Government Relations

2010 TDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Policy

I am pleased to announce that TDOT Commissioner Nicely has signed the TDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Policy, effective December 1st, 2010! This policy is a Complete Streets policy that supercedes the 2004 TDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Policy.

This policy is very similar to the 2004 policy, but we wanted to update the language for several reasons: First, in accordance with FHWA policy, we needed to update the TDOT bicycle and pedestrian policy to reflect federal guidelines regarding bicycle and pedestrian accommodation on federal-aid bridge projects. Secondly, through bicycle and pedestrian conference calls and meetings with advocates and members of local government, we received feedback on how to improve the language of the 2004 policy so that it reflects the initiatives we've developed over the past few years (i.e. accommodating bicycles and pedestrians in resurfacing projects where applicable, creation of bicycle-friendly rumble stripe standards, and coordinating better with local governments to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians on both state managed projects and locally-managed projects that utilize federal funds). Lastly, the policy is updated to reflect the growing need to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians, not only on roadway projects, but also projects involving air, rail, transit, and marine.

For your convenience, I have attached a summary of key changes. I look forward to working with you all to help implement this policy. Please feel free to call or email me if you have any questions or concerns.

Jessica L. Wilson, TDOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator, Dec 6, 2010

(Published by permission)

Just wanted to pass on this video of today's TDOT Budget Hearing in front of Gov. Haslam. Commissioner Schroer mentions bicycle accommodation and shoulders (and even rumble strips) within the first few minutes, and then Gov. Haslam specifically asks about bicycle and pedestrian funding around the 18 minute mark. The Chief of Environment and Planning, Joe Carpenter, mentions our new policy. Very interesting to watch!

Jessica L. Wilson, 02/01/11

STATE BIKE ROUTES

While RPM Consultants is finishing up the documentation portion of the state bike route update, I wanted to send out the draft state bike route map for review. Keep in mind that this is only a draft version and there will likely be changes regarding color scheme, etc., but I wanted to send this out for review and comment, particularly regarding the routes that were selected.

I've attached two files: PDF of the map, and the second is a KMZ file. The .kmz file allows you to view the routes in Google Earth. If you do not have Google Earth installed on your computer, you can download it for free from http://www.google.com/earth/index.html

Please review the routes and send any comments to me by Friday, April 29th. As I mentioned in my last conference call, the purpose of these routes are to provide a cross-state network of routes that will provide logical connections for long distance bicycle trips and in the process, connect bicycle facilities between communities throughout Tennessee. The routes rely on state highways since TDOT oversees operations and maintenance along these routes, with the idea being that locals governments can create spur routes using local roads.

Lastly, please feel free to share this email and attachments with any interested stakeholders. They may send any comments to me using their preferred method of communication. My contact info is listed below.

Thanks!

Jessica L. Wilson