March 2007
LOCAL SPONSORED RIDES
April 1: Spring Forward
April 14, Dogwood 100
April 14, Tour de Boro
April 21, Two-County Metric
April 21, Komen Nashville Ride
April 28: Crankin Cannon County
May 12: Big Hill Challenge
May 26: The CRAM
LOCAL GROUP RIDES
If it's not raining or snowing and the temper-ature is over 35 degrees, the Yazoo Patrol (hey, that name is better than Fat Old Guys on Bikes as some in the neighborhood call us) heads out every Saturday morning between 10AM and noon on our "pick up" ride on the county roads. We sometimes try to join and keep up with other groups we meet along the way. Our typical ride is 50 to 60 miles at an average speed of 15 to 16 mph.
Doug Depew is our ride leader. For more information, please contact us at
HIGH SPEED BIKERS
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
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Your Participation is Important
Please write a short note to your Alderman and tell them you support the efforts of the Hendersonville Greenways Committee. Find list at www.hvilletn.org/aldermen.aspx.
The Hendersonville Greenway Committee, which was re-established as a sub-committee of the Hendersonville Tomorrow Committee, has been in existence for a year. However, many of the members of the Steering Committee and Advisory Committee have been active since 1999 when the initial Master Plan for Hendersonville was compiled. Our mission is to promote, advocate, and assist City Leaders in the development for safe corridors for walking and biking for citizens of all ages. In pursuit of that objective Greenways are the best alternative, assuring the tranquility and recreational benefits of environmentally responsible green space for the greatest number of people.
For more information and to sign up to receive this newsletter, contact Doug Depew at BikeNwalk@comcast.net
Visit our Web Site at http://bikinhville.homestead.com. You can find past newsletters there.
BikeNwalk Newsletter is edited, often written, and distributed by Tom Evans (tom@evanscenter.com)
The High Speed Biker comment that Frank heard in his conversation with the developer is not new. We have heard some City Officials use it when we discuss the width or location of multi-use trails in Greenways. We are sensitive to both the cost and safety aspects of trail design. Our committee advocates in accordance to State and Federal Guidelines as docu-mented by the experts of American Association of State Highway and Transpor-tation Officials (AASHTO), noted on this Web Site (See Bike Path Design). Our consensus recommendation for trail width is of 10 feet minimum, but we encourage the use of 12 feet or more (already a standard in many states) where heavy or mixed uses are expected.
The concern of the Committee continues to be the safety of pedestrian and bikers, espe-cially when they are forced to cross roads with heavy traffic. In that context we have proposed bringing the Halo Greenway under Indian Lake Blvd using the current CSX overpass, rather than crossing through heavy traffic. A counter argument has been -- not enough room --so we decided to verify that. On the right is a picture under the bypass in the exact location of our recommendation. A twelve- to fourteen-foot wide road already exists and is in use by truck traffic. It could easily be converted into a 10-ft wide multi-use path (AASHTO standard). The area is also very open and should be easy to secure for the safety of all ages.
Hendersonville Tomorrow
BOMA had their planning retreat this month and I thank everyone who asked their alder persons to include Bike, Pedestrian, and Greenway routes in their planning. I understand we had lots of support both in terms needs for Infra-structure and for Greenways. Lets hope it leads to action.
Discussion with Major Hendersonville Developer
Frank Bowyer recently had an informal conversation with a major Hendersonville developer, which was very educational. His discussion identified a couple of issues relative to the perception of the goals of the Greenways Committee.
First, many developers seem to have gotten the perception that greenways are being promoted by “high-speed cyclists” for their own good, especially when it pertains to trail and bike lane widths. So-called high-speed cyclists do not like to use greenways. They need an area clear of slower-moving pedestrians/vehicles and with long, uninterrupted spans of distance without stop signs, intersections, or traffic lights. Frank was able to reassure the Developer that the purpose of the greenways is to move pedestrians away from busy streets and give them an alternative route to access desirable places in Hendersonville through a relaxing, natural setting. Greenways are places for families to enjoy each other, to enjoy the city and to travel by means other than in a car throughout the city safely. Unfor-
Bill Provides Safe Space for Bikers
On March 12'th the State Legislature passed new rules to protect cyclists. In a Bill sponsored by Doug Overby the law would require drivers to keep at least three feet away from bicyclists, or face a misdemeanor charge. This law is aimed to reduce injuries caused by automobile drivers who come dangerously close to cyclists. A lot of cyclists opt for the sidewalk due to dangers in traffic lanes.
In Nashville, a bicycle can be ridden on the sidewalk except in a "business zone," a busy shopping area where there's a lot of foot traffic. In Hendersonville, a bicycle can be ridden on the sidewalk as long as it doesn't endanger pedestrians. Most cyclists prefer the road for the safety of everyone.
