Chattanooga Slows Bike-Lane Program Until Next Year
Some like them—others wonder if the idea can indeed produce a safer environment for bike riders, and still accommodate motorists.
Using mostly grant money, Chattanooga leaders have completed many of the bike lanes on some of the busiest streets downtown.
Broad, N. Market and even Dodds Avenue are part of the new traffic pattern.
But the head of the transportation department thinks it’s time to pause and take a look at the program.
BLYTHE BAILEY, ADMINISTRATOR, CITY TRANSPORTATION DEPT. "We’re going to actually enhance that with some more door to door communications …because the projects that we’re doing, we feel like are a primary benefit to the business owners and shop owners on the streets that we’re doing them on."
In fact, the bike lanes may have an economic impact.
PHILLIP PUGLIESE, MGR., BICYCLE GRANT PROGRAMS "The broad street protected bike-lane project is new for Chattanooga…it’s been demonstrated in cities all around the world. The bottom line is, evidence shows that people walking and on bikes spend more money..that is the bottom line."
It’s a learning experience for both bikers and motorists because of the unique layout.
BLYTHE BAILEY "We found that the curb…some folks don’t like the curb for various reasons…we’re looking really at the best way ..a combination of esthetics and safety to get that protection between the bike lane and that driving lane."
Safety is the primary concern.
BLYTHE BAILEY "We’ve already spoken with the city judge and also our officer Simmons who’s in charge of the safe bicycle lanes..the initiative to look at how do we educate the community as much as possible that everybody is navigating the streets in the safest way possible."
OFFICER ROB SIMMONS, CHATTANOOGA POLICE DEPT. "I think the most important thing that motorists …as we’re going through this change in our downtown infrastructure..is to take it slowly."
Bailey says the city will begin another round of community meetings on that program.
Right now, according to Bailey, only bikes are allowed in the path.
Motorized vehicles must use the street.
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