NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Almost a dozen bicycle riders took off Wednesday evening from the B-Cycle kiosk at the Farmer’s Market.
“Number one rule be safe,” shouted Ron Yearwood, leading the group into the city.
Most of the cyclists have never ridden the downtown streets before. They're taking a path around the urban core, which is something most people wouldn't have dared just a few years back.
“The first protected bike lanes have been installed and under construction right now in the city, we have separated bike lanes that are completely separated from the roadway,” Yearwood explained.
He’s the Assistant Director of the non-profit, Nashville Civic Design Center, a group that promotes a better city plan.
He said little by little as the city grew, so did the idea to make room for cyclists and pedestrians.
“I think people need to get outside more,” said one of the cyclists on the tour, Ryan Turbeville.
“Everyone’s becoming more aware of our traffic congestion and cycling is just one more way we can help that problem,” said Yearwood.
Sisters Kathy and Connie Tsai are new to Nashville and said they couldn’t agree more.
“When I lived in Chattanooga, I biked to work and so that's something that I wanted to get back into,” Connie said.
“It's a trusty vehicle and it gets me where I need to go and pretty much everywhere where I’ve lived I’ve been able to get around on bicycle and I hope to do so here, too,” Kathy said.
Now you can spot bike lanes, bike trails and plans for more.
And while it's not there yet, they hope the path continues, making it safer for people to hit the road on two wheels instead of four.
Click here for a link to safety tips for cyclists. Click here for a link to trail maps and bicycle sharing opportunities.
