Cyclist Struck in Hit-and-run on Gay Street Viaduct

WBIR) A bicyclist is in the hospital after a car hit him near downtown Knoxville and took off Monday morning.
Knoxville police said Cameron Bolin, 26, of Maryville was riding his by bicycle when a car hit him on the Gay Street viaduct at Depot Avenue shortly after 7:45 a.m. Officers said Bolin was wearing a helmet.
Crews drove him to UT Medical Center where he is listed in serious condition. Police said they don't have a description of the vehicle at this time.
Anyone who saw the hit-and-run is asked to call the Knoxville Police Department at 865-215-7212. Callers can remain anonymous.

KPD searching for suspicious man with knife on West Knoxville greenway � Knoxville News Sentinel

KPD searching for suspicious man with knife on West Knoxville greenway � Knoxville News Sentinel

“A woman reported she was walking on the greenway and saw a male holding a knife behind his back as he walked behind another woman,” the release states. “The women asked the man what he was doing, at which point he fled westbound on the greenway (toward Gallaher View Road.)”
Numerous patrol officers, including several with bicycles, converged on the area. They spoke with multiple witnesses, but were unable to locate the suspect, the release states.

 This is the third greenway incident victimizing women in two months. What's happening here?  Knoxville Police has bicycle patrols - should there be more officers on bicycle?  Have you ever felt unsafe on the greenways?  What would you do if you saw a suspicious person?

I will say at a recent visit to the Holston River dog park, I saw a man acting aggressively towards other park visitors.  While several visitors simply hoped to avoid a confrontation, because I was at the dog park I saw that the man harassed several people.  While each visitor may have thought it was a single incident - I witnessed a pattern.  When police arrived, the man was arrested and had apparently been drinking and was under the influence.

So if you see something - say something.  Keep the KPD saved in your phone - or just use 911.  This incident could have escalated if someone had not been watching out for the fellow legitimate park users.

Report anything suspicious - you are a key part in making Knoxville area parks safe for everyone to enjoy.

Streetscape renovations for Gay Street begin Tuesday | wbir.com

Of note:  Streetscape renovations on the remainder of Gay Street.

Personally I'm a bit annoyed that the Gay Street Viaduct was raised for Norfolk Southern to bring through extra-tall trains, the same as what's happening at the Broadway Viaduct.

It's not a Greenway, but this is a bike route to North Knoxville from downtown.  And, conceivably, to my home in Parkridge.  I don't tend to go this route to campus because it involves many hills, more traffic, and intersections than I care to encounter on a bike commute.

However if roads are improved faster than greenways, then I am grateful for any road project that makes a street seem more like a "Greenway."

Ideally, any analysis done on "Greenway Corridor Feasibility" will look at these types of connections - where low traffic, safe and scenic streets can serve as a "Green Street" if not a "Green Way."

Streetscape renovations for Gay Street begin Tuesday | wbir.com:

Crews will be putting in more landscaping, better street signs, and more lighting.
The city council approved the changes back in June. They also voted to improve storm water issues in the area. 

At times, crews will have to shut down traffic to one lane typically between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Construction is expected to last until the end of the year.

Some buildings have sat vacant for years.  I'll be interested to see if this enhancement by the City generates any additional development in this block.

Opinion Piece on Potential Road Construction in South Knoxville

Conrad Plaut: TDOT should cancel parkway extension, improve Chapman corridor � Knoxville News Sentinel:

The CHAFE route will plow directly through a 36-mile network of wilderness trails and greenways that have been and continue to be built on 1,000 acres of public park (more acreage than Central Park in New York) and public easements on hundreds of acres of private land.

It is interesting to read some of the user-submitted comments to see the spectrum of opinions on the topic.

My personal opinion is that any community has roads, bypasses, and freeways.  The community that preserves green space such as the Urban Wilderness is the community which attracts both tourism and new residents, as well as promote quality of life and recreation for established locals.

Freeways are a dime a dozen - although $105 million quoted in the article suggests freeways are a bit more expensive than a dime.

