Metro Council voted unanimously to create a BPAC

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Last night, Metro Councilvoted unanimously to create a Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission. The bill must pass on third reading at the next council meeting and be signed by the Mayor.  Several unfriendly amendments were offered but after some parliamentary maneuvers were defeated by a  resounding 28-7 vote. That speaks volumes about this effort.  The sponsor, Freddie O’Connell, did an outstanding job presenting the bill and making the argument for reestablishing a BPAC.

Sean Parker, Bob Mendes, Emily Benedict and Colby Sledge were eloquent while speaking against the amendment and for the bill. Sean really led the charge against the hostile amendments. Angie Henderson and Zach Young were a great help in the effort. Other co-sponsors were Tonya Hancock, Ginny Welsch, Erin Evans, Burkley Allen and Delisha Porterfield. Thank them all if you get the chance.

A shout out to Wesley Smith and Meredith Montgomery of Walk Bike Nashville for all their help. A special thanks to David Kleinfelter, a founder and former President of WBN who kept me from doing too many stupid things. Peter Robison and Katherine McDonnell of the Vision Zero Committee were also very supportive.

Thanks to Lindsey Ganson who fought the good fight when the greenways mafia tried to remove e-bikes from greenways. That’s when I started thinking about doing this.

Carey

Council meeting on BL2023-1882 https://youtu.be/JnoaVcKY4mU?t=4912