Bicycle and Pedestrian Momentum

We’ve got momentum!  Below is an impressive list of bicycle and pedestrian activities and projects underway in Bowling Green and Warren County through the various partnering entities.

City of Bowling Green 

• • • Jennings Creek Greenway – ATIIP: $1,200,000, GRANT: $225,000, City/County: $75,000 – The project includes preliminary engineering, environmental analysis, and final engineering to advance the proposed Jennings Creek Greenway, which would fill the largest gap in the regional greenway network from Hobson Grove Park to Morgantown Road. Status: Grant Award Announced
    • Scottsville Road Multi-Use Path – CRP: $1,426,491, GRANT: $285,298, City: 71,325 – The project includes the design, easement acquisition, and construction of a new multi-use path extending from Three Springs Road to Campbell Lane and Bryant Way to Cave Mill Road (via Greenwood Mall).  Status: Under Design
    • 4 ROW Improvements/West End Greenway Phase II – CDBG Funding – Completion of West End Greenway connecting the West End to Downtown Bowling Green via Hobson Grove Park to Kentucky St. and new pedestrian facilities in Delafield.  New multi-use paths and sidewalks will be installed on Double Springs, Church, Pearl, Jackson with street improvements on Beauty.  Status: Under Design
    • Three Springs Road Sidewalk – TAP: $440,000, City: $110,000 – Construction of a 5’ sidewalk on 3 Springs Rd. from Wheatstone to Fieldstone Farms and 5’ sidewalks on both sides of Fieldstone Farms Blvd. from 3 Springs Road into the existing sidewalks in Fieldstone Farms. Status: Under Design
    • Riverview Dr. Pedestrian Islands – TAP: $75,747, City: $18,937 – The project improves greenways safety through the installation of pedestrian islands on Riverview Dr. at Center St. and College St.  The pedestrian islands allow pedestrians and bicyclists to safely cross Riverview Dr. to access Riverfront Park, the College St. Pedestrian Bridge, and the greenways at Riverfront Park. Status: Bidding Process
    • Russellville Road Corridor Improvement Project – $2.2 million grant funding – The Russellville Road Corridor Improvement Project has been resubmitted as a BUILD grant application.  If awarded, grant funds would cover the design of two roundabouts and the relocation of the rail bridge. Scope includes improved pedestrian and bicycle accommodations near WKU campus.  Status: Application submitted
    • Cave Mill Road – Part of a larger roadway widening project between Old Cave Mill/Dishman Lane and Scottsville Rd. The intent is to construct the 8 ft. path on the north side of Cave Mill between the Lost River Greenway near Covington Grove Blvd. and the Greenwood Mall Entrance. The path would then convert to 5 ft. sidewalks on both sides of the road between the mall entrance and Scottsville Rd. and will ultimately tie to the proposed multi-use path on Scottsville Rd. Design for the entire project is approx. 90% complete and design completion is anticipated by the end of the fiscal year. A public meeting was held on Jan. 23rd at Natcher Elementary. KYTC Dist. 3 staff are currently reviewing ROW plans and efforts are being made to have ROW funds released as part of the 2024 Enacted Highway Plan. Status: Design Process
    • Highland Avenue – Construction is of the 8 foot path is proposed along the north side of Highland between Nashville Rd. and Smallhouse Rd. Design is approx. 90% complete and is expected to be complete in early March. Property acquisition will begin soon after design completion and construction is anticipated to begin this summer. Status: Design Process
    • Smallhouse Road – Construction of 8 ft. path on Smallhouse Rd. from Campbell Lane to Thimble Finger Way. The design process is completed and necessary easements are being acquired. Construction is expected to begin late Spring/early Summer. Status: Acquiring Easements
    • Lovers Lane – Expansion of existing sidewalk from 5 ft. to 8 ft. multi-use path from Searcy Way to Soccer complex.  The design process is completed and necessary easements are being acquired. Construction is expected to begin late Spring/early Summer.  Status: Acquiring Easements
    • Greenhill Extension – City is extending the “Jennings Creek” Greenway over to Veterans Memorial Blvd. to tie to the existing greenway along Veterans. Roadway/greenway design is complete, however, the extension is being built in an existing FEMA flood zone. The consultant is currently performing a hydraulic analysis to accurately size the crossing for Jennings Creek and coordinating with FEMA for necessary permits. Analysis and permitting is anticipated to be complete later this year with construction occurring late 2025/early 2026. Status: FEMA Permits
    • Bryant Way – Part of the City’s annual Greenways Expansion Program. Currently in design and evaluating options for addressing drainage. Design completion is anticipated in the next few months but may have to defer construction to FY26 due to available budget. Status: Design Process 
    • Greenway Lighting – $250,000 in solar lights are being budgeted for greenways in three greenway areas where lack of lighting can limit use and present safety issues.   Status: Budget Process
    • Asphalt Art Project – $49,500 grant funding – The City has applied for a Bloomberg Philanthropy Asphalt Art grant that, if awarded, would provide funding to paint pedestrian bump-outs at six intersections in the Shake Rag Neighborhood. Status: Application submitted 

