that there are substantial traffic jams at schools each morning and afternoon, so depending on the distance, walking can actually be the faster option, not to mention how such can free up time for parents who otherwise might send their children to and from school by car.

TE Funds Under Attack AGAIN - Take Action!

2011-10-27T14:56:00.002-05:00

Dear friends and supporters of walking and biking in Tennessee, we are once again in an all-points alert due to the Transportation Reauthorization efforts to remove dedicated federal funding for walking and biking. Action lerts are coming from League of American Bicyclists, Alliance for Walking and Biking, America Walks, Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation and the effort below from Peopleforbikes.org. Please follow the links in the message below and take action to let your Senators Corker and Alexander know your feelings around the "Paul Amendment." This is one of those times that everyone can do something easy to make a difference.

Thanks, Pat Clements, President, Bike Walk Tennessee

Contact your U.S. Senators Today to Save Bicycle and Pedestrian Funding
Last month, we asked you to contact your U.S. Senators to oppose Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn's plan to strip funding from the Transportation Enhancements program, which is the main source of the federal investment for bike projects of all types. Peopleforbikes.org supporters and our allies generated more than 75,000 emails to Congress in 48 hours. This rapid and powerful grassroots response succeeded: Mr. Coburn withdrew his amendment and crucial funding for bicycling was preserved.
We are sorry to report today that bike infrastructure funding is under serious and immediate attack again – this time in an amendment proposed by Senator Rand Paul (KY) that would redirect all funding for Transportation Enhancements to bridge repairs. Mr. Paul's amendment is set for a Senate vote Tuesday, Nov. 1.
While we are all for bridge repairs, gutting the Transportation Enhancements program is not the way to get the job done. We must defeat this amendment and we need your help. We need you to contact your state's two U.S. Senators today and ask them to oppose this amendment. Here are four reasons why:
1. Everyone deserves to be safe. We agree that we must keep our bridges safe, but the lives of pedestrians and bicyclists are important too. Nearly 5,000 Americans die each year biking or walking on our nation’s roadways.
2. Reallocating bike funding won't make a dent in the cost of bridge repairs. Even if every penny of Transportation Enhancements money is diverted to bridge repairs, Senator Paul’s plan would still take 80 years to fix the backlog of bridge repairs we have today.
3. Transportation Enhancements provide essential transportation benefits, like reducing road congestion, improving safety, getting people active, and creating more jobs per dollar than highway-only projects.
4. States don't spend all the money they already receive for bridge repairs.
This is the third attempt in a month by a small group of Senators to target Transportation Enhancements, using a different angle each time. It is a waste of the Senate's time and taxpayers dollars to focus on eliminating this modest, cost-effective, valuable program when we are in dire need of real and viable solutions to fix our failing transportation system.
Please contact your Senators today to ask them to vote against the Paul amendment (SA-821) to eliminate Transportation Enhancements. (You can find your Senators, review basic suggested text for your email, and send your note directly from this link.)
Thank you for your help today, and for passing this call to action along.
Tim Blumenthal
Director, Peopleforbikes.org

A sobering discussion of our transportation infrastructure.

2011-10-27T07:46:00.000-05:00

With the most recent push to eliminate TE in favor of bridge repair highlights the futility of attempting to maintain our infrastructure as it has been built. Better to rethink what infrastructure we need to support.
This video explains the problem better than anything else I have seen.
Bruce

Urban Bike Design Guide

2011-10-26T09:19:00.000-05:00

“This is a guide cities should use,” said Secretary LaHood in front of the Union Station Bike Station. He went on to enumerate all of the exciting things that are happening in cities from New York to Chicago to Portland. The Secretary also said today that he won’t serve a second term as Transportation Secretary — certainly bad news for bicyclists.
Click here for League Announcement

VDOT Publishes New Bicycle Policy Plan

2011-10-26T05:55:00.003-05:00

VDOT's Bicycle Advisory Committee has released it Bicycle Policy Plan with the substantial assistance of the VA Bicycle Advisory Committee. Reviewing its contents I found it to "establish a vision for the future of bicycling in the Commonwealth". A great deal of public input was joined with input from key stakeholders and VDOT staff. The plan focuses on policies, procedures, and programs within VDOT authority.

By focusing its resources Tennessee's Department of Transportation could lead in bicycle and pedestrian policy planning for the coming years. A proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee would be critical in producing document and guide such as VDOT's Bicycle Policy Plan.

Roundabouts - pedestrian and cyclist safety

2011-10-16T11:39:00.000-05:00

Roundabouts are becoming more common across the state, as their traffic handling capabilities and improved safety become wider known. A single-lane roundabout can handle a traffic flow of around 25,000 vehicles/day with minimal delays, and sometimes can be a cheaper alternative to widening roads. Unlike a traffic light, traffic does not necessarily have to stop; traffic continuously flows more or less. Deadly T-bone crashes are basically eliminated.

One drawback to a roundabout is that although they are statistically safer than conventional intersections when looking at all traffic, they are more dangerous for cyclists. So how should cyclists nagivate a roundabout? Cyclists should take the entire lane, or use the full lane when traversing it (riding in the center of the lane). Why? First, vehicles should not attempt to pass each other within a roundabout. The primary danger to a cyclist at a roundabout is a right-hook, where a car turns right in front of the cyclist headed straight. lf cars do not pass, such a conflict becomes impossible. Riding in the center of the lane also enhances cyclist visibility. Second, speeds within a roundabout are low. They are typically between 10-20 mph. So a cyclist would probably be travelling at the prevailing speed anyway. Bike lanes are specifically not supposed to exist within roundabouts for this reason.Pedestrians should use the crosswalks at a roundabout if they are marked. In areas where crosswalks are not designated, how should pedestrians cross such an intersection?

New Leadership

2011-10-15T13:42:00.001-05:00

Bike Walk Tennessee is privileged to announce two new leaders for its organization. Dr. Caroline Cooley, Director of the Knoxville Region, was elected by the board as its corporate Secretary and Ms. Jenny Park who recently joined us from Chattanooga was selected as the new Membership Chair. Please join me in welcoming them and offering your assistance in these key positions.

Nashville MPO Call for Projects

2011-10-12T12:02:00.002-05:00

The Nashville MPO is making $2.5 Million available for Active Transportation Projects. With October 6'th being the deadline for submission 10 applications were received, requesting nearly $3.8 million - 9 for infrastructure and 1 for non-infrastructure. The MPO staff will conduct the initial round of analysis, and then forward the applications to the MPO BPAC for your review.

Active Transportation Call-for-Projects Schedule

- Day 1: Announce call for projects – Aug 17

- Day 45: Deadline for Proposals – Oct 6

- Day 60: MPO Staff Scoring, Round 1 Evaluation Complete – Oct 21

- Day 70: MPO/BPAC Joint Mtg - Round 2 Evaluation – Oct 24

- Day 90: BPAC Scoring, Round 2 Evaluation Complete – Nov 17

- Day 100: MPO/BPAC Joint Mtg - Round 3 Evaluation – Nov 17

- Day 115: Round 3 Evaluation Complete – November 29

MPO TCC Meeting – December 7

MPO Board Meeting – December 14

Project Award Announcements – December 15

News from Knoxville

2011-10-03T21:28:00.003-05:00

Update on bicycle news in the Knoxville area:

1754 driver’s education students instructed for spring and fall semesters 2011.

Starting January 2011, all public high school driver’s ed students in Knox and Blount counties have been instructed on bicycle/ motorist rules of the road. The curriculum, developed by Paige and Mike Winck, is taught by bicyclists who are involved with the Knoxville Bicycle Program. The program has been enthusiastically supported by the driver’s ed teachers and schools.

Greenway official opening: The newest Greenway in the Knoxville area, Papermill Bluff, was officially opened by city officials on September 29. It is almost a mile in length, parallels Interstate 40, and connects to the existing Weisgarber Greenway. For further details, go to www.ci.knoxville.tn.us

Legacy Parks is hosting a fund raising luncheon Friday, October 14, 2011. Governor Haslam will be the guest speaker . “ Legacy Parks Foundation works collaboratively with organizations and governmental agencies in Knox County and the east Tennessee region to expand parks, trails, and greenways as well as preserve open space and promote recreational oppurtunities.” Tickets for the event and further information can be found at www.legacyparks.org

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and go on a bike ride or hike.

Wheelchair fatality in Knoxville

2011-09-29T21:51:00.000-05:00

The Knoxville News Sentinel is reporting on a fatality of a motorized wheelchair user who was struck by a right-turning vehicle. The vehicle was turning right onto Kingston Pike from the western end of Forest Glen Drive around 1:30 PM, on September 28, and apparently struck the wheelchair when the wheelchair entered the intersection from the sidewalk. Forest Glen Drive has a stop sign for the car. The crash is still under investigation. Details are sketchy. What are some safety tips for wheelchairs out in traffic, and what can people do to make tragedies like this one less likely to occur in the future? Are wheelchairs more like pedestrians, or more like slow vehicles in their handling characteristics?

Public Meeting on Tweetsie Trail Draws Full House

2011-09-28T06:01:00.002-05:00

This from the Johnson City Press Chronicle of 09.28.11 on a Rail-to-Trail project in NE TN. Dealing with property owner's fears of crime and vandalism will always be part of this type of a civic venture. One positive result of this project is that it has united many user group including hikers, bicycle riders, pedestrians, nature lovers, horse back riders, and conservationists in a common voice for investment in livable infrastructure that benefits all.