Interesting Further Reading:

• TDOT James White Parkway Extension Plan: http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/sr71/
• MPC Chapman Highway Corridor Plan: http://archive.knoxmpc.org/plans/corridor/chapman2006.pdf
• Development Boom on Chapman Highway Spurs Road Improvements: http://www.wate.com/story/6622130/development-boom-on-chapman-hwy-drives-road-improvements?clienttype=printable

First Creek Greenway Plan - How to Move Forward?

Current First Creek Greenway

From the latest city of Knoxville Greenways Map, the plans for First Creek Greenway are included as a full panel.

First Creek Greenway has been a source of enjoyment for residents of the surrounding historic neighborhoods of Old North Knoxville, Fourth and Gill, and Parkridge.

Yet, it has also been a source of frustration.

The reason?  From the city's Web site:

Plans for this greenway to connect south underneath I-40 to Lower First Creek Greenway in Caswell Park are underway. The connection portion of this trail is expected to be built in the near future.

 "In the near future."  This is the frustrating part.

Over four years ago, work on the portion of Interstate 40 through downtown Knoxville commenced to upgrade the 1960s era infrastructure to modern technology and safety standards.  The project was expected to be completed in summer of 2009, but actually finished early, awarding the contractor a performance bonus.

Many residents see the Interstate's construction as a missed opportunity to complete the link between the Upper and Lower First Creek Greenway.  To be fair, the Tennessee Department of Transportation did create an asphalt sidewalk along Sixth Avenue, where in the Summer of 2013, local residents partnered with the City of Knoxville and TDOT to install a four-part mural to celebrate the historic neighborhoods.  Matching funds were provided by the City as part of the Parks and Recreation Challenge Grant, awarded on the basis that the asphalt strip serves as the community entrance to the First Creek Greenway.

Frustration has grown as this Greenway could perhaps be the most successful example of an urban greenway, linking several of Knoxville's most populous neighborhoods, from Fountain City in the North, down towards the Tennessee River.

Envisioned First Creek Extension

Even the City is aware of the potential, since First Creek Greenway Plan is featured prominently on the most recent version of the greenway map.

The text reads:

First Creek Greenway could connect Fountain City to the Tennessee River through the Downtown area.  There are 18 parks along First Creek within 9 miles of greenways in place, so the longer connection could become a reality with the right planning and support.

Residents of the first creek watershed are united in feeling that the community support is there.

So why has the greenway plan not proceeded?

One possibility might be a lack of funding.

Some possible funding ideas to look into are available on these Web sites:

http://www.railstotrails.org/ourwork/trailbuilding/toolbox/informationsummaries/funding_financing.html

http://www.americantrails.org/resources/fedfund/
Are you aware of funding sources that the City of Knoxville should be aware of?

Please leave your ideas in the comments section.

Love's Creek Greenway Cost Per Mile, Model for First Creek?

Recent correspondence with Lori Goerlich, City of Knoxville Greenways Coordinator:

Hi Lori,

Congrats on the Love's Creek Greenway opening.

I'm very interested that it is made of crushed limestone.

My hope is that significantly reduced the cost of greenway miles I have been quoting people, $100,000 per mile.

I had a question from a community member concerning applying for a challenge grant towards extending the First Creek Greenway from the 6th Avenue Mural Site to Caswell Park.

I'm not sure that is the best use of Challenge Grant funds, since Greenways are better funded by massive grants like the TDOT Transportation Alternative Grant Clevelend was recently awarded in the amount of $495,978.

However, since I was asked if it's "possible" then I thought I might as well look at the idea.

Because the grant is small, I thought it might be worthwhile to look at a small parcel that could have a big impact.

So, I looked at the small piece of city-owned land connecting 6th Avenue across the Norfolk Southern tracks to Caswell Park.

It appears this parcel used to be part of the Southern railway spur to the old city.

A property map is below:

http://www.kgis.org/PropertyMapAndDetailsReport/PropertyReport2.aspx?parcelid=082PD00401

The Parcel connects Abilene Pl. to Caswell Park. According to KGIS the length is 248 feet.

My thinking is by creating a direct connection from 6th Avenue to Caswell Park, the $5,000 from a Challenge Grant might actually have an impact on Greenway Connectivity, since 6th Avenue is already well-suited for bike and pedestrian travel.

