In Nashville, recent measures aimed at enhancing the safety of bike lanes have sparked much discussion. The addition of bollards and fresh paint to delineate cycling spaces is acknowledged as progress by the local biking community, yet many still regard these steps as inadequate. The sentiment of Tyler Logel, a cycling advocate in the area, is telling. His remark, “We take what we can get,” in reference to the newly painted lines, poignantly expresses the community’s eagerness for any improvement, no matter how modest.
The bollards, those short vertical posts, are criticized for being more symbolic than substantive. “You need really strong barriers,” asserts Logel, pointing to the need for more effective safety measures.
This call for stronger barriers, like the new concrete planters you see on 12th Ave South, gains urgency in light of Nashville’s troubling road safety statistics, highlighted by groups like Walk Bike Nashville. Fatal crashes are on the rise, with a notable increase in fatalities among pedestrians. The city’s “pikes,” mostly state-owned roads, are particularly dangerous. This stark reality underscores the urgency of enhancing road safety, especially in bike lanes where vulnerable road users are at risk.
Recent changes to 31st Avenue by the Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT) illustrate the challenges faced. The decision to mix residential parking with bike lanes has been particularly contentious.
“This is very dangerous,” notes Logel. “You can already see that people are trying to park as close as they can [to their residences], which is in the bike lane.”
Such design flaws not only compromise safety but also highlight the complexities in urban planning. Enforcement, or the lack thereof, is another major concern. The situation in Sylvan Park is a case in point.
“Sylvan Park is a great example of no enforcement whatsoever. The bike lane for a half mile is full of cars,” Logel says.
This lack of enforcement exacerbates the risks for cyclists, rendering the bike lanes ineffective. Moreover, even in areas with separated bike lanes and strong barriers, maintenance issues persist. Keeping these lanes clean and clear is essential for them to serve their purpose.
“I can name a dozen spots right now that have glass and debris in them,” says Logel.
Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The recent change in city leadership and NDOT’s willingness to engage with the cycling community offer a promising outlook. These developments suggest a potential shift towards more thoughtful, inclusive urban planning and infrastructure development that includes safer, more durable solutions to bike and road safety.