The Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) is releasing WalknBike 2022, the five-year update to Nashville’s sidewalk and bikeways plan. The document serves as the master plan for Metro-led pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure across Davidson County. WalknBike 2022 was developed with two main objectives: the ability to both implement the plan’s recommendations and deliver projects on a more expedited timeline, at lower cost.
“I tasked the department with building sidewalks 50 percent faster and 20 percent cheaper, and this plan reflects those important goals, said Nashville Mayor John Cooper. “Our job is to deliver on the critical neighborhood infrastructure that Nashvillians need and rely on. It’s the latest example of how we are moving forward on Nashville’s transportation future, with the expertise and keen focus that our local department of transportation provides.”
For the WalknBike 2022 update, projects were prioritized based on 4 main factors: safety of people walking and biking, connectivity to existing networks, equity and the presence of vulnerable communities, and access to transit. The projects were scored based on the prioritization criteria and assessed for feasibility to determine how relatively simple or complicated projects are to design and construct. The WalknBike update was completed in coordination with NDOT’s Vision Zero Action Plan, and recommendations are consistent with that plan’s objectives.
“We know that sidewalks and bikeways are a crucial part of making Nashville’s streets safer for everyone,” said NDOT Director Diana Alarcon. “As we look toward making Vision Zero a reality here, we know that a safe, connected and multimodal street network is key to reducing injuries and fatalities in our city.”
Based on the revised project prioritization, the project team developed work plans for the sidewalks and bikeways that NDOT will focus on over the next three years. The three-year work plans include both simpler and more complex projects, enabling NDOT to advance design and right-of-way acquisition for more complicated projects while simultaneously completing construction-ready projects. Staff also capitalized on opportunities to implement projects in collaboration with partners, and the three-year work plans include projects to be implemented as NDOT reviews development plans and in conjunction with NDOT and TDOT paving programs. Additionally, sidewalks and bikeways included in the 2022 - 2024 work plans, priority sidewalk and bikeway networks, and other sidewalk and bikeway planning efforts may be implemented through development review, maintenance, pavement management, and other programs. The 2022 through 2024 WalknBike work plans include 148 miles of bikeways and 23 miles of sidewalks.
The 2022 plan update was completed with significant community and stakeholder engagement. Over 3,000 residents participated in the community survey to provide feedback on Nashville’s sidewalk and bikeways needs. The project’s steering committee provided feedback and guidance on public outreach strategies as well as plan prioritization.
The consultant team working on the plan includes LDA Engineering as the lead firm, with support from CDM Smith and Fairpointe Planning.
View the WalknBike 2022 Plan.
More information on WalknBike Nashville.
To report a non-emergency issue affecting a Metro Nashville street, visit hub.nashville.gov.