Dogwood Arts Festival Bikes and Blooms Rides

As part of the Knoxville area's annual Dogwood Arts Festival, there will be two sponsored bike rides this year. The first is on Saturday April 28 at 9:00 (departing at 10:00 AM) at Springbrook Park in Alcoa, for 10 or 20 miles and is sponsored by Cycology bicycles in Maryville. The other ride is on Sunday the 29th, and is at 2:00 PM leaving from Ijams Nature Center. These fun rides help showcase what regular people can do on a bike.

Two wheeled pedestrians.

This image taken while cycling the Music City Bikeway today. Definitely two wheels but move like pedestrians. Are we missing a constituency?  Photo taken at the northeast edge of Nashville's Bicentennial Mall.

Federal Funding 101

The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is hosting a free webinar:

FEDERAL FUNDING 101: An overview of the basic federal funding process for walking and bicycling and Safe Routes to School.

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2012; 2-3pm eastern/1-2pm central/12-1pm mountain/11am-12pm pacific

REGISTER HERE: https://saferoutespartnership.ilinc.com/register/svhvcfb

Transportation funding can be a complex and confusing process, from applying for money and completing paperwork and forms, to the ‘obligation’ process which can take years to complete. Understanding these systems can help you to better navigate and advocate for federal funds that can increase bicycling and walking.

Slate Series on American Walking

Last week, there was a four part series posted on Slate by on pedestrians in the US. The four parts, with key points noted, are as follows. I've added a few side notes of my own observations.
Part I: The Crisis in American Walking
Part II: Sidewalk Science 
Part III: What's Your Walk Score 
Part IV: Learning to Walk

Olympic Bike Racing Set for Another Year in Johnson City

Olympic bicycle racing is set for June 2 and 3 in Elizabethton, Erwin and Johnson City. It will again bring the top Tennessee racers to compete against the best racers in the Southeast.

The three Olympic style bicycle races – a road race, time trial, and criterium- that make up the Johnson City Omnium will again use the downtown Johnson City course for the Phil Bachman Toyota Criterium on Blue Plum Festival Sunday, but some changes have been made to the time trial and road race.

Bike Summit Registration

Registration is now available for the Tennessee Bike Summit, May 2-4, 2012.

There is no charge to attend the conference, but registration is required.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TNBSregistration

Conference schedule and program will be confirmed soon. 

Philip Pugliese, Bicycle Coordinator - Outdoor Chattanooga

T 423.643.6887   M 423.322.1489 Fax 423.643.6885

ppugliese@outdoorchattanooga.com

www.outdoorchattanooga.com

www.bikechattanooga.org

Another Needless Tragedy

Cyclist Killed in Coffee County While Riding With Family

Driving too fast for conditions is not "innocent". That's the first thing you're taught about driving is to be aware of your surroundings.

Bike Walk TN Participates in Transportation Planning

With the forecasted bankruptcy of the Transportation Trust Fund, the loss of revenues from user fees, and the inability of Congress to arrive at a Transportation Authorization Act, current funding for transportation is in a critical state. It is evident that more will be required with less and that projects will have to verify the economic benefits outweigh the cost. With this challenge Smart Growth America (http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/) (SGA) and Gresham, Smith, and Partners are leading the national efforts to re-think transportation funding and decision making nationally.

Memphis selected as one of six cities for green lane project

Congratulations to Memphis, which has just been selected as one of six cities by Bikes Belongas part of their Green Lane Project. The announcement is located here. The Green Lane Project seeks to construct a series of innovative bike facilities separate from other traffic, in accordance with NACTO (National Association of City Transportation Officials) guidelines that we've previously covered.

LAB Pictures from Bike Summit

For MORE CLICK HERE

Pedestrian fatality in Oak Ridge, Melton Lake Drive

There was a pedestrian fatality approximately a quarter mile north of Union Valley Rd on Melton Lake Drive in Oak Ridge. The initial statement by the Oak Ridge Police Chief is available here, and a followup report here. The crash took place on March 24, and was reported around 10:30 PM. Melton Lake Drive is a moderate speed road with traffic speeds around 40 mph. The road has fairly good shoulders, and Melton Lake Greenway runs parallel to the entire stretch of road. The road ties into the parks in the area, as well as to Oak Ridge Turnpike and numerous residential areas. An excellent map of the Oak Ridge Greenways (PDF) is available here. The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Since the crash probably took place sometime after dark, what are things pedestrians can do to make themselves safer during nighttime?