A Bicycle Friendly City: Q&A with Outdoor Chattanooga

Chattarati recently sat down with Outdoor Chattanooga's Bicycle Coordinator, Philip Pugliese, to discuss cycling in our city. Definitely see the full article, "A Bicycle Friendly City: Q&A with Outdoor Chattanooga"

Here are a few of the points I found interesting:

Philip Pugliese: I do not believe that the situation in Chattanooga is fundamentally different from many other cities. The vast majority of cyclists and motorists co-exist daily without incident. However, the presence of cyclists on the roadway does engender a response with many motorists that is disproportionate to the potential delay that a cyclist may cause. This sense of entitlement to roadways and the “need for speed” colors the view of many motorists. At the same time, for a variety of reasons, many cyclists routinely do not follow the letter of traffic law, which certainly does not help the situation. Either that or it simply comes down to a hatred of lycra.

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Cyclists are often seen as an “indicator species” for the general quality life of a community. Communities where people can walk and bike safely create a positive environment for business, recreation and life. Increased cycling in our community can have direct impacts on our environment, energy demand and health.

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All of the E’s (Engineering, Encouragement, Education and Enforcement) must be advanced to bring about change in our community. I firmly believe that the adoption and implementation of a complete streets policy would be a great start toward creating a walkable, bikeable and livable community.

Looking for a Silver Car w/ Broken Rear View Mirror: $2,500 Reward for Arrest in Recent Hit & Run

Think you know more about the hit and run I mentioned the other day? If so, there's a $2,500 reward out for information leading to an arrest. From the Chattanoogan:

A group of local bicycle riders are announcing a $2,500 cash reward to the first person providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of a hit and run motorist.

On Monday, July 20, about 1:40 p.m., two bicycle riders were riding south on U.S. Highway 41 about two miles south of Haletown heading toward Chattanooga when a motorist, driving a silver car, left the passing lane and struck one of the riders in the slow lane. The impact broke the leg of one rider and knocked him into the second rider, who was also injured.

The impact broke the driver’s right side rear view mirror, which was recovered at the scene by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, which is investigating the case.

Information identifying the driver and the car should be communicated to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Chattanooga Headquarters, at 634-6898. The information provided is privileged and confidential.

For additional information about the reward, please contact Gary Humble at 596-3156.