"We’re talking Tweetsie Trail here. A meeting Tuesday at Johnson City’s Municipal & Safety Building intended by city officials to be “informational” marked the first of three planned public discussions that will shape the practical and recreational uses along the 10-mile section of former East Tennessee Railroad right-of-way.
Though Steve Neilson, the city’s long-range planning coordinator, did reveal some new information regarding how Johnson City plans to proceed with East Tennessee’s first “rails-to-trails” project, about 125 people packed the City Commission chambers — and most were up for a hearty Q&A session.
Elizabethton resident Rob Stout, as well as dozens of other Elizabethton residents, were not comfortable with the possibility of ATV use, increased criminal activity and security issues, lighting, fencing, noise and property rights concerns.
“Most of us live in Elizabethton,” Stout said to Neilson. “How can you patrol that? You don’t even have adequate security at Winged Deer Park as it is. Would you be happy if it was in your backyard?”
“Yes I would,” Neilson responded.
The informational meeting/discussion would never have occurred if not for the years of meetings, conversations, telephone calls, letters, emails and lengthy negotiations that have come and gone in order to secure the property’s use.
After saying he “certainly misjudged the amount of people that would be here,” Neilson established the baseline status, future procedural plans and some basic expectations for the multipurpose recreational pathway.
“The first thing we’re doing is putting out a request for proposals that will go out in about one week to architectural engineers experienced in rails-to-trails,” he said. “They’ll have four weeks to respond. We will choose one of these, and we anticipate the final design to be done in fall of next year.”
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has expressed an interest in helping fund the project, and city officials are hoping to receive corporate support, he added.
“We’ll also be looking at linking into other recreation trails, such as Sycamore Shoals and the State of Franklin trail (a stretch of pedestrian and bicycle path stretching from ETSU into downtown),” he said. “About 250 of the properties along or near the trail are in Carter County, and we will be looking into privacy and security concerns. We’ll also be looking at building in phases and considering parking sites.”
Neilson said the RFP also calls for a five-year maintenance plan and that Johnson City and Elizabethton will be coordinating security.”
In late April, the Johnson City Commission took a long-awaited step and approved a $600,000 agreement to buy approximately 70 acres of land needed for the project from Genesee & Wyoming, the parent company of East Tennessee Railway.
The property’s path includes land where the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina railroad once operated between Johnson City and Elizabethton, and the abandoned corridor runs from Alabama and Legion streets in Johnson City and ends near the State Line Drive-In in Elizabethton."

Bike Commuting Increasing Except In South

2011-09-22T07:36:00.000-05:00

Study shows slow growth of bike commuting in some areas.

A good article in Atlantic Magazine looks at the growth of bike commuting in various regions. Our culture of using passive transportation is slow to change toward the use of more active transportation modes.

"Converting to bicycle commuting is all the rage in U.S. cities, if the proliferation of blogs devoted to the topic is any indication. But we wanted to know: Just how big have increases in the percentage of bike commuters been in specific cities? Are there regional differences? Cities where bike commuting isn't catching on at all? We surveyed 55 major U.S. cities to see if we could find the answer. While there are stark differences across individual cities, taken as a group these metros saw an average increase in their percentage of regular bicycle commuters of 70 percent between 2000 and 2009."

Thanks for your action

2011-09-20T11:43:00.000-05:00

This from Adventure Cycling:

Dear cycling friends, Thanks to many of you, we have made real progress these last two weeks on two major national issues for cyclists: federal support for cycling, and rumble strip applications that threaten to harm important cycling routes.

First, there is good news from Washington, DC. The US House and Senate decided to extend current law and funding on transportation, including investments in bike facilities, through the end of March 2012. If you contacted your Senators, you made a big difference – they heard from over 50,000 constituents (and possibly many more) that bicycling is a worthwhile and cost- effective investment for transportation and recreation. We will need to make the same kind of push in 2012 to ensure that a modest level of national investment in cycling remains in force.

Second, as you may know, Adventure Cycling has been working hard over the last two years with national and local groups to make sure that rumble strips are used appropriately and not in ways that destroy the ability of cyclists to use important rural and suburban roads for
recreation, travel and commuting. We were especially concerned when the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a Technical Advisory (TA) that gave short shrift to cyclists’ needs and concerns about rumbles. Fortunately, after an enormous amount of work with FHWA and the US Department of Transportation, it looks like the TA will be substantially revised to reflect cyclists’ concerns. This is good news but we will keep up our efforts until the new advisory is signed, sealed and delivered (which may take a few more months). You can get the complete story here -- http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2011/09/rumble-strip-update.html. Thanks so much to all of you who have helped on these critical issues. America is becoming more friendly to bicycling and bike travel but, unless we speak up and get involved, this is a trend that will not continue. We promise not to send too many of these alerts and bulletins but when we do, your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks again and best wishes,
Jim Sayer Executive Director Adventure Cycling

Riding in the dark

2011-09-18T22:44:00.000-05:00

With the start of autumn almost upon us, the daylight hours are getting fewer. Unfortunately, with increased hours of darkness, crashes like the one that killed David Perkey are more likely when cyclists are out in the dark. He was apparently hit by a hit-and-run driver, and subsequently killed. While hit-and-run is never acceptable, the report states that he was riding without lights or reflectors. It's possible to ride safely in the dark, provided that proper equipment is used. More important than what lights to have, is to have working front and rear lights to begin with. Reflectors and other reflective gear is good, but they by themselves are not enough. They only are visible when light is directly shining on them, whereas an actual light shines regardless. Headlights are typically mounted on handlebars or atop one's bike helmet. Some cyclists prefer to have both. They range from cheap "be-seen" sorts of lights, all the way to extremely powerful (comparable to car headlight) systems used for mountain biking. Taillights typically mount on the seat post or rear rack, although there are also bar end taillights available. The latter may provide a sense of width to traffic. Numerous flash patterns are available, although I personally feel that the vast majority of flash patterns are "cute" but don't really add to safety. Since one cannot readily tell if a rear light has failed, it's preferable to have at least two rear lights for a degree of redundancy. So, what lights do you use and recommend? I use a converted 2AA cell Maglite (with a 140 lumen LED mod from terralux) mounted with a twofish lockblock for my front light, and a planet bike superflash for the rear. Being somewhat interested in electronics myself, if people would like to learn about additional details about bicycle lighting, I would be glad to provide a primer. But ultimately, having working lights for all (street lights, reflective clothing, and reflectors are never enough) is way more important than what specific lights to have.

Bike Funding at Risk

2011-09-12T08:11:00.002-05:00

. . All of the funding for active transportation--walking and biking--is proposed to be cut. This is the biggest threat to healthy active lifestyles since 1991. No more coordination to ensure that YOU have the choice to walk or ride a bike to get where you want to go. Just take the car and shut up--that is the message. We need to help the OK Senator see the public health value of choice here--Imhoff is leading the charge--and our delegation needs to get the message.
Let your congressional delegation know how you feel and what is at stake.
Bud Laumer

Red-light cameras no longer used for non-stopping right-turns

2011-09-05T21:08:00.000-05:00

The Farragut Press Enterprise is reporting that red light cameras in town will no longer be used to enforce the requirement that vehicles come to a complete stop at a red light before turning right due to legislation passed by the state legislature. While the so-called rolling stop remains illegal, only actual law enforcement on scene will be allowed to enforce such. The cameras will continue to be used for citing straight through red light running and running red lights on left-turns. Cameras can now enforce right-turn violations only where right-turns on red are explicitly prohibited.Does this looser enforcement of right turns on red increase the dangers facing pedestrians?

Walking/Cycling for weight loss - calories burned

2011-09-03T21:46:00.001-05:00

How many calories do people typically burn walking and cycling? How realistic can working these activities into our daily lives help people lose excess weight? I did a quick survey of an online guide to obtain some numbers. The calories burned through cycling, due to the air resistance increasing as the cube of the speed, is highly dependent on the speed traveled. Using the numbers given by the website above, and rounding to the nearest hundred calories (since the exact number varies due to many factors), we get in one hour's worth the following rough values. >

Speed (mph)	Man	Woman	Calories/mi (Man/Woman)
11 (slow)	500	400	50/40
13 (leisurely)	700	600	50/50
15 (moderate)	900	700	60/50
18 (fast)	1000	900	60/50

Now, at higher speeds, greater distances are covered in one hour. As for walking, we have the following. >

Speed (mph)	Man	Woman	Calories/mi (Man/Woman)
2 (slow)	200	200	100
2.5 (leisurely)	300	200	120/80
3 (moderate)	300	200	100/70
3.5 (moderately fast)	300	300	90/90
4 (fast)	400	400	100/100
4.5 (very fast)	500	500	110/110
5 (near jog)	700	600	140/120

Now, in order to see how many calories one can burn, say during a commute, let's suppose that a realistic commute time is 1 hour round-trip, which studies have shown people tend to gravitate toward regardless of the mode of transportation. Let's assume that a moderate rate is used, since we hopefully aren't racing to and from work on a typical day. A cyclist would then burn around 600-700 calories a day making a 6.5 mi one-way commute. Going by foot, the person would burn 200-300 calories on a 1.5 mi one-way commute. A 6.5 mi commute distance is quite reasonable for town/city dwellers; keep in mind that the distance from downtown Knoxville to north Knoxville is only around 3 or so miles. Walking (and cycling) can, if need be, be combined with the use of public transit for longer distances.