Warren County 

• • • Bicycle Co-op – Warren County Parks and the Warren County Public Library are partnering together to place a shipping container which at a new developed downtown area adjacent to Circus Square call the Fringe.  This will operate as bicycle co-op providing low-cost bicycle repairs for the general public.  Status: Plans are to locate container by April 2025 and a mural will be painted on the side.  Operations to be announced after placement.

KYTC D3 – Multiple KYTC roadway projects include bike/ped components. Separate bike/ped cost are not provided. 

• • • Nashville Road widening (Bowling Green) – The project includes roadway widening from Storey Ave. to University Blvd and includes a multi-use path on the northbound side. Status: Utility relocation phase. Construction bids anticipated March 2026
    • Three Springs Road widening – The project includes roadway widening from Fieldstone Blvd to Springfield Blvd and includes new sidewalks on both sides of the roadway including on the new overpass over I-165. Status: Right of way acquisition phase. Construction bids anticipated March 2026
    • Veterans Memorial Reconnecting Communities Grant – The project includes reconstructing sidewalks from Victoria Way to Clay St, providing safer street crossings for pedestrians by shortening crossing distances and eliminating left turn vehicular movements, and constructing a roundabout to influence safer vehicle speeds. Status: Design phase. Construction anticipated design-build and under contract by late 2026.
    • Nashville Road widening (Woodburn) – The project includes roadway widening from Buchanon Park to the Simpson County line and includes a multi-use path on the northbound side of the roadway. Status: Right of way acquisition phase. Construction bids anticipated 2027. 

Barren River Area Development District (BRADD) 

• • • Downtown Bowling Green – Mammoth Cave National Park Trail Feasibility Study – FLAP Grant in the amount of $559,863 for a Shared Use Trail Feasibility Study that would connect Mammoth Cave, Bowling Green, and other areas of Warren County.  Status: Study in Process
    • Regional Greenways Feasibility Study – $100,000 RAISE  grant funds are being used to conduct a feasibility study for regional greenways throughout the BRADD region to identify the most cost-effective and practical methods to connect the various trail systems and cities.  Currently in the early stages of procurement and developing an RFP to select consultant. Status: Procurement Stage

Bowling Green and Waren County City County Planning Commission (CCPC) / Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) / BikeWalkBG 

