Why Do You Ride?

Every year, PeopleForBikes.org surveys our supporters to understand how bicycling fits into their lives. We have found that some of you are crazy about bikes and ride every day, while others ride occasionally or even not at all. That's what we think is cool about our movement - we represent everyone who is for bicycling, no matter how many bikes they own or what type of riding they do.

SRTS-TN Has Facebook Page

Safe Routes to School in Tennessee has a new FACEBOOK page.  Visit it by clicking here.  You might want to LIKE THEM while there.

TDOT Partners With Smart Growth America For Better Transportation Decisions

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has partnered with Smart Growth America to increase its efficiency and ensure the greatest possible return on Tennessee’s transportation investments. As a result, TDOT has compiled a series of recommendations designed to pin down areas for improvement, prioritize projects and streamline processes. Stakeholders from across the state including Bike Walk TN took part in this project and have produced an analysis "Removing Barriers to Smarter Transportation Investments" which can be downloaded HERE.

Another Death in Tennessee

We have received news of another cyclist fatality on the roads of Tennessee.  Alan David  of Crossville was injured on August 12 and died August 17. The driver crossed the centerline and is now charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, second offense DUI, and driving on a revoked license.  Alan David’s  tragedy is now documented on the website Every Bicyclist Counts  maintained by the League of American Cyclists.

Governor Haslam Supports Greenways

Governor Haslam brings federal transportation enhancement funds to Clarksville and voices support for the program. Since states will have new "flexibility" under the MAP-21 transportation bill lets hope his Department of  Transportation follows through in the future.

Advocacy Groups Remain Separate

The Alliance for Biking and Walking, Bikes Belong, and League of American Bicyclists announced late last year that they were exploring the idea of merging into one organization.  Today, they issued the Press Release saying that they plan to coordinate resources, but remain as three separate organizations.  

Bike Share In Memphis

The City of Memphis has recently increased the role of the bicycle in its alternatives for transportation and increased its investment in supporting facilities.  One of tools cities are using are Bike Share programs in order to increase the availability of this mode of travel. The City of Memphis, Livable Memphis, Shelby County Health Department, and the Hyde Family Foundation commissioned Alta Planning + Design to explore the feasibility of Bike Share for Memphis.

The objective of this study is to provide Local Context Analysis to assess the preparedness of the City for Bike Share and to identify potential issues.  Click here to read a copy of their initial assessment. 

Not Asking for More Money

. . Bike/Ped advocates are not asking for more federal money for bike/ped projects.  They want to be sure money that is available is used for these applications.  Tennessee has a history of high rescission of Transportation Enhancement and Congestion Mitigation money.  Our Safe Routes to School grants are only obligated at 32%.  MAP-21 increases the risk of loosing available funding.
. . The League of American Bicyclists found "In states with active bike advocacy groups, very little money was sent back." (HINT! on how to protect YOUR interests)
. . Our department of transportation will set the ground rules and choose the projects that are going to be funded.  Advocates must become part of the process and help communities build an inventory of good ready-to-go bike projects.

. . The federal granting process is complicated, messy, and difficult to navigate. America Bikes is developing the tools and resources for advocates so they can speaks loudly and intelligently. 
. . Nearly 400 people participated in "The ABCs of MAP-21" webinar on 8/13/12. Download the recording and slides here. 

Safe Routes to School In Action

This is a great blog post by John Harkey about the "bike bus" in East Nashville. John is a member of the Mayor's BPAC in Nashville and a local bike advocate. Francie Hunt is a Walk Bike Nashville board member and is currently serving as interim director. Are there other efforts like this in Tennessee?

Another Tennessee Cyclist Dies

Pierre McReynolds of Memphis was killed by a truck while riding his bike back to Memphis from his job in West Memphis. This is the older bridge crossing the river between Memphis and West Memphis. The accident occurred on the Arkansas side.

Pierre McReynolds Story

I Am The Engine

I am the engine (IATE) is a community initiative dedicated to connecting the joy of cycling with healthier eating and zero emission lifestyles. Sponsored by Whole Foods Market®, Nissan® North America and Harpeth Bicycles and Industrial Strength Marketing (ISM), IATE will be hosting multiple bike events across Middle Tennessee to inspire new riders and help spark fun, active lifestyles.Visit their website by clicking here.

840 FONDO Ride

John Schroer, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation, announced that a portion of State Route 840 will open exclusively to bicyclists Oct. 13, for “Eight Forty Fondo Festival.” Fondo is Italian for “ride.” The ride will be part of the opening ceremonies for the final 12 miles of SR 840 that remain unopened. The unopened stretch traverses southern Williamson County. It is scheduled to open to motor vehicles Nov. 2, according to Schroer, who served as mayor of Franklin from 2007 to 2011.

“We're going to have an 'Eight Forty Fondo' on the new section of 840,” Schroer said. “The governor [Bill Halsam] is going to participate, and we want you to come and ride with the governor. [The surface] will be smooth and perfect.”

For more info CLICK HERE