2006 Wrap Up
Thanks to everyone who took part in I Walk month 2006. It wouldn’t have been a success without you.
A few highlights of the month …
- At the Building Walkable Communities workshop on April 28, pedestrian advocate Mark Fenton spoke with more than 100 political leaders, planners, engineers, public health advocates and neighborhood activists about the importance of building physical activity into community design. Local developer Mike Stevens spoke about Northshore Town Center, an example of pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development currently being built in West Knoxville. More workshops in the Building Healthy Communities workshop series are being planned.
- Mark Fenton led two events aimed at improving pedestrian conditions in Fountain City, a walkability audit on April 27 and a pedestrian planning workshop the next afternoon. To see the results of those events, or to get involved in improving pedestrian safety in Fountain City, click here.
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At the I Walk Main Event on April 29, Mark Fenton led a fitness walking clinic, and Mayors Bill Haslam and Mike Ragsdale competed against WBIR anchor Abby Ham, Knoxville Transit Authority Board Chairman Essie Johnson, and several UT athletes in the first annual Mayors’ Cup speed-walking race. Mayor Haslam squeaked out a victory over Mayor Ragsdale to take home the coveted Mayors’ Cup.
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More than 200 students took part in the Bearden High School Commuter Challenge on April 4. Students carpooled, took the bus, rode their bikes and walked to school for the chance to win $50 Visa check cards, and also create awareness about air quality issues and school accessibility. More than 1,000 students signed a petition that day to get sidewalks added to the streets surrounding the school. Because of students’ efforts, sidewalks have been added to an upcoming intersection improvement plan for Gleason Drive and Gallaher View Road.
- Approximately 250 shoppers signed up for the Walk to Shop program, which offered discounts to shoppers who left their cars at home and walked to participating stores and restaurants in the Market Square and Cumberland Avenue areas. A total of 19 merchants participated by offering discounts to walkers.
- Neighborhood associations continue to take part in walkability audits after a letter was sent by Mayor Ragsdale’s Office of Neighborhoods offering these free assessments of pedestrian conditions. Staff from the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization and the Knox County Health Department performed six walkability audits during April and several in May, with more being scheduled. Follow the link above for more information on how to schedule a walkability audit in your neighborhood.
- More than 150 students submitted entries in the Smart Trips/I Walk Billboard Art Contest. Winners are featured online.
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