With an aggressive plan by Mayor Purcell to build Greenways and with his appointment of Tokes Omishakin as Metro's Planning Department's Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, Metro Nashville strives to become bicycle friendly. Five years ago, the city had only five miles of bicycle paths. Now it has 66 miles.
FOUR More Reasons to Bike: from 28 REASONS TO BIKE
tunately,Frank has heard this “high-speed cyclists” comment before and the Committee has been working to dispel it.
Second, and probably most important, developers seem to be hearing Greenways Committee recommendations as “demands.” The Committee is very sensitive to the costs of these trail programs and is interested in identifying ways to leverage contributions of the City and Developer with other sources of funding.
Many government and private endowments require matching funds from the city or project. Considering that studies by Realtor Associations have shown Greenways and their associated trails add to property values and that Greenways are often located on land less suited for buildings, such along a creek in flood plains, railroad track, along TVA power lines, developers are frequently a major source for this match. But, timing, planning, meeting design standards, and process are critical. Committee involvement can expedite the project with exchange of ideas, research of opportunities, and extra resource to organizations often stretched thin.
The Developer with whom Frank spoke is already including a greenway and trails, is donating land for another major civic project, is providing funding to build roads and bridges with pedestrian walkways, and has other ideas to support the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, which the Committee hopes can come to fruition with help from the city and various interested parties.
Overall, Frank’s conversation was very positive and he felt this developer was very supportive of improving Quality of Life in Hendersonville as demonstrated through contributions and actions. But, this conversation also indicated false and incomplete information may be prejudicial against the greenway benefits the Committee advocates.
On a final note, as their conversation was ending, the Developer suggested converting the old one-lane railroad bridge on Stop 30 Rd to a pedestrian only bridge. Frank said that he felt the Committee would support it as an excellent idea. It would provide access to the new Greenways proposed for Indian Lake Village, not only for residents in the area, but also for joggers and walkers who regularly jog on that route from the nearby YMCA.
Frank Bowyer IV.
Road next to CSX railroad at Indian Lake Blvd.
Leveraging Our Assets
Nearly a year ago Joyce Hoyle, retired Director of Recreation Services for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, volunteered to assist Hendersonville in its development of Greenways. We could hardly do any better, just talk to Mike Goff of Gallatin. When Bruce Day and Tom Evans discussed the Gallatin Greenway program, almost every other word out of his mouth was praise for Joyce. She, however, had one seemingly simple request - we needed a coordinator on City Staff, primarily for communication. But, numerous attempts by our Committee and its friends on City Staff and Aldermen have failed in that objective.
Without a doubt the City is overwhelmed with development activity, but we weren't asking for much -- no expenditures, no dedicated staff -- just communications. We are asking the City to leverage its assets. Make ten thousand dollars do the job of a million. With all the construction, we have the opportunity, which with bad timing we will lose, to provide private matching funds to obtain grants. But getting this money for our city requires time, following precise political procedures, and waiting our turn. With our volunteer group we have the opportunity to make the job of a few do the job of many.
YAZOO PATROL - WHO ARE YOU?
Tom, Great to hear from you! Tell everybody “trying to fight city hall” that I said hello and I think of you guys all the time. I would love to check in some time and say hi and see how things have progressed. I agree that if you give up now it will be too late for Hendersonville to ever make a real comeback. With all the development taking place at the moment someone has to at least make people aware that it needs to be done upfront and incorporated into the development plan. If you let the developers say they will do it later it will never happen. If I can ever help make something happen just give me a call I would love to help in the fight in anyway.
Later, Justin Mitchell
TEAM RE/MAX – Yazoo
Ambassadors of Fun
The membership of the Hendersonville Chapter of the Yazoo Patrol or otherwise known as Fat Old Guys on Bikes continues to grow. We ride every weekend and then take time for a little socializing with BABs (Beer after Biking, preferably Yazoo, but we aren't picky.) We now have our own neighborhood Biker's Bar, where black leather is replaced by spandex. You don't have to BAB's it to join us. Gatorade is an acceptable substitute. But, biking for fun is necessary. Thus far, ages range from 40 to 70.
The FOGBee's are scheduling group attendance at the Local Sponsored Rides show above with big red dates.
RIDE SAFELY - It's the Law
This month Doug Depew joins David Hardin of the Bicycle Shop in his quest to provide instructions important for cyclists to know about the law as it applies to them. David has a long list of rules which we shall share in future issues. Below is his Sharing the Road for Cyclists
On the Road:
> The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists
> Obey all traffic control devices
> Use hand signals to indicate stops and turns other users
Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 71; T.C.A., § 59-872; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 113.]
-55-8-172. Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway is granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter and chapter 10…
-55-8-175. Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except under any of the following situations:
(A) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
(B) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; or
(C) When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, parked or moving
vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the
right-hand curb or edge. For purposes of this section, "substandard width lane" means a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two (2) abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two (2) abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane.
