Mayor Bill Haslam, Tennessee Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely and members of City Council cut a ribbon today to mark a 1-mile addition to the Will Skelton Greenway. "This addition makes the greenway about as perfect as a greenway can be," Mayor Haslam said. "The trail starts in a neighborhood, follows the river and goes through the woods to Ijams Nature Center. Hikers and bikers can also continue another two miles to the Forks of the River Wildlife Center."Mayor Haslam also noted that the Riverside Greenway - which runs from Ned McWherter Park to Riverside Tavern - is nearly complete, and the connection will make it possible to bike or run from the Morningside area to Bearden by greenway."What these two projects have in common is that they provide notable links between neighborhoods and the natural beauty of East Tennessee. They highlight downtown and the Tennessee River - the two amenities that make Knoxville the unique city that it is," Mayor Haslam said.

Eighty percent of the funding for these projects came from federal funds administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation."Our mission in administering the federal Transportation Enhancement Program is to provide funding for projects that improve pedestrian and bicycle access and safety, and those projects that protect and enhance the cultural and natural integrity of scenic areas," Commissioner Nicely said. "The Tennessee Department of Transportation also plays a role in funding projects that improve air quality and mitigate congestion," he added. "The City of Knoxville's emphasis in using greenways to link its community assets will hopefully encourage more people to walk, run and bike to destinations."

Two events are already planned for the greenways.The 5th Annual Neighborhood Bike Ride Waterfront Tour, sponsored by the City of Knoxville and organized by the Knoxville Regional Bicycle Program, will be held on Saturday, Nov 5.

The 10.5-mile tour will begin at 9 a.m. with bike safety checks and refreshments at Market Square. The ride will begin at 10 a.m.

Enjoying waterfront views of north and south Knoxville, bicyclists will ride on the Riverside and Will Skelton Greenways to Ijams Nature Center. Bicyclists of all riding levels are encouraged to bring a water bottle and helmet for this scenic tour. Free parking is available at the Market Square and Locust Street Garages. Breakfast and lunch refreshments will also be provided.

For more information, call Kelley Segars at 865-215-3815. 

In addition, Ijams Nature Center is hosting a bird and nature walk on the new section of Will Skelton Greenway beginning at 9 a.m. To register, contact Patti at 865-577-4717, ext. 10.