Nashville Leapfrogs Ahead to Major Transit Plan: requesting that we don't forget sidewalks in the planning

'Walkability and bikeability always correspond with higher well-being. Why? An easy work commute and pedestrian-friendly streets optimize one of the most important happiness secrets: people. The happiest people socialize several hours per day'.

As Nashville leapfrogs ahead to a major transit design, I want to put a plea in for our pedestrians.  For at least the last 20 years, Nashvillians (and their mayors) have been talking about building new sidewalks.  

Talking...not actually building.  We are a city/county of 532 sq miles, only a third of which have sidewalks and most on only a single side of that particular street.  All this discussion of sidewalks was sparked by an ADA lawsuit waged against Nashville in 1999 that focused on the deficiencies of downtown.  Neighborhoods and other civic centers were not held to the same standards as we all can see.  

So, here we are.  2017.  Building 1-2 new miles of sidewalks per year when our need is 1900 miles strong.  At this rate, we have just 1000 years at best to go before we have safe sidewalk infrastructure for all.  Eighteen years after the ADA lawsuit we are now planning light rails (for the record, I'm all in and LOVE public transportation - to sit and read while on my way?  Heaven!).  Just please, Nashville, don't forget that we have to actually walk safely and comfortably to it for public transportation to be effective.

We need a finite plan for building well designed, ADA compliant sidewalks on ALL major and collector streets ASAP.  The time is now.  A 10 year plan would be ideal but a 5 year plan even better.

And, I know we have issues:  this is going to be expensive and our topography is uniquely challenging.  But, it is what is is.   It is not going to become magically cheaper or easier in the future.  

If you would like to see more new sidewalks built, please email or call your council person and let them know you would like a FINITE PLAN for sidewalking all MAJOR & COLLECTOR STREETS.  These are the big busy corridors and the major cut through streets in neighborhoods.

The Tennessean Article - an accounting of new sidewalk production in Nashville


Nashville Council Members


Nashvillians donate to many civic organizations such as Cheekwood, the Zoo, our wonderful libraries, and to  Schermerhorn Symphony.  Why not donate to NEW sidewalk production?

To Vote for where you need a sidewalk & to Donate to NEW Sidewalks

Hillsboro Pike
Literally, no safe place to walk
Major Street with bus stops

The happiest cities in America, according to new research

http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/22/health/happiest-cities-blue-zones/index.html