Now, how much is 600 calories? 600 calories are found in about 3.5 12 oz cans of regular (non-diet) soda or slightly less than two regular-sized McDonalds sandwiches. It is roughly a quarter of the calories in the diet of a "typical" man on a typical day. If, and here's the big if, someone can maintain identical eating habits yet commuted to work, one can see how gradual weight loss, or at least improved weight maintainence, is quite reasonable. There are numerous anecdotes of people who regularly ride who "never have to worry about what to eat." Endurance cycling events like those previously mentioned burn an incredible number of calories, with a metric century burning like 3000 calories and a full-century 5000. The caveat though is that it's tempting and quite natural to increase one's appetite when one regularly exercises; thereby reducing the weight-loss effects. Even if such occurs though, one would still be blessed with a healthier body overall.

Elizabethton

2011-08-30T18:55:00.008-05:00

. . Y'all have done a great job at getting national attention for Ms Tryon, but it is important this incident become a positive for everyone and we don't overdue our concern and turn it into a negative.
. . This matter now has the attention of Andy Clark at the League of American Bicyclists who has assigned several people to work with the police chief and the National Safe Routes to School Partnership.
. . Jeff Miller at the Alliance for Biking and Walking has been following closely. And, the National Director for Safe Routes to School is researching further action. It is an important issue to all and I am sure Ms Tryon will get good support from these people.
. . Plus the Directors of Bike Walk Tennessee are helping.
. . I believe everything will work out fine as long as we remember our primary interest is the well being of the 5'th grade girl who wants to ride her bike to school. Both the mother and the policeman acted with sincere concern for the girl. We don't want to push people into hard positions that make them forget the best interests of the young girl are everyone's priority.

Arrested for Riding Bike to School

2011-08-29T07:07:00.003-05:00

Could you be arrested for allowing your 5'th grade child to ride her bike one mile to school? That certainly seems crazy as we try to encourage active life styles for our kids. That certainly seems crazy as we try to promote safe routes to school programs. That certainly seems crazy as we talk of an obesity epidemic amongst our children. But that is what police in Elizabethton Tennessee are threatening.

Teresa Tryon said, "On August 25th my 10 year daughter arrived home via police officer, requested to speak to me on the front porch of my home. The officer informed me that in his 'judgement' it was unsafe for my daughter to ride her bike to school."

Ms Tryon called the mayor's office and the chief of police office in order to determine what laws she was breaking by allowing her daughter to ride her bike to school. Her daughter's route to school was reasonably safe.

Major Verran of the police department returned Ms Tryon's call. She said he told me, "He had spoke with the District Attorney's office who advised that until the officer can speak with Child Protective Services that if I allow my daughter to ride/walk to school I will be breaking the law and treated accordingly.

She asked, "What law she would be breaking to which the answer was 'child neglect'".

Ms Tryon confirm with Major Verran that her daughter was indeed breaking no laws at any level, but it was Ms Tryon who was breaking the law by allowing her daughter to ride/walk to school. Even though it only takes her daughter 7 - 9 minutes to bicycle to school, she is expected to ride the bus.

Clarksville car/pedestrian crash - lessons to be learned

2011-08-26T10:37:00.004-05:00

The latest car/pedestrian crash in Clarksville, as reported here, and here, highlight some of the issues surrounding Fort Campbell Boulevard. Fort Campbell Boulevard is a massive 7-lane arterial that is built up on both sides. The second article points to the lack of crosswalks and six pedestrian fatalities over the past two years on that road. Even at signalized intersections, there was only 14 s to cross the seven lanes before the light changed back to red. The reporters noted that they had to run across in order to make it through on time.

A quick calculation shows that for a typical walking speed of 3 mi/hr, 14 s is enough to cross only 5 lanes, for typical lane widths of 11-12 ft. It could be that the small amount of time allocated to the pedestrian phase of the light cycle is another example of car-centric design; after all, every additional second for pedestrians means one less second for cars. Improvements in crossings and crosswalks are desired there of course. Does the road actually need all seven lanes with its hazards? What is its daily traffic? Should the traffic be calmed?

This particular crash holds a safety lesson though outside of engineering. According to the reports, the pedestrian was struck when cars in the first two lanes stopped for him, but a car in the third did not. When crossing multiple lanes of traffic, and a lane of cross traffic yields to oneself, cross only into that lane and check the next lane before proceeding further. This rule holds regardless of whether one is on foot, car, bike, or anything else. It also applies at double or more tracked railroad crossings - just because one track is clear or has just cleared doesn't mean there isn't a train on an adjacent track. Cross railroad tracks only when ALL tracks are clear. More information on railroad safety is available at Operation Lifesaver.

Typical lengths of organized bike rides

2011-08-22T11:30:00.003-05:00

For organized road cycling events, there are a series of typical distances that travel to complete them. Since cycling is generally considered an endurance event, a variety of distance choices are available for the rider, from beginner to advanced rider.

Typical ride distances (all approximate) are as follows:
8 mi/13 km - for fun and beginner rides
12 mi/19 km - longer beginner ride
20-25 mi/32-40 km - first "serious" distance ride distance; frequently used as a short ride to train for longer rides
35 mi/56 km - moderate distance ride
45 mi/72 km - longer distance ride
62.5 mi/100 km - the metric century Most people, with appropriate training, can ride such. Achieving such is nevertheless a personal milestone.
70 mi/112 km - slightly longer than a metric, for a bit of additional challenge
100 mi/160 km - the full century; quite a challenge, considered the longest typical 1-day endurance event
130 mi/200 km - the double metric
190 mi/300 km - the triple metric
200 mi/320 km - the double century

As one can see, the range of rides varies tremendously. There are also multi-day events such as the BRAT (Bike Ride Across Tennessee) from September 11-17 of this year. Longer supported rides of 40 mi or more typically have one or more rest stops along the way for cyclists to obtain additional water and food, as well as taking a break.

How long does it take to ride such rides? Cyclist speeds vary tremendously, and the amount of energy needed to travel a distance is quite sensitive to speed. A typical slow speed is around 10 mi/hr, and 18-20 mi/hr is typical for elite cyclists. For group rides, frequently people will specify whether the ride is a "no-drop" ride, where no slow riders will be left behind, or not.

The importance of contacting local officials

2011-08-09T20:48:00.002-05:00

Recently, I saw that a bike lane was painted on Lovell Rd in Knox County that was to the right of a right-turn only lane as part of its widening project. Earlier, I had found that a pedestrian push signal was non-functional on Northshore Dr, also in Knox County. For the first case, I contacted Kelley Segars at the Knoxville Regional TPO (Transportation Planning Organization) about the issue. She was quickly able to make the relevant inquiries, and had the problem corrected - the bike lane was terminated before the intersection in question with a "Share the Road" sign to be erected since there is no bike lane beyond that point anyhow. In the second case, an email to engineering soon resulted in the defective signal being repaired.

Bike/Walk advocates should report cases of substandard designs and malfunctioning signals to the relevant people. Sometimes we can notice specific things before others do, and improve the bike/ped scene for all.

A Good Article on Transportation Funding Recission

2011-08-03T21:45:00.004-05:00

The state Department of Transportation recently gave back $50 million including funds for bike and ped projects. Tom Humphrey (a long time reporter on state government) writes about it here.

See the comments from the lobbyist for the road builders. I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry or both.

The House Republicans are proposing that bike and ped projects not be mandated to states in the new transportation authorization. Here is what we can expect.

In fact, Startwalt suggests that enhancement funding could be shifted to filling the gap in road-building funds.

This is what we can expect in the future.

So You Want to Advocate? Basics Part 1

2011-08-03T19:30:00.001-05:00

One of Bike Walk Tennessee's goals is to serve communities that wish to organize and advocate for better conditions for walking and biking. Maybe you've finally decided you want to make a difference in your community? We have a few tips to get you started.

First, contact your regional Bike Walk Tennessee director by clicking your "REGIONS" on the right side of this BLOG. They can put you to work, connect you with people or engage our organization for extra help. Make sure you share your strongest abilities and assets. Do you have relationships with influential people? Can you raise money? Can you write well? Can you build websites or do you have expertise with graphics? You probably know how to do something that will move the mission forward and your willpower can move mountains.

Get educated. See the section further down for the basics you need to be familiar with. In future versions of this BLOG series, we'll talk about specific things your community probably needs. For now, work to understand the basics.

Decide what type of advocate you want to be. Do you want to work with your local professionals, or have you given up and want to protest with Critical Mass or other types of in-your-face activities? Either way you choose to go, be sure you perform your advocacy in a professional manner. Stick to the facts and don't make personal attacks against anyone. Most public officials are professionals and they want the best for their community, but maybe they don't understand the benefits of walking and biking. More tips from League of American Bicyclists.

What do you want to accomplish? Do you have a specific 'pet' project like a greenway, section of sidewalk or bike lane? Or, do you want to make systematic changes in your community by advocating for Complete Streets policy, push for a master bike/ped plan or promote legislation? Was someone run over and you are seeking justice? Are you interested in getting kids to school safely? Go narrow and deep with your limited resources?

Find your support network. What bike clubs are in the area, and who runs the board? Are there running clubs in your community? Do you have public health alllies? Do other organizations in your community share similar interests? (if another organization is doing what you want to do, maybe you should join them?)

