Q & A Interview - Glen Wanner of Walk/Bike Nashville
 

NC.com - Give NashvilleCyclist.com readers some background on the beginnings and history of Walk/Bike Nashville. When, how and why did you start an organization centered around bicycling and pedestrian issues?

Glen Wanner - Walk/Bike Nashville was started in 1998 by David Kleinfelter, a former councilman from Green Hills. He became interested in pedestrian issues and saw the obvious need to start an advocacy organization. He was also aware that bicyclists were underserved and invited several bicycle advocates to work on forming this organization. It was fascinating to see how the bike advocates gradually became pedestrian advocates and vice-versa. Although the needs of these modes are considerably different, we are much stronger if we unite. Within a year we had a charter, by-laws, and a board of directors. We recently got our 501c3 status so we are able to accept tax-deductible donations.


NC.com - What were your main objectives as an infant advocacy organization in uncharted territory here in Nashville? What was the most difficult hurdle to leap?

Glen Wanner - Our mission was to create a walkable, bikeable, livable Nashville. Many laughed at this notion, but I think more and more people see this as an obtainable goal for the future. They say that positive change in society goes through three phases: ridicule, opposition, and acceptance. Early on, we helped bring in nationally recognized experts in bike/ped issues. Not only did they work with us, they held meetings and workshops with local and state officials as well as business leaders. This quickly got us past the ridicule phase.


NC.com - Since its inception, what would you say are the top 5 accomplishments of Walk/Bike Nashville in regards to the impact on the quality of life for Nashvillians?

Glen Wanner - I really think we have just begun this daunting task of improving the quality of life thru walking and biking. Slowly more and more people are buying into the notion that anyone should be able to safely walk or bike anywhere they choose.

We have done this through programs like the Great Commuter Race which will run for the third year this May. A cyclists, skater, runner, driver, and bus rider commute to downtown during rush hour while obeying all traffic laws. So far the bike has always won, but the real success is the media attention it receives. If was even covered nationally on the Paul Harvey show. The Tour de Nash which will be on May 14th (visit Music City Moves) has been hugely successful in showcasing our growing bikeway and greenway system while demonstrating that urban cycling and walking can be both fun and practical.

     
Almost two years ago, we teamed up with Metro to apply for a $200,000 Active Living by Design grant from the Robert Wood Johnson foundation. We were one of 20 cities who were awarded the grant out of nearly 1,000 that applied. Although Walk/Bike Nashville does not administer the funds, we are a primary partner in determining how the money will promote more physical activity (primarily walking and biking) through programs and promoting better community design. A small portion of this grant helped us launch our Safe Routes to School program this Spring at Eakin Elementary near Vanderbilt. It was a huge success. We identified barriers to walking and biking at a parent meeting, distributed a parent’s guide, and held safety courses in walking, biking, and skating. It was such a thrill to see the 4th graders learn the basics of cycling during the three bike courses we held in the parking lot.



NC.com - When you began this endeavor did you have any idea you'd reach the level of success you have achieved? Moreover, do you define success differently today versus the early beginnings?

Glen Wanner - As an all volunteer organization, we simply focused on efforts that we felt would further our mission. We really had no idea where this would take us. The problem is that our successes have taken us beyond what an all volunteer organization can accomplish. That is why we hired Jim Deming as our executive to director in hopes that we can become a staffed organization. Success is really in the eyes of the beholder. I personally think we have succeeded when a child has been taught which side of the road to ride on. I also think all racing enthusiast should be able to start their training ride from their home rather than driving 20 minutes to get somewhere that is safe to bike.


NC.com - Over the last few years you have gained a voice, respect, and the ability to affect change within Metro Nashville Government and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Describe the struggle to get to this point, but also explain how this influence will allow you to make greater strides for pedestrians and bicyclists in the future.

Glen Wanner - As I said earlier, bringing in nationally known experts helped us gain the respect we needed. A couple of newspaper stories on missed opportunities for bike lanes also made officials realize that we were here to stay. Over the last two years, we have been meeting regularly with Metro Public Works to review repaving projects and determine if any other roads are candidates for bikeway projects. I really think our city government is serious about improving conditions for walking and biking. Unfortunately after years of neglect, it will take time.

Jim and I also serve on TDOT’s Statewide Steering Committee. At last, we have a seat at the table with the road builders, truckers, chambers of commerce, etc. I really think TDOT is changing for the better. The real test will be how they succeed in implementing their bike/ped plan.


