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2002 Knoxville Regional Bicycle Plan
The 2002 Knoxville Regional Bicycle Plan establishes a vision for a convenient, efficient transportation system where people can bike safely to all destinations. Fulfilling this vision will require the cooperation of many agencies and organizations to implement more than 50 action steps. These action steps cover a wide range of topics, from engineering to enforcement.
Nationwide, communities are realizing that they cannot build their way out of congestion. They must look to other solutions, such as transit, bicycling, walking and carpooling. A healthy transportation system provides safe, convenient choices. Improving bicycling conditions provides alternatives for the increasing numbers of citizens who don’t want to, can’t afford to or are physically unable to drive their own vehicles
Nationwide, about 40% of motor vehicle trips are less than 2 miles in length, which is an easy bike ride for most people. Bicycling saves money, improves air quality and is good exercise. The cost of owning and operating an automobile has increased 300% in the past 20 years. A 4-mile round trip bicycle trip keeps about 15 pounds of pollutants out of the air. Exercise is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle, while obesity and diabetes have been declared national epidemics. Health care costs have also escalated.
This is Knoxville’s fourth bicycle plan, and the most comprehensive to date. The first one was developed in 1975, with subsequent ones in 1985 and 1995.
The 2002 Plan has been a cooperative effort of the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization and its 11-member Bicycle Advisory Committee. Key activities in the process included four interagency review meetings, a Bike Summit with regional bike organizations and three public meetings. The 2002 Plan is based on three basic principles:
There are many different kinds of bicyclists.
Bicycles should be expected on every street.
A good bicycle system needs more than just facilities.
The 2002 Bicycle Plan is intended to be reviewed every two years and updated every five. The action steps that will lead toward fulfillment of the Vision have been prioritized in four categories. Priority I items will be worked on immediately, along with the ones in the Continual category. Priority II items should be implemented in the second year. Priority III items will be worked on in years three through five.
Below are the major sections of the Plan and some of the action steps under each topic.
Policy and Planning
Bicycle System
The purpose of the bicycle system is to provide a framework for bicycle travel for both advanced and basic cyclists. It does not imply that bicyclists should only use roads designated as bike routes or with bicycle lanes. By law, bicyclists are allowed on all streets. The bicycle system is a tool that allows local governments to focus and prioritize implementation efforts where they will provide the greatest community benefit. The bicycle system should form a grid pattern with connections every half-mile in order to provide direct and convenient routes. This Plan does not include a bicycle system map; however, it does describe the criteria and methodology that will be used to develop the bicycle system. Additional data must be gathered and analyzed before the bicycle system is created.
Policy:
- Bicycle facilities should be implemented as part of all transportation projects (see Bicycle Accommodation Policy).
Action Step:
- Utilize Bicycle Compatibility Index analysis to develop a recommended bicycle system for the TPO study area, with a prioritized implementation plan.
Bicycle Accommodation Policy
Action Step:
- Adopt the US DOT Policy Statement on Integrating Bicycling and Walking into Transportation Infrastructure.
Signage Policy
Action Step:
- Identify locations for “Share the Road” and other related signs and recommend to the appropriate departments/agencies.
Funding
Action Steps:
- Pursue grants and other sources in addition to TEA-21 funding.
- Make transportation funding information available so the public has a better understanding of how projects get funded.
Bicycle Program
Action Steps:
- Establish a Bicycle Program staffed at a level sufficient to implement the Bicycle Plan.
- Ensure that all jurisdictions support and participate in the Bicycle Program.
Transportation Planning Organization
Policy:
- The Bicycle Plan shall be integrated into the Long Range Transportation Plan, and bicycle projects will be included in the Transportation Improvement Program.
Action Step:
- Continue to support the efforts of the Bicycle Advisory Committee.
Community Involvement
Action Steps:
- Work with bike organizations to implement the Bicycle Plan in conjunction with their groups’ missions.
- Provide information on how the public can get information and comment on transportation projects.
Transit
Action Steps:
- Provide bike parking at major transit stops and transfer points, including short-term and long-term parking.
- Ensure that all buses within the TPO boundary, including downtown trolleys, have racks to carry at least two bicycles.
- Consider including a bikestation in the Downtown Intermodal Transfer Center and at the University of Tennessee.
Trip Reduction
Action Step:
- Work with TPO Smart Trips Program to encourage employers to implement incentive programs and develop facilities to encourage employees to bicycle to work
Subdivision and Zoning Regulations
Action Steps:
- Develop a coordinated land use and transportation plan for more efficient use of land and infrastructure in the future.