• • • Traffic Garden – Plans are to place a traffic garden at a new developed downtown area adjacent to Circus Square call the Fringe.  This will provide planned group bicycle and safety education as well as individual use for the general public. In addition to this the Bicycle Co-op will be located adjacent to the traffic garden.  Status: Installation to begin in April
    • School Bike Education Program – The program was developed to fill a gap in youth education and to demonstrate a fun opportunity for increased physical activity, independence, and confidence.  Its focus is safety and healthy lifestyles while teaching basic riding skills.  The program targets 4^th grade students in Bowling Green and Warren County Schools.  There is no cost to schools or students with the majority of funding is provided by the Paula Nye Memorial Grant. This year BikeWalkBG was awarded $10,000 in Paula Nye Memorial Grant funds and $2,000 in The League of American Bicyclist SPARK Grant funds to continue the School Bike Education Program. Partners include: Parks & Recreation department, Health Department, and several local advocates.  The program kicked off in the spring of 2024 with several schools participating.  Fall 2024 activities included four schools, 13 classes and approximately 260 students.   Status: Awarded $10,000 in Paula Nye Memorial Grant and beginning to schedule classes for Spring.
    • Smart Growth America Complete Streets Academy – Kentucky has been picked as a state that will work with Smart Growth America for a Complete Streets Academy Program. This program will fund 3 quick build projects (around $10,000 each) in 3 separate cities in Kentucky.  Bowling Green was selected and have committed to the program.  This will also include training classes for any involved staff. Status: Committees working on project selection.  Waiting on next steps.
    • Kentucky Bicycle Bikeway Commission (KBBC)  – Bowling Green will host the annual KBBC Annual Meeting for this fall.  The KBBC was formed by the Kentucky legislature in 1992.  This meeting is attended by bicycle advocates from around the state.  Seven commissioners, appointed by the governor, represent various parts of the commonwealth.  The commission is tasked to: 1.)  represent the interests of bicyclists in advising the Secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on all matters pertaining to the use, extent, and location of bicycles and bikeways  2.) assist the bicycle and bikeway program in the exercise of its duties within the Cabinet, and 3.*promote the best interests of the bicycling public, within the context of the total transportation system, to governing officials and the public at large.  Status: More details to be announced as available.
    • BG2050 Vision –  Bowling Green is growing like crazy. BG 2050 is a group of local volunteers and community leaders working to ensure that growth makes our community better, not just bigger. More than 100 volunteers working across eight pillar community sectors, highlighted core shared community values that the community is invested in tracking and sustaining, and repeatable patterns and models that can track the collective work over time–all in service of creating a 25-year vision and planning process for the county and its core partners.  Status: Seeking Public Input.  BG2050 — Innovation Engine
    • 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) – The Bowling Green-Warren County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is updating the long-range transportation plan, the 2050 MTP. The MTP identifies the use of federal funds for transportation priorities and projects that improve safety and mobility for everyone who drive, walk, bike, take transit, or move goods and services within and through the area. The MPO seeks input on transportation priorities from the community. Status: Seeking Public Input.
    • Bicycle Friendly Business Application – The MPO has complete and submitted an application for the MPO to be designated as a Bicycle Friendly Business by The League of American Bicyclists. Regardless of any award, the application will result in input on areas to improve to become more bicycle friendly. Status: Application completed and submitted, Awaiting response.
    • Bicycle Friendly Community Application –   The MPO is also working on an application for the City of Bowling Green to MPO to be designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community by The League of American Bicyclists. Regardless of any award, the application will result in input on areas to improve to become more bicycle friendly.  Status: Application in process.
    • Society for Lifelong Learning (SSL) – BikeWalkBG’s will be teaching a course during Western Kentucky University’s SLL spring 2025 term.  The course is scheduled for 04/23/25 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will describe ways that participants can be active and get involved with BikeWalkBG activities, events, meetings, and offerings.   Course will include handouts and PowerPoint presentation followed by a 30-40 minute walk on an adjacent greenway. To learn more about SSL and to register for the click here. Status:  Classes scheduled for 04/23/25.
    • Noon Walking Club – Walking events are held every Friday at noon starting at Fountain Square Park.  Walking routes vary and are usually 30-45 minutes in length.  It’s a way to encourage folks to be active and to introduce them to BikeWalkBG.   Status:  On-going.
    • Community Bike Rides –  In 2024, BikeWalkBG hosted six community rides including Earth Day Ride, St. Paddy’s Day Ride, Farmers Market Ride and two night rides: Halloween Dress Up and Light up BGKY.  Our goal is to hold a community ride each month.   So far this year we have held one in January, February, and March and a ride is planned for April during the Arbor Day Celebration on 04/26/25 (see details below).   These planned rides provide the opportunity to educate participants on roadways (greenways), bike operation, and safety. Status:  On-going; Next ride on 04/26/25
    • Community Bike Rodeo – From time-to-time BikeWalkBG hosts Community Bike Rodeos.  Our next rodeo is planned for April during the Arbor Day Celebration on 04/26/25 (see details below).  The Community Bike Rodeo features similar road obstacle course for participants as used in the School Bike Education Program.  This program is free, open to the public, and targets those of younger ages. Status:  As scheduled, Next rodeo on 04/26/25.
    • AARP Community Challenge Grant – The MPO in conjunction with the City of Bowling Green and GoBG Transit has applied for $approximately $20,000 in funding through AARP to fund placing seats at select area GoBG Transit bus stop locations.  The goal is to make Bowling Green more accessible for those who walk and use transit.   Status:  Awaiting on award announcement.

