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Bicycle and Pedestrian Program

Tennessee’s State Bicycle Route Plan

In 2005, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) adopted the Long-Range Transportation Plan – PlanGo, which included a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan element.  The purpose of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan element was to provide directives through new policies, procedures, and programs that would emphasize the consideration of bicycle and pedestrian accommodations and encourage greater opportunities for walking and biking within Tennessee.

The statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan included eight components:


Lebanon Road in Donelson
  • Guiding Principles, Goals, and Objectives
  • Existing Policies and Plans
  • Existing Conditions
  • Needs Analysis
  • Proposed State Bicycle System
  • Recommended Policies, Practices and Procedures
  • Policy Guidance By Environment, and
  • Implementation

The statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan plays an important role in providing a framework for supporting and encouraging greater opportunities and provisions for walking and biking both at the state and local levels.  Since the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was prepared as part of PlanGo, several of the State’s MPOs, counties, and local governments have undertaken the task of preparing local and regional bicycle and pedestrian plans. 

This update focuses on the bicycling aspect of the Plan by evaluating the State’s existing and proposed 2005 bicycle route system and provides a clear vision for accomplishing increased bicycling trips throughout Tennessee.  The State will continue to promote and develop bicycling facilities through policies, programs, and procedures.  In addition, the State will layout bicycle routes that will provide logical connections for long distance bicycle trips and in the process connect bicycle facilities between communities throughout Tennessee.

Technical Memo #1 - Data Collection and Bicycle-Suitability Methodology Adobe PDF file

Technical Memo #2 - Recommended State Bicycle Routes and Planning Cost Estimates Adobe PDF file

Technical Memo #3 - Online Survey Results Adobe PDF file

Technical Memo #4 - Action Items Adobe PDF file