NC.com - Do you feel city and state government officials are finally taking pedestrian and bicycling as serious quality of life issues that must be addressed?

Glen Wanner - Unequivocally yes! The main issue is funding. When money is tight, the bike ped projects tend to get cut first. We need to make our elected leaders realize that spending money so kids can safely bike to school is just as important as widening a congested highway.


NC.com - Of course our cycling readers should be concerned with issues pertaining to cycling, but also explain why everyone should take pedestrian issues just as serious.

Glen Wanner - There is strength in numbers. Statistics show that there are many more pedestrian trips made each year, and more pedestrians are killed than cyclists. Many politicians are not that interested in the lycra-clad cyclists, but when we talk about walkable communities as well as kids riding bikes, they become aware that these are quality of life issues. Finally, there is a study that shows that safety improves for cyclists when more cyclists and pedestrians are using the roadway. The reason is probably that drivers are more aware of non-motorized modes.


NC.com - Looking ahead over the next 3 to 5 to 10 years, what major goals does Walk/Bike Nashville hope to achieve?

Glen Wanner - We will soon hold a strategic planning to meeting to help us determine our goals. I imagine we will focus quite a bit on growing our Safe Routes to School program. In Honolulu, Portland, and other cities, all school children receive bike education. Wouldn’t that be great for Nashville?

Ultimately, we need to create a bike culture in Nashville; a culture where kids are itching to escape the mini-van and get out on their bikes, a culture where it is hip to bike to work, and a place where all types of recreational and competitive cycling thrive for all groups.


NC.com - You co-authored the book Bicycling Middle Tennessee with Ann Richards, and solely authored Bicycling the Natchez Trace. Describe that endeavor and the satisfaction knowing many have used your books to plan their bicycling trips here in Tennessee. What is your favorite route out of all of them?

Glen Wanner - The book endeavor is not that different than my work with Walk/Bike Nashville. I simply want to get more people on bikes more often. We all know the joy of riding a bike and we should all find some way to share it with others.

Like so many, I love the cycling around Leipers Fork, but the rides in Robertson County and Kentucky are also wonderful. The territory around Watertown in Wilson County is also beautiful. To me, half the fun of cycling is exploring.

                 


NC.com - You have successfully developed an influential advocacy organization and written two bicycling books. What is it within you that makes you take on challenges on such a large scale, manage it, and follow through with solid results?

Glen Wanner - As the Beatles put it so well “I get by with a little help from my friends.” I could not have done either book without the help from my wife Ann Richards. Walk/Bike Nashville is also a group effort. I may have taken the lead over the last couple of years, but everyone who got involved has made the organization thrive.


NC.com - What are some things all bicyclists can do in order to help further the cause of bicycling in Middle Tennessee?

Glen Wanner - First and foremost, ride your bike. The more we are seen the better. It is also important that we share the road. I remember reading an article about Miguel Indurain training with his team in Colorado. The writer noted how his team was courteous to motorists and obeyed all traffic laws. If we expect motorists to treat us fairly, we need to do the same.

I encourage all bike enthusiasts to take one or two hours to introduce someone to cycling. Invite a neighbor, friend, niece, etc. for a short easy ride. Many people want to ride, but they aren’t comfortable taking that first step.

Finally, follow the lead of NashvilleCyclist.com and support Walk/Bike Nashville. A small donation to a local bike advocacy organization is an investment in the region where you ride your bike. Bike-friendly cities don’t just happen. People make them happen. You can also occasionally check our website www.walkbikenashville.org and sign up on our email list to learn about public meetings that are of concern to bicyclists.


NC.com - Any final comments you'd like to share with NashvilleCyclist.com readers?

Glen Wanner - As cyclists, we need to identify with all people who ride bikes. If you are a racer on a training ride, wave to the kid riding his bike. Give ‘em the thumbs up. This simple gesture may help motivate that kid to ride a little farther and faster next time. Also, acknowledge the casual adult rider poking along on their comfort bike. They are just as much a cyclist as any of us. All of us who ride (or walk or run) are part of a movement than is slowly gaining momentum. It is hard to say where this movement will take us, but it will certainly be for the better. As Orson Wells once said, “As long as I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the human race.”


NashvilleCyclist.com, Editor's Disclosure - This website is a monetary sponsor of Walk/Bike Nashville and fully supports the organization's goal to promote a more friendly pedestrian and bicycling community.