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What is the Bicycle Advisory Committee?

The Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) was created with the purpose of helping the University of Tennessee reach the status of a “Bicycle Friendly University.” The Bicycle Friendly University program recognizes institutions of higher education for promoting and providing a more bikeable campus for students, staff, and faculty. The program was established in 2011 by The League of American Bicyclists. Since the programs founding over 500 institutions have applied and 212 institutions have been certified. The program evaluates applicants’ efforts to improve bicycling in five primary areas: engineering, encouragement, education, enforcement, and evaluation/planning. This committee is a focal place for input from staff, faculty, and students in order to make the University of Tennessee a “Bicycle Friendly University”.

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The University of Tennessee, Knoxville was officially recognized as a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly University℠ by the League of American Bicyclists in the fall of  2022. We would like to thank the faculty, staff, and students that have worked tirelessly to make this designation possible. UTK  joins an elite group of 221 colleges and universities in 47 states and the District of Columbia that are taking action to address the health and environmental challenges facing America by creating campuses more welcoming to people who bike. Read more about what this means for UTK here!

 

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                                Why it’s necessary:

We recognize that a more sustainable future is one in which commuters feel safe in making alternative transportation decisions and hope that the outcomes from this committee will promote this. Becoming a Bicycle Friendly University has many different benefits. Students and faculty are more likely to bike where they are welcomed and accommodated, as it is safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable. By encouraging more people to ride bicycles the university can save money, reduce emissions, and improve the health of the participants. For example, with fewer short-distance car trips made by students, The University will not only lower emissions and traffic congestion but will also save money and space through a decreased demand for vehicular parking.

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Get involved with us!

The BAC meets on the last Thursday of every month at 2 P.M. If you have any input at all we would love to hear from you at the monthly meeting. However, if you can’t attend please email any suggestions to our current Chairperson, Aoife Whitaker, at awhitak8@utk.edu. Below are the names of the current permanent members. We are always open for more folks to join because in order for this committee to be successful we need community involvement and suggestions from bikers throughout Knoxville.

Samantha Daulton –  Alternative Energy and Transportation Coordinator (AmeriCorps), Office of Sustainability

Aoife Whitaker – Outreach Coordinator (AmeriCorps), Office of Sustainability

Eugene Fitzhugh, PhD – Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies

Josh Elder – Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator

Bethany Morris – Project Manager, Landscape Architect

Jason Cottrell – Director, Landscape Services & Facilities Operations

Ellen Zavisca – Principal Planner, Knoxville Regional TPO

Jay Price – Sustainability Manager, Office of Sustainability

Jeffery Severs – Police Deputy Chief, UTPD

Rodney Combs – Assistant Director, University Housing Maintenance