GET EDUCATED

An educated and well spoken advocate is an effective one. But don't get overwhelmed. Advocacy is a practice - we all keep getting better at it.

5 E's of advocacy - the basics of advocacy. Everything we do boils down to these five.
Complete Streets - designing roadways for all potential users.
Safe Routes to School - get kids safely to school without motors.
Funding - follow the money, that's how to get stuff done!
Understand Bike Ped Laws in Tennessee
BLOS and PLOS - what makes good bike paths and sidewalks?
Rail Banking and Rails-to-Trails - how to get that abandoned rail line converted to a trail.
MUTCD - accepted standards for road signage.
AASHTO - accepted standards for signage, sidewalk and bikeway design.
FHWA - our federal highway administration.

National Advocacy Groups and Resources

A few sites to wet your whistle.

Alliance for Biking and Walking - Great resource for organizers, annual city/state scorecard.
League of American Bicyclists - Bicycle focus, national lobbying, annual grading of cities and states, strong education programs
T4America - focus on non-car transportation: walking, biking, transit.
America Walks - national walking advocates
America Bikes - national biking advocates
Bikes Belong - national biking advocates

Good luck with your efforts! Be prepared for a roller coaster of successes and disappointments. But let's never give up. The Board of Directors look forward to assisting you!

Pat Clements

President, Bike Walk Tennessee

Nashville MPO Announcement

2011-08-01T15:53:00.000-05:00

Nashville Area MPO
Announced today: An extremely important pedestrian safety project for Nashville. Hat-tip to Bike Walk Tennessee for their advocacy efforts in getting the need for sidewalks along this dangerous corridor (with high transit use & low vehicle ownership) on the radar of decision-makers.

Governor Haslam and TDOT Commissioner Announce Enhancement Grant for Nashville

news.tn.gov

Harahan Bridge, a "Very Sexy Project."

2011-07-29T19:42:00.000-05:00

The Fall issue of rails to trails has a very nice article on Memphis Harahan Bridge. This will be a game changer for East-West Trans Am cycle tourers. Who would not prefer a route including friendly roads through Memphis, Nashville, and either Chattanooga or Knoxville to the vicious dog and coal truck infested Kentucky route.
Way to go Kyle, Anthony, Mark and company.

Governor delivers $600,000 grant for Rails Trails program Read more: Herald Citizen - Governor delivers $600,000 grant for Rails Trails program

2011-07-15T14:21:00.001-05:00

Let's all hope this is not the end of transportation enhancement grant funding in the current debate.

"We all agree Tennessee's a wonderful place to live. But there's certainly things we think can make it even better," Haslam said, briefly interrupted at one point in his presentation by a passing train, horn blazing. "One of those is encouraging folks to be outdoors more, to get out, exercise for their own health, to use things like this. It's one of the reasons we look for great projects like this. Unfortunately, funds like this are limited, but when we do it (give them), we want to make certain they're (for) projects that count."

Another Cyclist Killed in Tennessee

2011-07-13T21:31:00.002-05:00

This story is becoming all too familiar. Just twenty-one years old and killed by a drunk old man piloting a two ton weapon. BWT needs to follow this case and do everything we can to make sure that justice, such as it is, will be served. At least he has been charged with DUI and Vehicular Homicide. He's wealthy and politically connected so we need to made sure he doesn't get off with probation.

DEDICATED FUNDING FOR BICYCLING AND WALKING HAS BEEN CUT

2011-07-07T16:12:00.002-05:00

DEDICATED FUNDING FOR BICYCLING AND WALKING HAS BEEN CUT in the House's Transportation proposal. Chairman Mica would eliminate critical Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and Recreational Trails Programs, programs that he referred to as “not in the national interest”. Chairman Mica’s statement that these uses remain “eligible” for funding is worthless; without dedicated funding for these three programs they are effectively eliminated.

Things on the Senate side are not much better. Senator James Inhofe, a lead negotiator in the Senate debate, declared that one of his TOP THREE priorities for the transportation bill is to eliminate ‘frivolous spending for bike trails.’ This is in direct conflict with Senator Barbara Boxer’s commitment to maintain dedicated funding for biking and walking. However, the Senate is working towards a bi-partisan solution – and Senator Inhofe’s comments mean funding for bicycling and pedestrian programs is at risk of total elimination.

We need every single person who simply wants safe options to walk or bicycle to contact their Senators and Representative TODAY! We ask all Alliance member organizations to engage your members to make these calls as well.

We have attached some sample language that you can ask your members to use when contacting their Senators or Representative. In addition, thanks to our friends at the League of American Bicyclists, you can also direct your members to use the LAB Action Center (making it easy for them to make contact) at : http://capwiz.com/lab/utr/1/LUQLQDFCVS/LPLMQDFCWU/7104034941.

Not in the National Interest?

Biking and walking make up 12 percent of all trips in the US – even as funding for biking and walking projects only account for 1.5% of the federal transportation budget. – that’s more than 4 billion bicycle trips and 40 billion walking trips a year- including trips to work, school, shopping and for recreation and tourism.

Frivolous?

Bicyclists and pedestrians are the victims of reckless highway design, accounting for 14% of all traffic related deaths. Two-thirds of all pedestrian deaths are on federally funded highways. Bicycling and walking programs build sidewalks, crosswalks and bikeways, improving accessibility and saving lives.

The Facts

Biking and walking are important forms of transportation, and dedicated funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements is a very efficient use of federal transportation dollars. Portland, Oregon built a 300-mile network of bike lanes, multi-use trails, and bike boulevards for the cost of one mile of highway.

These projects also create jobs, and build local economies. Building bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure creates 46% more jobs than building road-only projects per million dollars spent. Cities that invest in bicycle and pedestrian projects turn downtowns into destinations, and capitalize on increased business activity.

Finally, shifting 1.5% of transportation spending has no impact on the federal budget, but instead, decreases transportation options for American families in a time of rising gas prices and an uncertain economy.

Help Protect Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School and Recreational Trails. Contact your Representative and Senators, and tell them to reach out to Senators Inhofe, Boxer, and Congressman Mica to urge them to continue dedicated funding for these important biking and walking programs. We need every Senator and every Representative to speak out for walking and biking.

Why Now

Both the House and Senate long-term transportation bills are being written as we speak. We still have a chance of influencing the outcomes. Let’s make sure that dedicated funding for biking and walking programs don’t disappear for many years.

Your Next Steps:

We have included some sample language that you can ask your members to use when contacting their Senators or Representative. In addition, thanks to our friends at the LAB, you can also direct your members to use the LAB Action Center (making it easy for them to make contact) at : http://capwiz.com/lab/utr/1/LUQLQDFCVS/LPLMQDFCWU/7104034941.

We really appreciate your efforts to help all of us maintain these important programs. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Grandstaff

Member Services Director

501c3 Determination

2011-07-06T06:11:00.000-05:00

On July 5'th Bike Walk Tennessee received its determination letter from the IRS classifying it as a 501c3 public charity, effective August 18, 2009. All contributions to Bike Walk Tennessee are tax deductible to the donor.

Deal Done! We have a Rail to Trail property in NE TN

2011-06-30T18:11:00.002-05:00

City officials signed off on the contract for a rail to trail contract linking Johnson City and Elizabethton, TN. Elected officials and city's staff comment on the positive impact here:

Linking communities, sch00ls, parks, historic sites, and providing transportation choices is what we should all be advocating in today's world.

Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation - Share the Road License Plates

2011-06-27T20:15:00.005-05:00

The Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation deadline for obtaining at least 1000 specialty license plate pre-orders has been extended by a year. The current number of orders is displayed above. Pre-orders are being accepted online. Only when 1000 pre-orders have been obtained can the plates go into production.

The license plates are a great way to support the Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation, as well as promote awareness of the 3 ft passing law and cycling in general. Families with multiple cars can sign up for multiple plates, up to the number of cars owned. The plates also make a wonderful gift for anyone who's a cyclist. If everyone who's already signed up signs up one more person or plate, this plate will finally become reality!

Bike Trains - another potential way to promote cycling?

2011-06-25T12:44:00.005-05:00

This article at the Guardian's (a British newspaper) bike blog describes bike trains. Bike trains are groups of riders who assertively ride busy urban streets in order to remind people that cyclists may be found on every street, and to reclaim road space. By moving in larger numbers (the average British bike train consists of eight riders), safety or at least visibility is improved relative to a single rider.

Do bike trains exist within the state? They could potentially also be organized to facilitate bike commutes on busier streets.

“Sorry I Didn’t See You” is no longer a legal excuse

2011-06-18T12:42:00.001-05:00

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (June 20, 2011) With four grandchildren and eight great children, Jerry Norman, 74, wanted to keep fit and active to enjoy their company. So, on the advice of his doctor, Norman took up walking. But, on his regular early morning walk on June 29, 2010, a driver fell asleep at the wheel and killed Norman while he walked on a Nashville sidewalk. His family suffered the loss of a loved one — and a travesty of justice when, under current Tennessee law, the motorist could not be prosecuted for any crime.

Now, that tragic gap in Tennessee law has been closed. An amended law that goes into effect July 1 will levy new penalties for failure to "exercise due care" while driving a motor vehicle. Motorist, like the driver who killed Jerry Norman, will face stiff fines, loss of driver's license for a year and even possible jail time. No longer will a motorist be able to say "Sorry, I didn't see you" and expect leniency.

