KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A New Approach to Pedestrian Safety
On Thursday morning, the lively streets of KNOXVILLE welcomed a refreshing new perspective on transportation safety. Cody Gentry, the coordinator of Vision Zero, unveiled two significant projects that aim to protect pedestrians along North Broadway, marking a notable shift in the city’s planning philosophy.
Making Safety a Priority
The newly paved sidewalk and crosswalk at the intersection of North Broadway and Mineral Springs Avenue aren’t just aesthetic improvements; they symbolize a broader commitment to pedestrian safety. Gentry explained, “We have really prioritized moving vehicles, getting from point A to point B, as quickly as possible, just getting people through. Now, we’re sort of shifting that priority from convenience and speed to safety. So, safety is going to take priority over everything else.”
A Safe System Approach
Knoxville is now embracing a “safe system” approach through its Vision Zero Action Plan. This strategy aims to make roadways more accessible for pedestrians by anticipating “human mistakes” and implementing redundancy within the transportation system. Essentially, if one aspect fails, other safety measures are in place to prevent serious accidents.
This plan includes a range of solutions that may seem simple but can have a profound impact on community safety, such as reduced speed limits, more speed humps, bike lanes, and of course, the new sidewalks. Gentry pointed out, “Walking south along the new North Broadway sidewalk, another walking path slopes down from the right, intended for walkers and bicyclists to navigate around an underpass that begins Old Broadway.”
Turning Roads into Sidewalks
It’s worth noting that the sidewalk made quite a transformation; it used to be a rundown road but has now been revitalized for public use. “It also adapts to East Tennessee’s hilly landscape, a fact that is part of Vision Zero projects,” Gentry said, emphasizing the importance of creativity in finding solutions.
Challenges and Progress
As we draw closer to the end of 2024, Gentry candidly acknowledged that the journey hasn’t been without its bumps. “August, in particular, was a rough month for our traffic crashes. We had a lot of fatalities in August,” he mentioned, reminding us that while progress is being made, there are still hurdles to overcome.
However, it seems there’s a silver lining ahead! Knoxville recently received an approximate $18 million grant from the federal government earmarked for Vision Zero road projects along Chapman Highway. This kind of funding paves the way for exciting advancements in pedestrian safety.
Looking Ahead to 2040
The long-term vision is clear and ambitious. Gentry stated that the ultimate goal is to eliminate traffic fatalities by the year 2040. But achieving this milestone will require a collective change in how Knoxville approaches transportation. “When we reach that, it isn’t going to be because of the things that I did. This is going to be because the city as a whole, we are reprioritizing the things that we do,” he stated, reflecting a hopeful outlook for the future.
As Knoxville embraces this new wave of safe transportation, it’s an exciting time to be part of a community that genuinely cares about making its streets safer for everyone. The commitment to pedestrian safety shows a promise not just for the present, but for generations to come.
