Wednesday Pedal Press #7
Bi-weekly insights, updates, and musings on cycling, infrastructure projects, Vision Zero, and more in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
A Tragic Loss
It is always heartbreaking to lose a member of our community. Ronald Laird was riding his bicycle northbound on Robin Hill Rd in West Meade when he collided with a vehicle traveling east at the Jocelyn Hollow Road intersection on Tuesday, August 6th. Other cyclists, who were his friends, were present on site and the driver remained at the location. I know Ron was a beloved member of the community.
Many tributes to Ron’s life have been shared over the past week. I encourage anyone who would like to know more about Ron to visit the Cumberland River Riders Instagram page.
Additional Stones River Greenway Closures
A few days after the last Pedal Press went live, Metro Parks announced a closure of the Stones River Greenway from the Heartland Park Bridge to Stones Hall Mansion. The closure is anticipated to last for five weeks. This is quite an extensive chunk of the greenway, and unfortunately, there are simply no safe detours around it. I spoke with Phil Luckett, Parks Assistant Director Consolidated Maintenance, about a month ago and learned that this area would receive repairs, but he did not share when this would take place. Still, with the Boardwalk section down indefinitely, I’m happy this is done in conjunction. You can see the map below that highlights all of the currently closed sections:
As always, I would encourage anyone interested in learning more about our Parks department to watch the Greenways and Open Spaces commission meetings. Last week’s meeting discussed how Metro Parks acquires and delivers Open Space to the community. They have to work through and identify needs, funding, opportunities, and rights of access issues. This process can take years (and decades!) and requires cohesive efforts between many departments and organizations.
The latest meeting presentation discussed these steps and challenges for many ongoing projects, including Lockleland Springs Park, Mariposa Park, Orchard Bend and Whitsett Parks, the Charlotte Corridor Rail Greenway, and more:
Lebanon Pike Speed Reduction saga continues
The lack of a safe detour around the Stones River Greenway closure further highlighted the need for a complete, safe network for cyclists throughout Nashville. With Lebanon Pike being the only option available, it underscores the importance of reducing speeds along this corridor.
Late last week, members of the Vision Zero Advisory Committee learned that NDOT planned to suggest an additional three-month deferral to the Traffic and Parking Commission regarding voting on the matter. Particularly, Councilmember Huffman has been vocal about the lack of public knowledge and outreach on the speed-reduction initiative. Members of NDOT acknowledged that they had done extensive outreach on the Dickerson Pike reduction before the Commission voted to pass those measures last month. Over the last month, NDOT reevaluated and concluded that a longer outreach period is needed to help explain to the public the reasoning for the reductions, and to increase adoption when implemented.
I attended this week’s Traffic and Planning Commission meeting with Ben Hubert, and Pastor Robin Lovett-Owens, and encouraged the Commission to implement the speed reductions as soon as possible. I believe that the educational outreach can be done consecutively with the necessary work to conduct signal retiming and implementation of the speed reductions. Ultimately, the Commission voted to defer one month, and have requested that they return with information regarding the specific outreach and education that they are undertaking. The Vision Zero Advisory Committee has asked to see this same information as well.
You can watch the full Traffic and Parking Commission Meeting here:
Vision Zero Nashville Commercials
We have started seeing Vision Zero commercials on local TV channels, focused on increasing awareness around these important issues. I have put together a YouTube Playlist that includes the three different commercials, including the Spanish and Kurdish versions. The Vision Zero Advisory Committee and NDOT are focused on increasing awareness around traffic violence and bringing about a culture change to our streets.
Upcoming Events
Bike Ride Across Wilson County 2024
The Veloteers Bicycle Club is hosting this Fondo as part of the Wilson County Fair this Saturday, August 17th at 7:30 am. I have always found Veloteers events to be well organized and a lot of fun. Fully stocked rest stops and SAG are provided. Registrants will receive a t-shirt and a fair ticket. Feel free to check out the 30-mile route and the 62-mile route and join me out in Wilson County!
Bike Lane Uprising + Nashville
Bike Lane Uprising is hosting its first event in Nashville this Saturday from 4:00-6:00 pm at Beyond the Edge. I’m excited to be in attendance and learn about this grassroots organization. From the event page:
Learn about how we got started, how to report bike lane obstructions, what we do with that data, and how our data has impacted Nashville.
This event will be free. Please RSVP for updates.
Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission
Nashville’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) meets on Monday, August 19th from 5:00-6:30 pm. If you are interested in helping shape the future of cycling and pedestrian access throughout Nashville, this is a fantastic way to get involved. Each meeting has an open public comment period for you to share your thoughts and concerns.
The agenda for the next meeting is published, and it lists the Commission’s plans to discuss the Cumberland River Compact and Bikeways Projects Updates, including the Athena Bikeways Project.
Be visible. Be predictable. Do good. Cheers!
Do you have something you think I should feature or investigate? Please let me know at [email protected], or by completing the Contact Us form on our Mission page.