Wednesday Pedal Press #2
Weekly insights, updates, and musings on cycling, infrastructure projects, Vision Zero, and more in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
Mapping Collective Knowledge
Cyclists near and far spend countless hours pouring over maps, trying to extrapolate the best routes, safest thoroughfares, and even the most challenging climbs. Because of that, mapping almost becomes a second hobby for many of us. If you’re a cyclist and you’ve not found yourself scrolling endlessly through Google Streetview, just be patient, it will happen.
So it’s always fun when a map refresh drops, or when we get the opportunity to provide feedback towards one. These maps inform decisions for cyclists throughout our community, particularly for younger or more inexperienced riders, which can be the difference between continuing to ride or giving up on it.
Greenways for Nashville has just released its updated Greenways Map. The interactive map on their website is fantastic, but the PDF version of the printed map is also a wonderful resource for everyone. I am eager to dive in and learn more about the City Central Greenway System, which I hope to cover at length in the future.
NDOT is doing its own work, too. From Nashville.gov:
The Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) is working on a countywide bikeways map, to supplement the recently updated map “The Groove.” The countywide map, titled “uGo”, will provide information regarding different transportation options and will be available online and as a printed version. Please take a few minutes to let us know what you want to see on the map.
I believe the most informative maps come from an amalgamation of knowledge from a large group of people. Please share your opinions and experiences to inform NDOT’s work creating the uGo map.
Speaking of Greenways…
It was reported to me that last Tuesday, June 11th, an older cyclist had a serious accident on the Shelby Bottoms Greenway due to a large bump in the trail. I know other people who have crashed in this location as well. A few days later, the location was painted with neon paint:
Yesterday, June 18th, I rode through and found that this area had been cut out and replaced. A few other sections of Greenway have been done as well, with a few other identified with neon paint. While it would be unfair to say that our Greenways don’t get proactive repairs (the Metrocenter Greenway was closed for such last October), it is frustrating that more often than not someone must sustain a serious injury for any swift action to be taken.
In Germantown, one stretch of the Cumberland Greenway has reopened, while another is in danger of being consumed by construction. The stretch between Monroe St and Taylor St has been detoured for quite some time, but new tarmac has arrived and is quite enjoyable to ride on. Unfortunately, new construction fencing has been added along the Greenway around the lot between Stockyard St and the Greenway connector to Bicentennial Mall. I will be on the lookout for how this project affects Greenway access, and be reaching out to learn more details.
More on BRT along Main Street & Gallatin
Last week, I wrote about the importance for Nashville to adopt center-running BRT along the Main Street & Gallatin Pike corridor. A few folks reached out and asked if one design concept was inherently safer for cyclists and pedestrians. The short answer is no. A complete roadway design, with proper Vision Zero accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists, is necessary for both concepts.
Check out this quick, three-minute video where I discuss this topic briefly and point out one of my favorite safety considerations for center-running BRT:
Links:
– Institute for Transportation & Development Policy
– Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety in Bus Rapid Transit and High-Priority Bus Corridors
– Choose How You Move
The Tour Divide
Local Legend, and all-around excellent dude, Andrew Drury is currently on the journey of a lifetime. Andrew set off on the annual The Tour Divide, from Banff, Alberta to Antelope Wells, New Mexico on Friday, June 14th. Andrew made a crazy push yesterday finishing his ride late into the morning, riding from Lincoln to Butte Montana — roughly 140 miles. He shared these two updates before (presumably) getting some crazy good sleep:
Andrew has covered 710 mile so far, averaging 149 miles per day. You can follow him on Instagram at andrewdrury.tcx and dot watch his progress along the way here. We’re watching attentively and can’t wait to hear epic tales from his journey when he gets back.
Events
Juneteenth Freedom Day Ride
The fourth annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Ride this past weekend was an absolute blast. Approximately 150 riders completed the 25-mile self-guided route or the 10-mile cruise with the Music City Dope Pedalers. I lined up with the MCDP crew and met some wonderful new people. The group found a guinea pig (yes, seriously) along the Metrocenter Greenway which was given a comfortable ride in a basket to its new home!
A large thank you is owed to Bike for Equality for organizing the event, as well as the sponsors like 8th & Roast Coffee, Fairpointe Planning, NDOT, & Civic Design Center. Check out stellar photos, like the one below, throughout the event taken by Matthew Trask Photography.
Jones Mill Hot Lap Local Series
For those who prefer dirt, the all-new Jones Mill Hot Lap looks to be a great time this weekend. Jones Mill is a lesser-known mountain bike trail on the East bank of Percy Priest Lake. Registration is still available on BikeReg.com for what promises to be a great new race in Middle TN.
We can’t wait to hear more about it.
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.