If the cost of the crushed limestone approach is under 248 feet per $5,000, I believe this might be something worth pursuing for the 2013 Challenge Grant.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,

Tanner

Newest Greenway in Knoxville - Loves Creek Greenway

Love's Creek Greenway in Northeast Knoxville [Photo: Mayor Rogero]

Love's Creek Greenway is the city of Knoxville's newest greenway mileage at .4 miles.  Located at 5201 Parker Drive in North Knoxville,  The greenway is ideal for walking, running, bicycling, walking dogs, and using strollers.


View Larger Map

City of Knoxville Press Release:

Loves Creek Greenway is located within the City limits and begins at the Knox County-owned Spring Place Park. Built in-house by City of Knoxville crews, the trail is approximately a half-mile of crushed limestone and is the first phase for the greenway plan that will eventually reach from Spring Place to New Harvest Park.

More coverage from WBIR:

"We want to move people. We want them to have access to greenways and other exercise facilities. This is a cheap way to get people out and exercise, get out and walk. We want to connect people with places. So, we're trying to connect people to places of employment to places of retail. We're trying to connect this trail down to Knoxville Center," - David Brace, city public service director

4.4 miles of road or 1,000 miles of greenways? Up to us.

Another greenway that's feasible for completion seems to be the Knoxville - Townsend Greenway via Maryville.

Local News | The Daily Times - Great Smoky Mountains Regional Greenway Council shaping trail extension to Townsend:

In 2009, Barge Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon Inc. (BWSC) created a draft Greenway Master Plan for a trail system running from Knoxville to Townsend. Community and landowner opposition led to one alternative route, a proposed stretch along the Little River to Heritage High School, to be struck from the plan.The current plan being developed is a partnership of the Knoxville Regional TPO, the Great Smoky Mountains Regional Greenway Council, local governments, Maryville-Alcoa-Blount County Parks and Recreation, the Blount Partnership and Tennessee Department of Transportation.

From the comments section of the news article, there seems to be a lot of opposition to the regional greenway in that the project will require investment of public monies.

I find that odd, as greenways are actually less expensive than some of the major road construction projects proposed for the same area, such as the Pellissippi Parkway extension: http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/pellissippi/, which would cost nearly $100 million to construct.

That's 100 Million for 4.4 miles of proposed extension to U.S. 321.

A greenway of the same length would cost less than $500,000 at $100,000 per mile of greenway.

100 million would equal 1,000 miles of greenway.  What would you rather have: 4.4 miles of new controlled access freeway, or 1,000 miles of greenway?

The question here is the return on the investment.  Greenways offer an inexpensive transportation alternative, along with recreation and water quality enhancement opportunities.

Transportation investment impacts quality of life as well.  If we choose to build communities centered on Freeways, traffic problems will worsen.  Southern California has no shortage of freeways but is notorious for traffic congestion.  Turning to new roads or widening roads doesn't solve the underlying problem of connecting people with the resources needed for everyday living. And, it sets us up for long-term economic problems when fuel costs add to the cost of a simple trip for basic needs like schools, work, and groceries.

More on the impacts our transportation planning now will have on our community futures: http://www.planeasttn.org/GrowStronger/GrowthConcepts.aspx

"Riverwalk" starting at Standard Knitting Mill?

A letter in the MetroPulse suggests that Standard Knitting Mill and the First Creek area could be the perfect place to start a "Riverwalk."

Letter: Repurposing Standard Knitting Mill � Metro Pulse:

First Creek runs directly by the building on the North 6th Avenue side, making it seem like some kind of surreal industrial Parisian dream. In 2004 Jack Neely wrote an article laying out the ways in which Knoxville could learn from San Antonio, and I think this would be the perfect place to start a riverwalk. Beautifying this section of First Creek would work along side with the arts, and be an awesome project for a garden district.

First Creek can definitely use some improvements.  The Standard Knitting Mill site is in fact a barrier to the linkage between Upper First Creek Greenway and Lower First Creek Greenway.

A Riverwalk might be feasible here, connecting what the letter writer calls the "arts and gardens district" to the riverfront via Caswell Park, Magnolia Avenue, and the Old City.  A dog park even sits along the way.

The link from Lower First Creek Greenway to Volunteer Landing might be the city's low-hanging fruit in terms of greenway feasibility.  The city or quasi-government entities own most of the property along the way.  Where it does not, an abandoned Southern Railway right-of-way carves a path through the parcels to the Old City, where Willow meets up with Central.  