Advocates from Bike Walk Tennessee (BWT), who represent bicyclists and pedestrians across Tennessee, applauded the passage of the landmark bill. "All Tennesseans want to be safe from careless and dangerous drivers,” said Pat Clements, president of BWT. “Now law enforcement has a valuable tool to make our streets safer.”

“This Fathers Day will be especially sad for me and my family,” said Brenda Underwood, daughter of Jerry Norman. “No law can bring my dad back, but our family is grateful to Bike Walk Tennessee. Hopefully, these new penalties can prevent another family from having a similar experience.”

It’s an old law, but the penalties are new as of July 1st. For years, drivers education manuals have taught that drivers are required to "exercise due care." With the increased use of smart phones, GPS navigation units and other electronic devices, the number of distracted drivers on the road has increased dramatically. The new bill to hold those drivers responsible was sponsored by Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, and Rep. Mike Stewart, D-Nashville.

"We're trying to make sure rules of road apply to everyone whether on a bicycle or in a vehicle," said Berke. "That means a driver should use due care when passing a bicycle. This bill increases the punishment for those who fail to exercise due care." The new law also makes it easier for those injured, or the survivors of those killed, to prevail in civil lawsuits by "making it clear that the law requires people in a car to exercise proper driving restraint around people on a bicycle and pedestrians," the senator said. "We talk a lot about multi-modal transportation, meaning everyone has the opportunity to travel by foot, bicycle, car.”

Organizations in other states have already asked about the law and are considering adopting the Tennessee model for their state. Motorcycle groups, bicycle clubs and running clubs are working together in Tennessee to promote the law. You may soon see "Use Due Care - Look out for Bikers” or "Use Due Care - Look out for Runners" or “Sorry I Didn’t See You is Not a Legal Excuse” bumper stickers promoting the amended law.

Learn more about Bike Walk Tennessee at www.bikewalktn.org/ and find more information about the Campaign Against Careless and Dangerous Drivers at www.bikewalktn.org/Legis1.html.

USBR on Fast lane

2011-06-17T12:31:00.001-05:00

At the last Board meeting it was reported that Adventure Cycling had exceeded its goal of $30,000 for the USBR System. Not mentioned was that in addition to this the prestigious AASHTO contributed and additional $5,000 to show the support of state highway professionals for this system. Guess we'd better stop calling them the Association of Cars and Trucks, though the appellation may still fit some individual state DOT's.
More good news is that on my recent mini tour of South Central KY (Thanks Guy Coggin and Mark Crutcher) even the rumble strip manic Kentucky shows signs of progress. The section of US 31 E between Scottsville and Barren River State park has a newly installed 3 foot shoulder with no rumble at all! Anyone having done any cycling in KY knows how amazing this is.
Even in a tight economy great tings are happening.
Link to Adventure Cycling Report.

Bike Snob Philosophizes on Commuting

2011-06-08T12:55:00.003-05:00

Many cyclists who spend too much time on the internet are familiar with the cycling blogger Bike Snob NYC. He has a unique satirical style that led to a book and a gig in Bicycling magazine. Several of his past blogs have been on the police crackdown on (allegedly) scofflaw cyclists in New York. He generally skewers both law enforcement and cyclists. His June 8 blog post has a fascinating and enlightening sky view video about bicycle, auto and pedestrian traffic in New York. He juxtaposes a video of a joint police and bike club effort in Chicago to suggest legal and safer riding habits in the Windy City. I'm pretty sure he intends to contrast police efforts in NYC to those in Chicago. It's well done as usual.

Universal Bike Lanes: A Way to Mass Cycling?

2011-06-06T05:49:00.005-05:00

This study clearly shows that a multi-faceted approach to bicycle and pedestrian improvements is the Complete way to go in changing a county's auto center culture.

"Despite the fact that some parts of the country are still cycling deserts, the good news in recent years is that cycle use in Britain overall has at last started going up – albeit from a very low base compared to many of our continental neighbours. London has led the way, with its hire-bikes, super-highways, cycle maps and excellent marketing initiatives, which have more than doubled cycle use in less than 10 years. But places like Portsmouth and Leicester have also achieved a great deal with a lot less cash. They have been investing in 20mph speed limits and closing off city centre streets to all but cyclists and pedestrians. They have been running 'smarter choices' programmes like cycle training or carefully targeted social marketing programmes to promote cycling for women, children, employees, health patients and so on. All these measures are proving very effective at boosting cycle use, thereby gradually building up the political will to do the things that will really transform our car-dominated congested roads into cycle-friendly, neighbourhood-friendly streets for people and the surrounding communities." Read the Sustrans article HERE.

Road Repairs

2011-06-01T21:29:00.003-05:00

Smart Growth America and Taxpayers for Common Sense have just released a report entitled Repair Priorities: Transportation spending strategies to save taxpayer dollars and improve roads. The report basically makes the point that many of the existing roads are not in good shape, and that it would be most cost-effective to repair the existing roads before they deteriorate further. However, states have a tendency to build and expand new roads before caring for existing ones. New construction means more road to maintain later on, adding to the financial burden. According to the report, Tennessee has 30% of roads that are in less than good condition. Between 2004 and 2008 though, it spent $487 million on new construction and $116 million on maintainence.

Walking and cycling facilities are frequently included in new construction, and are less likely to be added to a maintainence project. Retrofitting existing streets to make them more pedestrian and cyclist friendly is sometimes difficult to impossible, depending on traffic volumes and speeds. However, where retrofitting is possible is often where significant progress can be made at minimal cost. Road diets that take one underused lane and convert it into bidirectional bike lanes are one example; if there is substantial turning traffic, simply restriping the road to have dedicated left/right turn lanes and pockets frequently means that a three lane road can handle as much traffic as a four lane, and be safer even for cars. Narrowing existing lanes to widths of 10-11 ft (termed a lane diet) sometimes would permit the striping of bike lanes. Even if bike lanes cannot be accomodated, a cycling-friendly wide outside lane of 14-15 ft may be possible. The key point is that with maintainence that needs to be done anyway, simple reconfigurations require nearly zero construction cost. With today's tight transportation budget, such savings are crucial. Portland, OR was able to take advantage of such "low-hanging fruit" in order to obtain their network for a grand total of around $60 million.

Getting and staying fit with help

2011-05-31T21:30:00.003-05:00

(Photograph courtesy of Wikipedia: picture may be reproduced and modified provided that this copyright notice is included.) This tip from Realage.com points to the benefits of walking with a dog. Currently, 61% of dog owners walk their dogs regularly. When one has a dog that has to be walked, one gets one's exercise as the dog gets its exercise. Walking the dog is also a great treat for it, and people with dogs tend to become more physically active than those who don't.

Speaking of which, dogs can be walked in a variety of environments. Anywhere from an urban sidewalk to a suburban low-traffic neighborhood make good places to walk for exercise. Greenways are another popular option, although care needs to be taken to ensure that a leash is not too long or too thin. A leash that is too long can make the dog's path of travel unpredictable to passersby, and a leash that is too thin can be hard for other walkers and cyclists to see.

Haslam Comments on Bronze Award

2011-05-28T10:19:00.003-05:00

NASHVILLE (May 27, 2011)- The League of American Bicyclists has named Tennessee a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly State in its fourth annual BFS rankings. The award recognizes the state for its collaboration with local agencies and bicycle advocates, efforts to provide safe routes to school for children who bicycle or walk, and commitment to safety and accommodation of all users.
.

"I want to congratulate TDOT, members of the General Assembly, and the dozens of local stakeholders who have worked together to achieve this designation," Haslam said. "As a bicyclist myself, I realize the importance of safety in offering this healthy option as we encourage Tennesseans to take responsibility for their personal health."

The League of American Bicyclists named Tennessee a stand-out state for its initiative and progress to become more bicycle-friendly. With the dynamic and competitive state rankings, states are often separated by only a few items such as passage of key legislation, updated traffic code, or increased educational programs. In the past year, Tennessee added a 'Share the Road' section to the state's Comprehensive Driver's License Manual and, more recently, passed legislation that broadens the requirement that drivers exercise due care to apply to bicyclists.

"With all the competing transportation needs we have, Tennessee is proud to be making gains in the area of bicycle friendliness," said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. "The network of bike lanes across the state is growing each and every year and we will continue to dedicate funding for important programs such as Safe Routes to School.

The annual BFS rankings and awards are published and used to encourage states to improve their bike-friendliness. The states are evaluated with a comprehensive annual questionnaire that is completed by state Department of Transportation bicycle coordinators. Additionally, the program also measures the combined performance of legislators, law enforcement, and state cycling advocates and promoters. The BFS program has helped inspire pro-bike legislation and policies throughout the country.

"It is when there is combined and consistent work of multiple agencies, legislators and advocates promoting bicycling at the state level that you start to see big gains," said Andy Clarke, League President. "Tennessee has made headway with its bicycle improvements after such collaborative efforts."

To view the 2011 BFS Rankings list, complete BFS awards, and a breakdown of how the states fared in each evaluation category, visit bikeleague.org/states or contact League director of communications Meghan Cahill at meghan@bikeleague.org or at 202.822.1333.

