MAYOR CALLS FOR UPDATE TO SIDEWALKS AND BIKEWAYS PLAN
Sets goal to be a family-friendly city
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 7, 2007) -Mayor Karl Dean has directed the Public Works and Planning departments to update the Strategic Plan for Sidewalks and Bikeways in Davidson County.
The planning process is expected to begin next week and will take about five months to complete. It will include receiving community input through a series of public meetings to begin after the start of next year.
A key component of updating the plan is reviewing the Sidewalk Priority Index (SPI), which establishes the order for new sidewalk construction and improvements based on proximity to neighborhoods, schools, libraries, parks and other facilities that create pedestrian traffic.
“Nashville has made great strides in past years to accommodate walkers and cyclists,” Dean said. “It’s important that we continue that momentum, but I want to make sure that decisions are made based on the most current information.
“Nashville needs to be a city for families and having adequate access to sidewalks and bikeways provides both safety and recreational space. An updated plan will ensure that areas with the greatest need are made a priority.”
The strategic plan provides:
- Recommended pedestrian and bicycle networks
- Design standards for constructing sidewalks and bikeways
- Criteria for establishing priorities for new construction and improvements
- Recommended changes to relevant ordinances and regulations
- Public education and enforcement recommendations
- An assessment of the funding mechanism
The original plan was completed in March 2003 based on Nashville’s land use at the time. Since then, 118 miles of sidewalks have been completed with another 29 miles under construction or planned, and 81 miles of bikeways have been completed with an additional 63 miles being designed or under construction.
For media inquiries contact:
Bonna Johnson
615-862-6461
bonna.johnson@nashville.gov