Despite this "easy picking," the link is not without challenges.  There are no Willows on Willow Street - but rather a string of businesses that one neighborhood resident calls Knoxville's "Rust Belt." During weekdays, this avenue is brimming with the saws and hammers of a pallet recycling operation, where business has boomed to allow expansion to the former Knoxville Foundry. 

Therein lies a problem: this link from the historic Knoxville "suburbs" of North Knoxville, Park City, and Burlington is barricaded by a zone of serious industrial activity - including the former "Chicken City" plant - now home to Knox Rail Salvage - a place that looks like it would be a smart place to hole up in the event of zombie apocalypse.  

If I were an inattentive cyclist, I might've even been sideswiped by the inattentive sunglass wearing pilot of a forklift down at Knoxville Pallet Recyclers.  To be fair, he wasn't expecting my silent approach on my trusty cannondale.

In essence, there is no safe passage here.  Focusing efforts on completing the greenway via public land and abandoned right-of-way could provide that key link from Knoxville's "arts and gardens" district to the riverfront.  Perhaps the "riverwalk" could come to fruition, with applied focus and determination of North Knoxville, Park City, Belle Morris, and the "bedroom neighborhoods" of the Knoxville's of yesteryears. 

Public Parks, Trails Entice "Leisure Tourists" to Knoxville

Knoxville is not a vacation destination in the sense that nearby Sevier County is.  But it's certainly worth a weekend or day trip.  That's the angle being promoted by the City of Knoxville to draw tourism dollars to the city cash registers.

And the city's "green infrastructure" is part of that enticement, according to a Knoxville News Sentinel editorial, the city's growing "green" infrastructure complements the growing and revitalizing built and cultural infrastructure of the center city.

Editorial: Visit Knoxville wise to market to leisure tourists � Knoxville News Sentinel: Providing the yin to downtown’s yang is the South Knoxville Urban Wilderness Corridor. Made up of Ijams Nature Center, William Hastie Natural Area, Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area and other public parks and trails, the urban wilderness offers a serene outdoor playground just minutes from downtown’s urban bustle. There is abundant space for hiking, biking, canoeing and other outdoor activities.

As we decide as a community how to spend our infrastructure dollars, it is important to remember the economic value of a new greenway, trail, or green space in light of the ability to draw regional visitors to the area.

It might not amount to a week long stay at an area hotel, but both sales tax and take home tips in the pockets of our merchants and wait staff is an indirect benefit of a complete package of cultural and outdoor recreation opportunities in the City that make Knoxville an enjoyable place to live and visit.

Bikes, Buses, and Greenways - What's the Connection?

Biking to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville from my home in the Parkridge neighborhood can sometimes be stressful.

While I've seen drivers go out of their way to be extra nice to me on my bike, some drivers just aren't expecting to encounter a cyclist on the road, and that can be dangerous.

So, even with proper safety gear and an abundance of caution while sharing the roadways with motorists, my mantra is often "please don't hit me, please don't hit me, please don't hit me."

In contrast to the heightened concern while pedaling the roadways to get to work, t's a great relief to ride on the Lower First Creek Greenway because I know there's no chance of a distracted driver accidentally mowing me down.  The worst I have to worry about is a wayward squirrel getting caught in my spokes.

It's genuinely the most relaxing part of my day to cruise along First Creek, and maybe daydream about when the greenway will be expanded all the way to the Tennessee River, perhaps along State Street on a "Street Diet."

Another place I feel very safe on my commute is on the bus. On a super cold day, I have the option to catch the Parkridge Trolley (Route 30) for $1.50, then catch the free Vol Trolley to campus.

The Vol Trolley is one of a handful of "vintage" style trolleys reminiscent of the electric trolleys that once prowled city streets.  The Gay Street Line, Downtown Loop, Vol Trolley make it easy to get around Knoxville on a budget - if you have 10 minutes to wait between each Trolley.  An online map with trolley routes is available and can help you catch a break from winter's cold and summer's heat.

Washington Avenue and Fifth Avenue near my home once had their own lines, along with Magnolia Avenue.  Some great pictures of the Knoxville Traction Company's operations are available online, and an historic trolley car is on display at the East Tennessee History Center.