Knoxsplat.com - Knoxville Area Commuting Challenge

2011-05-26T22:33:00.002-05:00

I just received an email from Chuck Morris detailing some of the dismal facts surrounding the commute situation in the 7 county area surrounding Knoxville. A green commuting event is scheduled for Friday, May 27 at Market Square in downtown Knoxville at noon to highlight the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization's SmartTrips program.

The dismal facts of the current situation are quoted below.
About 1/2 pound of CO2 emissions would fill up a beach ball that is 24 inches around when inflated. The average U.S. commuter generates 57 pounds of CO2 each day. That's about 100 beach balls per day for each person!

The average commute time for the 7-county Knoxville region is just over 26 miles one way. 84.5% of commuters in our region drive alone to work daily.

If just half of the region’s drive alone commuters took an alternative to driving alone for one day, at 20 miles to the gallon average, they would save nearly half a million gallons of fuel. At $4 per gallon that would represent a savings of around $2 million dollars.

Walking infrastructure - Transportation for America

2011-05-25T19:00:00.004-05:00

A report by Transportation for America points to how there were 47,700 pedestrian fatalities during the decade 2000-2009. Such translates to around 13 deaths a day, 91 a week, or about 390 a month. As they put it, we would certainly not tolerate a jumbo jet crashing with no survivors each and every month of the year.

While it's true that many local streets are built with local money, the busier streets usually have a federal funding component, and they are the streets that tend to be busiest and most dangerous, as well as most often traveled. Currently, pedestrian funding composes a mere 1.5% of the federal transportation budget. But such is being targeted for elimination nevertheless. Eliminating that funding would only make matters worse for pedestrians, which would increase car dependency and disproportionately impact the most vulnerable. It would de facto make streets only for cars, rather than complete ones that are for all users.

Bicycling and miminum wage - an interesting point

2011-05-24T20:11:00.003-05:00

After writing the Knoxville News Sentinel about how one can spend significantly less money by replacing a fraction of trips by bike or foot, there was a very interesting reply by an astute reader. This reader points out two facts: first, that even with high gas prices, saving $2000 a year in gas means riding a whopping 13,700 miles, which is unrealistic. Second, that one would make more money working minimum wage ($7.25/hr) with the time one spends cycling, if we factor in the differences in travel time.

For the first point, if we divided the 13,700 miles/yr by two people for the two cars, we'd still have a substantial 6,850 miles per person per year, which is a substantial 19 miles a day. My letter pointed to a $1000-$2000 savings; if we halved the 19 miles for a more modest $1000 yearly savings, we would have a very realistic 9 miles a day. Restricting savings solely to the costs at the gas station also ignores the costs of the car itself, and the costs of its upkeep, licensing, and registration.

The second point is related to the first, and the claim is true under certain circumstances where the average car speed is substantially higher than the average bike speed. The car gains an advantage when the distance is long and speeds high; it's advantage decreases as distances shrink, and parking becomes more difficult. It's well known that in downtown areas, the bicycle is the fastest means of transportation. Outside of downtown, if one does the math, one finds that average car speeds are around 20-30 miles/hr even with expressways mixed in; faster than a bike, but not overwhelmingly so. In terms of distances traveled, it's known that walking and cycling commuters tend to travel shorter distances to compensate for the reduced speeds. Trips get combined more, for instance.

But as interesting as the minimum wage argument is, there are facts that are ignored. First is the fact that it's unlikely that 1 hour/day jobs that pay anything actually exist. Second are the benefits of exercising, rather than having to find a separate time to dedicate to exercise. Other less tangible benefits such as an improved sense of community and such also exist. Polls show consistently that people prefer to live in communities where "active transportation" options are readily available, and that such amenities draw increased property values and a broader tax base.

FHWA Issues New Rumble Guidance

2011-05-23T12:46:00.001-05:00

Last week FHWA sent out new guidance to the states regarding rumble strips (see attached). These guidelines replace the Roadway Shoulder Rumble Strips from December 2001. Essentially it talks about the effectiveness of rumbles and then advises states on a number of issues, with one issue being that states should use mitigation strategies for rumbles in instances where a shoulder is less than 4'. It practically mirrors the standards that TDOT adopted last year.

Jessica L. Wilson, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator

2011 League of American Bicyclist Award to Tennessee

2011-05-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

Tennessee is the Bronze Award winner in this year’s survey by the League of American Bicyclist’s for Bicycle Friendly States. In a conversation with Jessica Wilson, Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator for Tennessee Department of Transportation, Andy Clark, President of LAB said, “We were all really impressed and excited with what you’re getting done in Tennessee; reading the application was a real bright spot, and Jeff [Peel] is a fan!.”

In 2010 Tennessee jumped from 43’rd to 24’th in the League’s ranking of the States. Competition was a lot tougher this year. Andy said, “More states have done a better job of getting improved policies on the books.” However, last year’s jump for Tennessee was no fluke. Even with most states doing a better job in 2011, it held with a 27’th position.

The League was disappointed this year with performance of all States in Infrastructure. Andy commented, “On infrastructure, states generally do a poor job (in our view) of obligating funds, especially non TE and Safe Routes funds, for bike/ped projects. Last year, many states compounded this by sending huge amounts back to Washington as part of the rescissions process. So yes, the vast majority of states got an F. You will also note that no states got an A overall and there are no awards higher than Silver for individual states.”

Last year, 95% of Tennessee’s rescission came from Transportation Enhancement and Congestion Mitigation: Two areas where a large portion of funding goes to support Bike and Pedestrian improvement projects.

PLEASE SHARE YOUR BIKING EXPERIENCE

2011-05-20T12:17:00.000-05:00

This survey is open to all residents of Middle TN. Among other data, the survey asks questions about bicycle accidents. We are trying to find out how many accidents or close calls are occurring between bicyclists and motorists, for example, and how many of these crashes are under reported.

So far we have over 350 responses and over half have indicated a bicycle crash within the last five years. We will use these responses to increase bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and to work with law enforcement and other groups on understanding and enforcing laws pertaining to all motorists who share the road.

Thank you,
Leslie Meehan

AASHTO approves first new bicycle routes this century

2011-05-17T22:24:00.001-05:00

AASHTO has approved several new bicycle routes,the first since the 1980's. Michigan has been especially active in promoting the route network and it is their model we hope to emulate in Tennessee. The link below lists the routes as well as some recent economic impact studies demonstrating major economic benefit from cycling facilities.
AASHTO approves new routes.

Also, please show Tennessee's support by donating to the US Bicycle Route system at our website.
Donate
Thanks,
Bruce

Ride of Silence - May 18 7:00 PM

2011-05-14T22:35:00.002-05:00

The Ride of Silence is a short, slow, commemorative bike ride in memory of all the cyclists who have been killed or injured on the streets. It takes place the third Wednesday in May. Locations within the state that are hosting this ride are as follows (taken from the Ride of Silence Website):

Chattanooga,
Clarksville,
Cookeville,
Maryville,
Murfreesboro,
and Nashville.

If your town/city doesn't have a ride and there isn't one in a town or city close to you, you might want to consider starting one next year. Current ride organizers are probably more than willing to help.

Bicycling Terminology - The Right Hook

2011-05-11T18:08:00.000-05:00

The right hook refers to a type of car/bicycle conflict that takes place at intersections. As illustrated in the figure above, a right-turning car can turn in front of a bicycle traveling straight. If the cyclist cannot avoid running into the turning vehicle on time, a crash results.

If a bike lane is present, a right hook is still possible as shown above. Lines delineating bike lanes are supposed to be dashed around major intersections, and remain solid around minor ones. The car illustrated above did what it's not supposed to do; namely, turning from the car lane. What it should do is first merge into the bike lane, and then complete the right turn (information courtesy of Jessica Wilson, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator at the Tennessee Department of Transportation). Were the bike lane a road shoulder, the same conflict continues to exist, although cyclists cannot expect drivers to first merge over.

Drivers can minimize the risk of right-hooking someone by being aware of cyclists who are traveling straight, by using the right-turn signals, by merging into bike lanes before turning, and by not actually making the right turn until there are no approaching cyclists. Cyclists can minimize their chances of being right-hooked by being aware of the possibility, by watching and listening for passing (and turning) cars, and by not speeding and having properly adjusted brakes in case a car does unexpectedly turn.

The risks from right-hooks is one more reason why it's generally dangerous for cyclists to ride on sidewalks or parallel paths; on such a path, drivers have little reason to expect overtaking cyclists. Through bike lanes should not be striped to the right of right-turn lanes for this reason as well. (There are experimental exceptions at traffic signal controlled intersections, where right turns on car red are prohibited, and cyclists have their own traffic signal that turns green only when the cars have a red.) Interestingly, pedestrians don't have this problem on a sidewalk since pedestrians are able to immediately stop to avoid running into a turning car.

New York Bike Lanes

2011-05-10T12:00:00.001-05:00

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Want more info? Click here

Share the Road Bicycle Rodeo

2011-05-09T12:01:00.001-05:00

Hi, I wanted to pass along the flyer for the Bicycle Rodeo at the Share the Road Festival on May 21st. Here are the details:

The Tennessee Share the Road Festival is FREE and features music, games, food, prizes and a motorcycle show.