- Revise zoning and subdivision regulations to include bicycle-friendly policies as requirements of developments.
Bike Parking
Action Steps:
- Adopt the Bicycle Parking Requirements and Guidelines included in the Appendix.
- Implement and continue the TPO Bicycle Parking/Enhancement Program.
Economic Development
Action Step:
- Form a committee to pursue issues related to economic development and bicycle tourism.
Design and Engineering
On-Street Facilities
Policies:
- On arterial and collector roadways, provide on-street bicycle facilities with a Bicycle Compatibility Index (BCI) of “C” or above.
- Seek to provide a higher BCI on roadways included in the bicycle system.
Shared Use Paths
Policies:
- Avoid locating shared use paths adjacent to roadways unless specified guidelines are met.
- Design new shared use paths according to AASHTO standards.
Intersections
Policies:
- Consider the needs of bicyclists when designing and reconstructing intersections, including loop detector sensitivity.
- Consider bicyclists when coordinating traffic signal timing along a corridor.
Barriers
Policies:
- All bridge projects should include adequate space for bicyclists.
- Ensure that at-grade railroad crossings are safe for bicyclists.
Action Steps:
- Develop improvement projects to focus on “weak links” in the bicycle system.
- Pursue a policy change with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to allow bicyclists on certain portions of limited access highways.
Traffic Calming
Policy:
- Traffic calming programs shall consider the needs of bicyclists in design and engineering.
Action Step:
- Develop a funded Traffic Calming Program in each jurisdiction.
Construction Access
Action Steps:
- Develop a policy requiring that bicycle access be maintained during construction. When access is not feasible, detour routes should be as short as possible.
- Provide better signage during construction to indicate work in progress, road or path conditions and, alternate route information when applicable.
Maintenance
Sweeping
Action Step:
- Develop a policy regarding sweeping of roads, including shoulders and bike lanes, that addresses bicyclists’ needs.
Minor Repairs/Improvements
Policies:
- When resurfacing roadways with sufficient width, restripe lane widths for bicyclists.
- Raise drainage grates when resurfacing roadways to ensure a smooth, level surface for bicycling.
Action Step:
- Develop and implement an inspection and maintenance program that addresses minor repairs such as potholes, improper drainage grates, broken pavement and other hazards to bicyclists.
Bicycling Improvement Program
Action Step:
- Develop a Bicycling Improvement Program to gather and respond to citizen complaints and recommendations, utilizing a telephone hotline, Website and comment card.
Enforcement
Action Steps:
- Establish a policy clarifying law enforcement agency’s procedures regarding enforcement of laws concerning bicycles, including motorist behavior.
- Increase traffic law enforcement efforts focusing on those violations most likely to lead to bicycle-motor vehicle crashes.
- Issue a press release clarifying the traffic laws with respect to bicyclists and motorists.
Bike Patrols
Action Steps:
- Continue to train officers for bike patrols.
- Increase the use of bike patrols for standard duty, rather than concentrating on special events.
Education and Safety
Action Steps:
- Provide and promote safety education and encouragement programs targeted to bicyclists and motorists.
- Work with Tennessee Department of Safety on updates to the Drivers’ Handbook to strengthen the bicycle section and include exam questions relating to bicycle issues.
- Work for inclusion of motorist-bicyclist safety information in defensive driving courses.
Crashes
Action Steps:
- Continue to monitor and improve the data available on bicycle crashes.
- Train law enforcement staff in the investigation of crashes involving bicyclists.
Outreach and Promotion
Public Information
Action Steps:
- Promote bicycling for transportation as well as recreation, particularly for trips to school, work, shopping and special events. n Develop a public information and education campaign to encourage bicycling and improve the behavior of both motorists and bicyclists.
- Develop a bicycle map of downtown, UT and surrounding neighborhoods showing existing conditions on roadways to highlight the best ways to travel by bicycle.
- Establish, maintain and publicize a Webpage and telephone hotline with information and links to other agencies/organizations/Websites.
Programs/Special Events
Action Steps:
- Continue to increase the number of special events and programs that encourage bicycling, including bicycle rides, bike giveaways and Bike Week events.
- Develop a Safe Routes to School program.
Community Services
Action Steps:
- Coordinate and continue bike light, helmet and bike giveaway efforts.
- Increase and publicize the number of free repair classes offered throughout the community.
Workshops
Action Steps:
- Provide regular workshops and other training opportunities for local planners, engineers, representatives from enforcement and emergency response, and other professionals on bicycle transportation and facility design issues.
- Develop a presentation on bicycling issues and the Bicycle Plan for a speakers’ bureau.
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