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?
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| 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!