The Bicycle Rodeo for children of all ages being held from 2:30-3:30. The rodeo will teach children basic bicycle safety skills including:

§ Proper bicycle and helmet fit

§ Balance

§ Turning and stopping

§ Games to improve coordination

We would appreciate your assistance in sharing this information. I realize this is the same day as the Tour de Nash and Tour de Cure, but this event is in the late afternoon which may work for some folks. If you need additional copies or more information, feel free to contact me at 615-862-7211 or meehan@nashvillempo.org. For more information about the festival, visit www.sharetheroadtennessee.com.

Leslie A. Meehan, AICP | Senior Transportation Planner

Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

Doris West - RIP

2011-05-05T07:43:00.003-05:00

I just learned yesterday about the passing of Doris West up in Ann Arbor, MI at the age of 92 from the Washtenaw Biking and Walking Coalition. The Doris West Cycling Spirit Award has been set up in her honor for car-free locals up there (link not provided since people in TN aren't eligible.)

I had a chance to ride with her once or twice at their annual fourth of July rides, although I didn't know she had been car-free and rode or walked anywhere and everywhere since 1956 until her death in 2010. More information on her is available here.

US Bicycle Route System Fundraiser

2011-05-03T11:13:00.002-05:00

Dear Fellow Cyclists,

May is national bike month and the second annual US Bicycle Route system fundraiser. Adventure Cycling is spearheading the development of a national route system to link major cities and other desirable destinations. Jessica Wilson, Tennessee Bike/Ped Coordinator, and TDOT have signed on to be part of the system. Bike Walk Tennessee is helping develop the route. In this time of austerity at all governmental levels any development done by us will go a long way toward making the system a reality. We will need your time, talent, and money to this project. Right now it's money. To donate, click here or the image below. The Razoo donation service is supplying their service for free so all the money will go to Adventure Cycling. Twenty percent of the money donated through the Bike Walk Tennessee page will be returned to Bike Walk Tennessee for local expenses. If you would like to set up your own team page, click here.

Just imagine someday planning a cross country bicycle trip as easily as planning an automobile trip. Make it happen!

Thank you for your support,
Bruce Day
Regional Director
Bike Walk Tennessee
BikeWalkTN.org

Donate

Bike Walk Tennessee Makes the Sunday Paper

2011-05-01T18:34:00.003-05:00

In the good old days making the Sunday newspaper was a big deal since it had the largest circulation of the week. The daily paper is dying but Facebook hasn't killed it yet. The Bike Walk Tennessee legislative effort to enhance penalties for distracted driving made the Memphis Commercial Appeal today. It's a first rate article and also made the Tennessean (and maybe some other statewide papers).

Bicycle facilities terminology - the infamous "door zone"

2011-04-26T21:26:00.005-05:00

(Photograph courtesy of Wikipedia - Image is in the public domain.)
The door zone refers to the area at the side of parallel parked cars and trucks which would be intruded upon by the car door, were it to be opened. The door zone is hazardous for cyclists to ride in, since a car door often opens without warning, leaving the cyclist no opportunity to stop in time to avoid it. Bike lanes sometimes have portions that overlap the door zone. If such were the case, it would be extra hazardous for the cyclist to swerve into the car lane in order to avoid a collision, since any passing traffic would not be expecting such a maneuver. If there were no bike lane, there still may not be the expectation of such a maneuver. Worst of all is the case where the opening car door directly knocks the cyclist into passing traffic; fatalities due to such have occurred.

This old list of car widths with the driver's side door fully open, courtesy of John S. Allen, illustrates the wide range of widths of vehicles. He assumes that the vehicles are properly parked, with 6 in from the curb to the right tires. An examination of this list shows that for the widest vehicle, even when parked near-ideally, the vehicle and door spans a width of almost 10.5 ft. Typical vehicles span 9.5 ft or so.

The reason why I term the door zone "infamous" is that it appears that tremendous amounts of resources are required to eliminate the danger of dooring for a bike lane placed adjacent to parallel parking. If 7 ft (the AASHTO minimum) is allocated to mark the parking space, a whole 4 additional feet would be needed to guarantee that a large, properly parked vehicle won't intrude upon the door zone. Four feet is the minimum width of a standard bike lane, when no curb is present! Furthermore, not all parallel parked vehicles are parked perfectly. (In San Francisco there are experimental T-shaped road markings for parallel parking that give people clues on how well parked vehicles are.) Such space is seldom available in practice; hence frequently there is vigorous debate over the safety of combining bike lanes and parallel parking. Cyclists can mitigate the danger by being alert and watching for poorly parked vehicles. They should always ride outside the door zone. If necessary, they can ride outside any bike lane to remain safe. Often, riding in the left half of any bike lane is enough to avoid problems, since bicycles are usually around 1.5-2 ft wide. There are other experimental proposals. One places the bike lane arrows on the left side of bike lanes. Another is having a hatched buffer between parked cars and bike lanes. Finally, drivers and car passengers can be trained to watch for bikes before opening their doors, as they are in Europe. As good as these ideas are, none of them solve the problem without still requiring tremendous road space, which is why the door zone is infamous.

AASHTO Withdraws Recommendation

2011-04-23T06:39:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the thousands who contacted the director of their state transportation agency regarding last week’s action alert the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has withdrawn their recommendation to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to weaken the requirements for states to give “due consideration” to the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians when constructing roadways. The League of American Bicyclists, the National Center for Biking and Walking, and America Bikes will be meeting with AASHTO officials next month to discuss this and other important issues.

Earth Day at Vanderbilt

2011-04-22T18:38:00.001-05:00

This was by far the most receptive group with which I have dealt. Sharing a ride with Tom assured we got there and set up 30 min before the official start. Even so, I didn't have a chance to survey the other exhibits before people began approaching us. The message was easy, statewide group advocating for better infrastructure, laws and culture to advance walking and cycling as legitimate forms of transportation and if you like that, join us. We have had enough recent issues to make specific pitches to each person's interests. Bike Walk Tennessee is an easier sell than the 3-feet license plate. About the only people expressing any interest for the license plate had already ordered.

One message repeatedly came back to us. Cyclists are behaving badly in downtown Nashville. Even among folks who considered themselves regular cyclists, there is a concern for how we are a bunch of scofflaws. Some were knowledgeable enough to give us a pass on the homeless, etc. but will hold our feet to the fire when it's the guys in full kit blowing though red lights and swerving in and out of lines of stalled traffic. I'll admit to doing all that before becoming a role model. We must spread the word that we are all role models. As Tom has mentioned in an email, this is perfect example of education for the 501(c)3.

Even if none of the folks sign up, it was a good experience. I encourage all the directors to take advantage of similar opportunities. Group bike rides seem a good place to sell Bike Walk Tennessee but it is much better to meet people in venues such as the Vanderbilt Clean Air Fair.
Bruce

Economics of Bike/Walk infrastructure followup: Portland's example

2011-04-22T15:44:00.003-05:00

From a previous post, the $60 million figure that Portland, OR spent on cycling infrastructure over the years was mentioned, and that the cost was around the cost of a single mile of 4-lane urban freeway.

Question: strictly from an economic point-of-view, was the money well spent, especially when we consider the fact that even in Portland, cycling mode share is around 5% of all trips. The answer is a resounding yes. Here's why.

From the 2010 census, Portland has a population of a little less than 600,000. If we assume that the typical family consists of four people and two cars, then there are around 300,000 cars. Five percent of that is 15,000 cars. Now, let's assume that roughly the time over which Portland spent the $60 million was the lifetime of these cars as a rough approximation. Each car costs at least $20,000 with the costs of fuel, insurance, repairs, maintenance, and so forth over the years. So that comes to $300 million - six times what Portland spent.

This simplified analysis did not include the benefits of a healthier lifestyle or increased social interaction. Nor did it include the costs of urban sprawl or pollution. The $20,000 per car figure is intentionally underestimated.

Now, infrastructure needs to be intelligently constructed. Efficiencies in what currently exists already need to be used - otherwise it won't be cheap. Designs like road diets on existing roads and the connection by low-speed secondary roads of separate neighborhoods are low-cost solutions that should be implemented wherever practical. New construction, which tends to be high cost, is difficult to secure in today's budget climate. Above all, infrastructure needs to actually go to places people want to go, and connect to/from neighborhoods and existing infrastructure to take advantage of the network effect.

Recreational Rail to Trail Project Has Momentum

2011-04-20T05:55:00.002-05:00

The Northeast Tennessee region stands to gain greatly with a pending decision Thursday night for the city of Johnson City to purchase an unused rail line linking the city with Elizabethton, TN. This wise investment in civic infrastructure will provide a safe, accessible recreational and transportation opportunity for bicyclists, pedestrians, citizens of all ages and ability levels, and a great mix of socio-economic groups. It will allow those who wish to choose alternative modes of transportation to get to work, go shopping for groceries, spend time with the family in a park, walk to school, and take a peaceful stroll through the countryside. By looking at our communities as opportunities for going about life with networks that interconnect key resources and people we are moving from civic planning that once centered on "How fast can we move traffic from point A to point B" to "Planning that integrates a Complete Streets vision in the lives of a community". Johnson City has taken a bold step forward in considering investing $600,000 in a key linkage in its plan for an interconnected system of greenways and trails and, done wisely, will reap great benefits in a healthier population and find that this kind of economic development shows tremendous return on the investment. Read more on how one community is building for a better world HERE.

April Bike Rides in NE Tn

2011-04-15T15:39:00.002-05:00

Spring in NE TN!