Did you know your bike rides free on KAT buses?

Older "Orange Line" Trolley - Notice No Bike Rack! 

I often wonder what will happen as biking continues to grow in popularity in Knoxville - there are only two racks per KAT bus.  I've never seen a rider miss a bus because the rack was full - but as Knoxville becomes more bike friendly - will that ever happen?

Have you tried a hybrid journey - by bike and by bus or trolley?

Where would you like to see Knoxville trolleys run that would help you connect between greenways?

Examples:

• Is there a big hill between you and your destination that a lift on a Trolley could help with?  
• Is there a destination that a Greenway just doesn't quite connect to, and a bus connection is the only safe way to make the final connection?
• Do you live in District 4 and feel like a Trolley might help you get across town with your bike to enjoy biking routes in South Knoxville?  
• Right now the Trolley map doesn't show a link to South Knoxville.  
• With the concerns over South Knoxville's development - would an extension of the Gay Street Line over the Gay Street Bridge be a helpful option for you to enjoy recreation facilities like the new Urban Wilderness, Ijams Nature Center, and Island Home Park that connects to both destinations via the Will Skelton Greenway? 

Some other ideas for modifications to the Trolley Route are available from the Metro Pulse.

Share your thoughts in the comments!

Puddles & Spray!

I'm fortunate to have some actual biking gear - bellweather rainproof pants, "screaming yellow" rain resistant jacket.  Coupled with my outdoors gear, I'm pretty set for wet and cold weather.

Today there's been a bit of rain.

On the Lower First Creek greenway there's a section that dips and collects some water.

On a hot summer day with nothing better to do, it might be fun to splash through this puddle at full steam.  On a cold, snowy day, no thanks!

I'll still take this greenway puddle over an oiled, gritty roadway puddle or roadside spray from passing cars.

But still, the presence of this large puddle says something was overlooked in the design of the greenway.

It's not just a strip of asphalt - it's a transportation alternative.  Careful attention to drainage needs to be paid to the construction of greenways - that will make the greenway last longer and more enjoyable to use.

What other wet weather problems with the greenways have you seen?  Share your thoughts in the comments.

Chutes and Ladders - Gay Street Viaduct is Uphill Battle

Chutes and Ladders: why pedal over when you can pedal under?

Today I had an exam at 8:10 and needed to be on campus a bit early.

I hoped that perhaps parking on a level spot would let my car's clutch ease back into some kind of working order.

Nope.

Biking time.

Gloves. Check.

Down water resistant jacket: check.

Hat with ear flaps: check.

So I made my way to campus in cold, snowy conditions in time to print off my "reference sheet" at in Hodges Library.

What could make the morning in snowy weather more pleasant easier?

Today I took a route through the old city.  One of my least favorite spots to navigate is Jackson at the Gay Street Viaduct.

The decorative brickwork is awesome and historic, but a pain to bike on.  Plus, why should I bike UP the ramp on Jackson to the viaduct, brake at a stop sign, then lose all that hard-won altitude?

It's much easier just to take the lower portion of Jackson UNDER the Gay Street Viaduct, then pop up.

So I do that.  Complaint?  The pavement is uneven and broken, and it kinda looks like a post-apocalyptic nightmare in sections.  When the Jackson Avenue portion of the viaduct is done, I hope that amenities for cyclists UNDER the viaduct on "old" Jackson, so to speak, will be considered.  

But I still have to bike UP Broadway to get to campus - it's a waste of energy and a date with a Federal Highway.  Not so bad for now - but once the Henley Bridge opens - I'll have to cut across an Interstate exit ramp to get to the Candy Factory viaduct and get to campus.  There's a high chance I'll be smushed by a car as I merge across two lanes.

So the safer option would be a passage UNDER 441, down behind the former McClung warehouses, Southeastern Glass, and Foundry.  This would connect the Old City with the Second Creek Greenway running through World's Fair Park and down to the Neyland Greenway on the Tennessee River.

Bikes on roads is not my first choice.  It's dangerous for cyclists and motorists.  Plus, I'm working pretty hard to move on a road - you never saw Lance Armstrong sucking on a tailpipe (Nevermind other things he was putting into his body - Carbon Monoxide and partially combusted hydrocarbons were not among them). 