STROLLER MOM
Spring is here and I know I am not alone with the wish to lose a few pounds before swimsuit season. As a busy mom, finding time to exercise isn’t always easy. When the opportunity does arise, what exercise choices are there? Going to the gym means the kids go in the gym daycare. This is doable, but expensive and lacking in an opportunity for family time. There is also the fact that I’d rather be doing anything other than going to the gym.
Of course there is the workout video, but again, this is still an inside activity best saved for a rainy day. For me and many of my friends, the best, most motivating way to exercise is to go for a walk or jog. You can take the kids, have family time, enjoy the outdoors and feel like you are out being part of the community. There is one problem though – Where to walk or jog?
For those living in new neighborhoods, there are sidewalks, this is great, but can still slow down the jogging mom with a stroller. Old neighborhoods in Hendersonville don’t have sidewalks. Most people aren’t willing to risk their kid’s safety for exercise. This leaves “The Loop” at the park. I am grateful for this paved loop, but it gets a bit old.
Now imagine a greenway system where walking or jogging with a stroller is uninterrupted, cars are not a worry to you, and it just feels good to be out exercising with the family and enjoying nature. If Hendersonville had a greenway system it would be flooded with moms and entire families walking and jogging. Why is it then that the majority of the supporters for a greenway system in Hendersonville are avid bikers? Where are the other moms (and dads) demanding a linear park?
Other cities have them, cities smaller than Hendersonville have them, but we here in Hendersonville don’t have a greenway system. Major development is looming over the horizon, some I’ll admit I am really excited about. With this development comes an opportunity or loss-of-opportunity for incorporating a quality greenway system. This is not going to get done without the support of families getting involved. We can’t just leave it to the bikers. Hendersonville represents many groups that will use this greenway. These are the people that need to get on board and make city leaders know that greenways aren’t just for bikers. We all want them.
What is the point of all this? If you know moms or families that are active and would use a greenway system, let them know they need to get involved now, before it is too late. Tell them to write letters to their aldermen that greenways are for everyone, have them check out the greenways website to see just how great a greenway system of our own would be. Moms are very busy, but if enough moms get involved and do something as simple as emailing their aldermen, it would make a huge difference. With a little action from everyone, we will have a greenway system in Hendersonville to be proud of.
Cathy Haley
RIDE FOR ADVOCACY
Join us this April 1st, for the Annual Spring Forward Bicycle Tour, a 50k and 100k ride on some of Sumner County's most scenic and bicycle friendly roads. We'll be leaving from Station Camp High School at 1:00PM and heading north, as far as Kentucky for the longer ride. We will have well supplied rest stops to help with hunger and exhaustion. For directions we'll have maps, a well marked course, and a sweep mechanic monitoring the rest stops. And of course, we'll have food and beverages at the finish. We expect up to 200 cyclists, (with decent weather), and although this is not a race, there will be a finish line.
The Spring Forward Tour is organized to promote Safety, Awareness and Good Fellowship for all users of the roads. Great information is available from the League of American Wheelmen on How you and/or anyone can share the road better. At the League you will find many quick links to key problems and issues for all levels of cycling.
A special thanks goes to the friends of Spring Forward Bike Tour, Sumner Regional Hospital, Jimmy Johns Sandwiches in Hendersonville, Bikers Choice Bicycle Shop, Trek Bicycles, Specialized Bicycles, Dane Burks and Co Fitness. and the Hendersonville Greenways Committee.
For more info or to register visit Bikers Choice Bicycle Shop in Hendersonville, behind Appelbees Next to Publix, or call 615-822-2512, or on the web @ www.thebikerschoice.com
David Hardin
Doug's legal research has found the following:
- TN Government is in the process of enacting HB00235, amending current law. It adds the operator of any motor vehicle must leave a safe distance (3 Feet) between the vehicle and a bicycle when passing a bicycles that is proceeding in the same direction. Any violation is a Class C misdemeanor. The bill passed unanimously in the State House, and is headed for the State Senate. Please contact your state senator and Governor Bredeson with your support for this legislation.
Always Wear a Properly Fitting Helmet:
> Wear a helmet, no matter how short the trip
Ride on the Right:
> Always ride in the same direction as traffic
> Use the furthest right lane that heads to your destination
> Slower moving cyclists and motorists stay to the right
Ride Predictably:
> Ride in a straight line
> Don't swerve in the road or between parked cars
> Check for traffic before entering street or intersection Anticipate
> hazards and adjust your position accordingly
Be Visible:
> Wear brightly colored clothing that provides contrast
> Use a white front light in low light conditions
> Use a red rear light in low light conditions
> Use a reflector or reflective tape or clothing anytime
> Announce yourself by making eye contact with motorists
In future monthly Newsletters we'll add
-Sharing the Road: Motorists
-Group Riding
-Going Downhill Fast
