Advocacy Efforts
As a community-focused nonprofit, Bike Walk Knoxville works to make Knoxville a better place to walk and bike for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. We do this in a variety of ways, from fun community events like Open Streets Knoxville and Tour de Lights to educational programming like Kids Love Bikes and Bicycle/Pedestrian Friendly Driver. However, even more of our effort is behind the scenes, advocating for safe streets for all users.
If you’re interested in learning more about our work, check out the reports below to hear a few of the stories of projects we’ve advocated for!
Concord Road Diet
Concord Street is a popular route for active transportation users seeking access from Bearden and West Knoxville to campus and downtown, and serves as a connection between Sutherland Avenue and Kingston Pike. The Third Creek Greenway crosses Concord as it approaches Tyson Park, and folks can frequently be seen walking or biking in the area for transportation or recreation.
With this demand for active transportation and safety concerns for vulnerable road users in mind, Bike Walk Knoxville worked to advocate for a road diet, reconfiguring the roadway from two vehicular travel lanes in either direction to one vehicular travel lane in either direction, with a center turn lane and bike facilities on either side. The new Concord Street features vehicular traffic moving at safe speeds, facilities for cyclists, and a more comfortable crossing environment for the Third Creek Greenway.
Bearden Middle School Safety Improvements
Bearden Middle School sits at the intersection of Middlebrook Pike and Francis Road, generating pedestrian activity from students and families walking to and from school. The area is also in close proximity to parks, restaurants and shops, and residential neighborhoods, encouraging folks nearby to get around outside of a car.
With this demand for active transportation and safety concerns for vulnerable road users in mind, Bike Walk Knoxville worked to advocate for pedestrian safety improvements in the area, including the installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, or RRFBs, and a pedestrian refuge at the crosswalk across Middlebrook Pike in front of Bearden Middle School. RRFBs were also installed at the crosswalk across Francis Road in front of Bearden Middle School. This project improved safety by raising awareness for folks using the crosswalk and providing clear space for pedestrians!
Sutherland Avenue Safety Improvements
Sutherland Avenue is an important corridor running in front of West High School, accompanied by the Third Creek Greenway. It offers important access for students, residents of the nearby Marble City Neighborhood, and features amenities such as restaurants, coffee shops, and more.
After a student was tragically struck while crossing in the crosswalk at the intersection of Sutherland Avenue and Tobler Lane, Bike Walk Knoxville convened a Walk with Elected Officials in the area. We advocated for safety improvements to protect pedestrians, and ultimately, curb extensions and centerline hardening were installed to encourage drivers to proceed through the intersection at safe speeds. The project also shortened crossing distances for pedestrians, and provided space for a “paint the pavement” project currently being implemented. This excellent example of community collaboration raises awareness for pedestrian safety, and we are grateful for all the partners who contributed.
Bike Parking
Bike Walk Knoxville advocates for a community that is safe, comfortable, and convenient for active transportation users. One major factor in the accessibility of cycling as a mode of transportation is availability of bike parking. When folks know secure bike parking is conveniently available, they’re more likely to choose to ride to their destinations. Together with our partners, we’re working to help event organizers offer bike parking at their events, raise awareness for existing bike parking downtown, and implement more bike parking across Knoxville!