Mayor Freddie O’Connell has put wheels in motion for Nashville’s renewed focus on cycling and walking by re-launching the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) after a five-year hiatus. The revitalized BPAC is charged with a hefty task: to push Nashville towards achieving bike friendly city status as defined by the League of American Bicyclists, according to a release on the city's official website.

O'Connell’s directive to the committee also includes amplifying the number of bicycle-friendly businesses and integrating cycling and walking into the fabric of the city's infrastructure. This task coincides with his vision to revamp the city’s community plans, already celebrated through events like the Tour de Nash, which saw its 20th anniversary at The Nations this past weekend where attendees experienced open streets and Nashville's largest urban bike ride.

Alongside the committee reform, the Mayor has introduced an expansive new map showcasing the 35 miles of new and improved bicycle facilities slated for construction under his Choose How You Move transportation improvement program, as shared in the announcement on the city's website. The committee’s efforts will complement the Mayor's executive orders from January that expanded Metro’s Green and Complete Streets policy to enhance multimodal street improvements.

In her statement, Diana Alarcon, Director of the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure, praised the community's support for walking and biking and expressed anticipation for the collaborative effort towards a more connected transportation network. "We're so fortunate to have an amazing community of walking and biking advocates here in Nashville,” said Alarcon. “I'm eager to get BPAC re-launched and collaborate with each member to continue the important work of building out a safe and connected transportation network in line with Nashville's Vision Zero goals."

The initiative is seen as a cornerstone in building a more livable and resilient city, underlining a commitment that Mayor Karl Dean first seeded in 2009 with the establishment of an earlier Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Mayor O’Connell’s steps suggest a narrative of progressive urban development, one that invites residents to pedal through the city's future. More details about the initiative can be found on the Nashville.gov website.