Safe Pathways Bill Withdrawn

2011-04-15T11:02:00.002-05:00

I just spoke with Rep. Ryan Haynes, who is the sponsor for HB1061, the House version of the Safe Pathways for Students bill. Because of opposition to the bill in the House transportation committee, Rep. Haynes is going to withdraw the bill, rather than risk it getting voted down in committee. If it gets voted down, we would have to wait 2 years for it to be re-introduced. With the bill withdrawn, it can be re-introduced next January. Rep. Haynes told me that's what he and Sen. Jamie Woodson, the Senate bill (SB1083) sponsor, plan to do. Rep. Haynes said that the issue on the committee was due to general opposition to increasing any fee.
.

Ellen Zavisca, Senior Transportation Planner, Knoxville Regional TPO

This is really sad! Senator Woodson has resigned to take a position with SCORE, so we’ll have to start anew in the Senate as well!

Joan A. Randall, MPH, Executive Director, Tennessee Obesity Taskforce

Distracted Driving Legislation Advances

2011-04-15T08:59:00.003-05:00

SB 1171 - HB 1007 that expands the definition of distracted driving and increases penalties for harming a pedestrian or cyclist advanced by passing the full state Senate on Thursday. The interesting (to say the least) discussion can be found here. The next action is in the full House Transportation Committee.

If your representative is on the House Transportation Committee give them a call.

How Do You Ride?

2011-04-15T08:51:00.003-05:00

Are you on a carbon fiber Dura Ace steed wearing full kit or do you commute in old khaki's and a t-shirt? Here's an interesting English view on how to ride and plan (or not) your next tour. Sometimes I think we turn off potential new cyclists with our old Discovery team jerseys and clipless pedals.

MORE Rescissions of Bike Funding

2011-04-15T06:35:00.001-05:00

This week brings a flurry of alerts to protect and advance biking and walking. But the biggest and most important fight will be next week regarding federal rescissions.

In this next round of rescissions, biking and walking could lose hundreds of millions of dollars and we want to make sure you save some of your energy and bandwidth to take action. The alerts and issues include:

Safe Routes to School: Yesterday, our partners at the Safe Routes to School National Partnership released an alert asking supporters to help secure co-sponsors for new federal Safe Routes legislation. We hope you will encourage your U.S. Senator to sign on, but you do have a four-week window on this particular effort.
AASHTO letter: Today, the League of American Bicyclists is releasing an alert about the American Association of Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) letter to the Federal Highway Administration that seeks to weaken federal policy for bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. Feel free to join with League efforts in putting pressure on your state DOT to reject AASHTO's letter and be advised that all America Bikes partners, including the Alliance, are sending a letter directly to FHWA and AASHTO with our strong condemnation.
Rescissions: The highest priority with the most urgency will be defending massive amounts of funding for biking and walking in the next round of rescissions. On that issue, we will need you to be prepared to take action, targeting your governor, NEXT WEEK.

As you know, the last round of rescissions hit hard and disproportionately for bike/ped programs: 44 percent of the money sent back to Washington from state DOTs came from Transportation Enhancements and CMAQ, even though those two programs constitute only 7 percent of federal transportation funding. In some states, DOTs handed back several years' worth of TE funding in one blow. (See attachment.) We can't afford to take a hit like that again and it’s critical that we mobilize to prevent it.

We expect to get details from the USDOT by the middle of next week and, once we do, we’ll send you suggested language you can use and the collective strategy with our national partners. It is most likely we will be asking you to circulate an immediate alert to your members, asking them to contact your state’s governor and press him/her to make sure the state DOT doesn’t disproportionately raid money from programs that fund bike/ped projects. If you have the capacity for additional work, a meeting with your governor or high-ranking state DOT officials would also be helpful.

We understand that some of you have strong and positive relationships with your state DOTs and/or governors and understand your local politic nuances. But, as we learned in the last round of rescissions, no state is safe. We strongly urge every organization to be as proactive and engaged in this effort as possible. If you do NOT want this alert circulating in your state, or want to strategize with us a bit, please let us know and we will try to coordinate with other coalition members of America Bikes. However, some spillover may occur.

Again, we will be in contact with more details as soon as they are available, but I wanted to make your aware of this critical issue with some advance notice. To make sure you’re getting the latest, be sure to sign up for our Federal Policy Call next Thursday, April 21, at 2 p.m. EDT. We’ll be discussing all these important topics, with insight from our partners at America Bikes.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me or Caron Whitaker, Campaign Manager for America Bikes at Caron@AmericaBikes.org.

Thank you for your partnership and action on these important issues,

Jeff Miller, President/CEO

Time to ACT - This bill's for YOU!

2011-04-13T11:43:00.002-05:00

Update - - BILL PASSES - THANK YOU
This bill is now moving through the General Assembly. HB 1007 passed the House Transportation Sub-committee today and will be heard in the full House Transportation Committee next week. Please contact your state representative and ask them to support the bill especially if they are on the House Transportation Committee. Ask them to become co-sponsors of the bill.

SB 1171 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and was scheduled for the Senate Floor on Monday on a “consent” calendar. This is a group of bills that are considered non-controversial and are voted on at the same time. This is usually what happens unless one Senator wishes to “bump” a bill and force it to be heard on the regular calendar with other bills. SB 1171 was bumped by Senator Stacey Campfield of Knoxville. We do not know why. The bill will be heard on the regular Senate calendar on Thursday April 14 at 9 am.

I need everyone interested in this bill all across the state to contact your Senators NOW and ask them to support SB 1171 on Thursday. The bill is sponsored by Senator Berke and co-sponsored by Senator Roberts, Woodson, Tate, Ketron and Marrero. If one of these is your Senator please thank them for their support. If your Senator is not listed please call and ask for their help. You can reach any Senator by calling 1-800-449-8366 or go here to find yours. Call if you can because they receive hundreds of emails.

Please forward this email to every bicycle club, advocacy group and cyclist in Tennessee. We need to make contact Wednesday in order to make ourselves heard by 9 am Thursday morning.

Thanks, Carey Rogers

Knoxville Third Creek/Neyland Greenway signs

2011-04-12T21:59:00.004-05:00

(Sign images are adapted from the Manual of Traffic Signs, by Richard C. Moeur)

This past weekend when I went through Knoxville's Third Creek and Neyland Greenways, I noticed that the Neyland Greenway had its old "cross traffic does not stop" signs replaced with the much more straightforward yield signs. Portions of Neyland Greenway runs parallel to Neyland Drive, and turning traffic from Neyland Drive will cross the greenway. As previously mentioned, parallel paths to roads have a problem with intersections, in that turning traffic has a conflict with path traffic. The yield signs remind greenway users to the fact that at every such intersection they are to yield to any turning traffic for their safety. Fortunately, the number of intersections is not large, so the number of yields is manageable.

At the Third Creek Greenway. there is a partial detour due to a KUB (Knoxville Utilities Board) project. There, I saw the new combo Bike/Ped sign with a "Share the Road" supplemental for the first time when the greenway was detoured onto sparsely used service roads of the University.

National debate in Briton on bike laws reflects on similar needs in the USA

2011-04-11T05:50:00.004-05:00

After the death of a pedestrian by a speeding cyclist in England legislators there are proposing harsher penalties for bicyclists under a 1861 statute. This has brought up the level of debate on broader and more sensible laws that would act to provide stronger penalties for those involved in accidents involving bicyclists and automobiles.

Currently, only around 25% of road deaths in Great Briton are prosecuted using causing death by careless or dangerous, or causing death while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. We have recorded dozens of cases where the deaths of vulnerable users, including many cyclists, are simply never prosecuted."

Jorren Knibbe, a barrister who writes a blog on cycling law, argued that while Leadsom's bill would "fill a gap in the law" but it would be wrong for cyclists and motorists to receive similar punishments for the offense.

He said: "The number of pedestrian casualties brought about by cyclists each year is tiny, whereas the risk posed by cars is, statistically, much greater. So greater deterrents are needed for motorists, because it's much more important for everyone's safety that motorists are made to think twice before driving dangerously or carelessly.

"More generally, it's a shame that the rare time which parliament spends talking about cycling should be taken up with this bill, when no one in recent memory has put forward any kind of positive cycling legislation. As Leadsom admitted, 'in the vast majority' of accidents involving cyclists the cyclist is the victim. It would surely be a better use of parliament's limited time to legislate for that vast majority of cases instead."

This review of laws could be of great help in the USA where the great majority of accidents with bicyclists are ignored or prosecuted as minor offenses in our courts. More on this debate is HERE.

Dogwood Arts Festival Bike Rides April 9-10, 2011

2011-04-10T21:15:00.003-05:00

The Dogwood Arts Festival is ongoing in Knoxville, and as part of it were two bike rides through town for riders to enjoy the views. The first ride took place April 9 from Ijams Nature Center and was cosponsored by the Smoky Mountain Wheelmen bicycle club. It wound through the Island Home Neighborhood, and was the first such ride in South Knoxville. The second ride was April 10, and started and finished at the Laurel Church of Christ and went through the Sequoyah Hills Neighborhood. It was cosponsored by the KnoxRevolution bicycle club, which did a marvelous job at marking the route, as well as having someone point riders to every turn. The Knoxville Police Department kindly provided some support with traffic. Several dozen riders participated in each ride.

Beginner friendly rides like these serve not only to get people introduced to riding, but can also serve as an introduction to the fun aspects of cycling, in addition to letting more experienced riders enjoy a leisurely ride.