Progress of Bicycle Plan Implementation

10/5/04

 

Policy and Planning

  • The TPO continues to provide a half-time bicycle coordinator for the Knoxville Regional Bicycle Program.
  • The 11-member bicycle advisory committee continues to meet regularly and address bicycle transportation issues.
  • Phase I of the bicycle network (downtown and surrounding neighborhoods) has been identified. Work is underway to identify and prioritize needed improvements.
  • BCI analysis has been used to determine existing conditions for bicyclists on roads in Phase I network area (downtown and surrounding neighborhoods)
  • “Share the Road” signs have been installed on Clinch Ave. and Island Home Boulevard. A warning sign about the railroad crossing was installed on Neyland Drive.
  • Two issues of Pedal Press, the newsletter of the Knoxville Bicycle Program, have been produced by the TPO.
  • The TPO Smart Trips program continues to promote bicycling as one of the alternatives to driving alone.
  • The TPO has recommended including a bikestation as part of the new downtown transfer center for KAT.
  • Through the Bicycle Parking Program, 60 bike racks have been installed throughout downtown, the Old City and at Emery 5&10, the Bike Zoo and Cansler YMCA.

Design and Engineering

  • TDOT has included bike lanes in plans for new projects, including the new Hall of Fame ( 5 th Ave connector), part of the Northshore project, and the Campbell Station Road project.
  • The TPO has requested a policy change from TDOT to allow bicyclists on the Pellissippi Parkway bridge over Lake Loudon. This request was denied and the TPO has appealed the decision.

Enforcement

  • The TPO has met with Knoxville Police Department concerning the action steps in the Plan. They have committed to developing roll call training for all officers related to bicycle issues and laws.
  • The TPO has issued a press release in conjunction with KPD, Knox County Sheriff, and UT Police that clarifies the rules of the road relating to bicycling. A press conference was held on 9/30/04 at 10 a.m. to announce this.
  • KPD is expanding bicycle patrols and training more officers for bike patrol.

Education and Safety

  • The TPO recommended to TDOT that they pursue changes to the driver’s test to include questions related to bicycling.
  • The TPO is pursuing the issue of getting police officers trained in reporting crashes involving bicyclists.

Outreach and Promotion

  • A website for the Bicycle Program is hosted by the TPO.
  • A Bicycle Commute Guide has been developed and published by the TPO.
  • Brochures about the Bicycle Program and the Bike Mentor Program have been printed by the TPO. Another one on the rules of the road for motorists and bicyclists is being developed.
  • The annual spring event, now called Smart Trips Week, includes bike rides, bike maintenance classes and a commuter challenge.
  • The annual Neighborhood Bike Ride is held each October and avergaes more than 130 participants.
  • The Bike Mentor Program matches a potential bike commuter with someone who can help identify a comfortable route to work or school, and offer advice on riding with traffic, and other questions.
  • A bicycle map of downtown and surrounding areas is being developed. Funding needs to be found to develop and print the map.