Greenways are the "secret gardens" of the transportation world and give a "cheat code" to the city - if we can connect them. 

Commuting by Bike in February - How Greenways Can Make Life Easier

Greenway along the Tennessee River Features Fierce Winter Winds!

I own two bikes - a mountain bike and road bike - and one car. 

The car is a two-seater and seems like a necessity for getting around in Knoxville.

I planned to leave a bit early to get on campus to print off some notes, but had a bit of trouble with my clutch.

For a reason yet-to-be-determined, the transmission would not engage.  Might need new fluid.

In any event, I discovered this about a tenth of a mile from my house, as I tried to engage first gear.  No luck.  Turned on the emergency blinkers, and pumped the clutch pedal, hoping some miracle of mechanics would let me at least limp home.  No dice.

I was able to engage "R" on my five-speed.  Not ideal, but workable.  I gave it some gas and scooted - in reverse - back to my driveway.

Unlocked the basement door and found my trusty Cannondale bike. 

I had about 20 minutes to get to campus.  Not my first choice on this gray, blustery day.

On a nice day, my bike is a joy to ride. A cool fall or warm spring day on a bike is one of the simple pleasures of Knoxville life.  But on a day with a weather system blowing in from the West, an East-West commute via bike can be unpleasant.

A stiff westerly wind adds that extra bit of resistance and can add time to a commute already slowed by signalized intersections and stop signs. 

Of all the routes Westward, perhaps the worse from my home in East Knoxville is along the Tennessee River.  With no windbreaks across the flat water of Fort Loudon Lake, a slight breeze can be a major force to overcome on a tiny bike.  While cyclists are often mocked for wearing skin-tight cycling gear, the more aerodynamic, the better.

As an erstwhile commuting student I don't have time, money, or inclination to don specialized gear.  So what are some options?

First, greenways should be designed to take the path of least resistance - along river valleys, avoiding hills.  A finely tuned cycle can build up a respectable clip on smooth pavement - especially greenways.  Let's minimize intersections with streets or other obstacles that could slow down a cyclist's progress - a key way to make cycling competitive with driving.

Next, windbreaks including plantings of trees should shield cyclists from harsh westerly winds.  You've seen cyclists drafting in professional competitions - it saves energy and time.  But until the city's greenways are packed with cycling commuters, drafting isn't an option.  So let's foil the wind with some carefully selected foliage - nice to look at, and functional in keeping cyclists from heading into the wind.

My commute along first Creek Greenway, down through the Old City, and across World's Fair Park wasn't mucdh fun today - small hills to conquer, a wind chill, and cold.  Yet even without improvements to cycling links between my home and campus, cycling can be on par with driving.

Depending on where I need to be on campus, it can even be faster than driving the two miles from my home to campus.  Why?  I can ride door-to-door on my cycle; with my car, I have to hunt for a parking spot, park, and then walk to class. It takes about the same time, and my brain gets energized from the increased circulation from biking.

With improvements including minimizing intersections, following the path of least resistance, and adding attractive plantings to act as wind breaks, transit time in the city via clean and green cycling could be even better.

What other ideas do you have for making commuting by cycling?  Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Greenways Commission Reorganized

Northwest Greenway Users [Photo: City of Knoxville]

The City of Knoxville Greenways Commission, an advisory board to support implementation of the  Knoxville/Knox County Park, Recreation and Greenway Plan and advocate for greenways, has been reorganized. There are 12 community representatives, plus 8 appointed professional staff. 

Looking over each member's credentials, I can see a diversity of backgrounds and wisdom to bring to this advisory commission. I have the honor of representing the interests of District 4, which includes most of First Creek watershed, Love watershed, Woods, Whites Creek, and Holston River watershed in Knoxville.

I'm grateful to Nick Della Volpe, city council member for District 4, and Mayor Rogero, for the opportunity to serve.

I'll post more about myself soon.

More on the story from the City's Web Site:
http://www.cityofknoxville.org/Press_Releases/Content/2013/0115.asp 

Coverage from the Knoxville News Sentinel:
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2013/jan/15/citys-greenways-commission-to-meet-again-after-a/