We will conduct an open meeting to update the public on the status of the CSX corridor and future projects.
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Date: March 2nd
Where: Benjamin Hooks Library, Meeting Room A
The Benjamin Hooks Library is the main library at 3030 Poplar Ave. I'm planning on riding this corridor in the next few days, weather permitting.
Next up our friend Alona is hosting a planning meeting for the Bicycle Film Festival. As some of you know we are currently working on a trailer to submit to the 2009 BFF with a completed film to follow in 2010. If you would like to know what you can do to help Memphis be a host city for the Bicycle Film Festival PLEASE attend this meeting:
"Roll on over to be at the beginning of this historic event."
What: Informational Meeting
Host: Alona Lerman
Start Time: Saturday, February 28 at 5:30pm
End Time: Saturday, February 28 at 7:00pm
Where: Alona's House, contact alonalerman@gmail.com for address
And finally I recieved this email from the Memphis Hightailers:
Please spread the word about this important state issue to your concerned friends and others throughout the Tennessee bicycling community. While this is currently limited to one road in Davidson County, it could set a bad precedent with implications across the state. That's why it is imperative we take action today!
A bill to ban bicycles on River Road in Davidson County (House Bill 0342 and Senate Bill 0276) is proceeding through the Tennessee Legislature. River Road is a typical state rural highway with light to moderate traffic and no paved shoulder. There have been no bicycle-car crashes on this road in the last 5 years. If a ban is successful, many such roads across the state would be likely candidates for a ban as well.
It is critical that everyone makes an effort to reach these representatives, regardless of where you live. See House Transportation Subcommittee on Rural Roads members below:
Chair: Rep. Phillip Johnson, R-Pegram, Cheatham and part of Montgomery and Williamson Counties
Phone (615) 741-7477, or rep.phillip.johnson@capitol.tn.gov
Vice Chair: Rep. George W. Fraley, D-Winchester, Franklin, Moore, and part of Lincoln Counties
Phone (615) 741-8695 or rep.george.fraley@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Judy Barker, D-Union City, Obion, Lake and part of Dyer Counties
Phone: (615) 741-0718 or rep.judy.barker@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Richard Floyd, R-Chattanooga, Part of Hamilton County
Phone (615) 741-2746 or rep.richard.floyd@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Bill Harmon, D-Dunlap, Sequatchie, Van Buren, Grundy and Marion Counties
Phone (615) 741-6849 or rep.bill.harmon@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Matthew Hill, R-Jonesborough, Part of Washington County
Phone: 615-741-2251 or rep.matthew.hill@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. Jimmy Matlock, R-Lenoir, Parts of Loudon and Monroe Counties
Phone (615) 741-3736 or rep.jimmy.matlock@capitol.tn.gov
Rep. John C. Tidwell, D-New Johnsonville, Houston, Humphreys, Perry, and parts of Hickman and Maury Counties
Phone (615) 741-7098 or rep.john.tidwell@capitol.tn.gov
Talking Points (borrowed from the Harpeth Bicycle Club's position):
We oppose any legislation that bans bicycling from any state and local roadways of Tennessee, including HB342 and HB276 that bans bicycles from River Road in Davidson County, for the following reasons:
Bicycles are legal users of roadways throughout the United States,
Available accident statistics for River Road in the last five years provides no evidence of bicycle related automobile accidents,
Proper roadway design creates conditions that are safe for all valid roadway users including bicycles and motor vehicles,
Current law including the Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Bicycle Protection Act addresses the issues of safe use of roadways by motorists and bicyclists, and
Bicycling is a healthy and environmentally friendly form of transportation and recreation, and should be encouraged in our state which ranks 47th in health outcomes and 6th in obesity.
