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Wlaf1450TOP PHOTO: This is a rendering of what a bicycle/pedestrian and greenway facilities might look like around Campbell County.
JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – In recent years, there have been numerous discussions among Campbell County’s planning commissions and governing bodies of the need and desire for a better planned bicycle and pedestrian system throughout the county. After Campbell County received a grant in January from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to develop a plan for bicycle/pedestrian and greenway facilities, movement has begun.
“Many in the county are beginning to realize what a tremendous asset and necessity for Campbell County to have recreational options for its residents and to connect major activity centers via walking and bicycling,” said Jordan Rockwell. Rockwell is a community planner with the East Tennessee Development District.
Rockwell said “this includes greenways and bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure along its main corridors and connections of its core activity centers, such as schools, downtowns, and parks. It is also a major selling point for the county regarding tourism and economic development, and for attracting young talent to the county.”
The bicycle/pedestrian and greenway plan will identify and prioritize needed bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements as well as preferred routes for a greenway system in Campbell County. Consulting firm Gresham Smith out of Nashville was selected in February to develop the plan.
At last week’s CORA meeting, Gresham Smith planner Drew Gaskins and Fairpointe Planning director Tanisha Hall gave an overview of the plan in process and the public outreach efforts that will be taken. As part of that public outreach, citizens are asked to take a brief survey. Rockwell said “It is very important that we get as much feedback from the community as possible regarding where improvements should be made and what types of improvements are desired.”
Some highlights include sidewalks/bike path on TN 63 corridor between Caryville, Jacksboro and LaFollette, a greenway along the base of the Cumberland Mountains that also connects to Jellico via US 25W from LaFollette, paths connecting all the major schools and downtowns, and various other facilities. “It’s important to note that some of these facilities are more feasible in the short-term and some will require much more planning and community support to become a reality. The plan will highlight the low-hanging fruit versus the more challenging corridors and strategic ways to make them happen,” said Rockwell. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/10/2021-6AM)
This would be wonderful and much needed if they can make it happen. Many cities already have bike paths that make it so much safer for those commuting to work or school. More people would ride if they felt safer to travel on the roadway’s.
Per studies and data from around the world, the safest plans in the world include developing NO bicycle right of way adjacent to a motorway with a speed limit greater than 25mph/40kmh and licensing of ALL bicyclists who intend to share the motorway. Dedicated bike paths not adjacent to a motorway would be exempt from this requirement.
The ONLY extensive study done in the US were conducted in San Diego, CA. The study showed that nearly 70% of accidents involving motor vehicles and bicycles were determined to be the bicyclists’ fault – most because of ignoring traffic laws or being wholly ignorant of those laws. This is consistent with studies conducted in other countries.
Correction to second paragraph above: “The ONLY extensive study done in the US 👌 was 👌 conducted in San Diego, CA.