GoBG Transit Bus Bicycle Rack

BikeWalkBG worked with the City of Bowling Green and GoBG Transit to produce a public service announcement to promote using your bicycle and transit.  The video explains how simple it is to load and unload a bicycle on the bicycle rack on the front of a bus.  The goal is to make Bowling Green more accessible for those who bicycle and use transit.  Broaden your travels by bicycle and transit.  Check it out!

School Bike Education Program

Bike WalkBG was awarded $10,000 in Paula Nye Memorial Grant funds and $2,000 in The League of American Bicyclists SPARK Grant funds to continue the School Bike Education Program.  BikeWalkBG, in partnership with Warren County Parks & Rec, the Barren River District Health Department, and community volunteers, is offering free Bicycle Education classes to local city and county 4th graders again this school year.  The program was launched in the spring semester of 2024.  With funding from the Paula Nye Memorial Bicyclist and Pedestrian Education Grant funding, BikeWalkBG and partners are able to provide and bring to schools all of the bicycles, helmets, and equipment needed to provide a 45 minute P.E. session.  The program stresses bicycle safety & handling and healthy lifestyles, along with the joy of biking.

Briarwood Elementary, Cumberland Trace Elementary, Richardsville Elementary, Rockfield Elementary hosted the BikeWalkBG School Bike Education Program on their locations this fall prior to Thanksgiving.  A total of 13 fourth grade classes, approximately 260 students, participated in the program.

We are scheduling sessions now for spring 2025.   So far Oakland Elementary, North Warren Elementary, and Teranga Academy have reserved dates.    If you are a parent or educator interested in the program, or if you want to volunteer with Bike Ed or any other programming that BikeWalkBG sponsors, please reach out to Carroll Duckworth, MPO Coordinator at 270-842-1953 or carroll.duckworth@bgky.org

Same Day!  Same Location!

Two FREE Community Bike Events!

Arbor Day Community Bike Rodeo

BikeWalkBG is happy to bring a Community Bike Rodeo to Arbor Day Celebration once again this year.  The Community Bike Rodeo features similar road obstacle course for participants as used in the School Bike Education Program.  This program is free and targets those of younger

• • Date: Saturday, 4/26/25
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: Kereiakes Park, 1220 Fairview Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42103
  • Difficulty: For beginners and younger ages.
  • Questions: Email us!

Arbor Day Community Bike Ride

If you enjoy riding a bike with friends, you should join BikeWalkBG for our free community group bike rides throughout the year.  Ride types range from slow pace on short, protected routes like Greenways, to longer night-time rides on city and county streets.  Annual events include a Halloween night ride in costume, Light Up BGKY after-dark ride to see holiday lights downtown, and St. Patrick’s Day.  Other events this year included a Community Farmers’ Market Ride, Downtown Family Slow Roll, and Earth Day Ride.

Every ride offers a great opportunity to get outside, meet new people, enjoy some healthy movement, and explore more of our beautiful community.  Follow BikeWalkBG on social media or visit our webpage for the calendar of upcoming events and updates.  Come join us and celebrate Arbor Day with a FREE Community Winter Bike Ride hosted by BikeWalkBG.

• • Date: Saturday, 04/26/25
  • Time: Meet at 11:45 a.m. ride starts at 12 Noon
  • Where: Kereiakes Park, 1220 Fairview Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42103
  • Difficulty: 5-7 miles for all ages and experience levels
  • Registration: Register HERE or on Facebook Online advance registration is not required but greatly appreciated. Participants who do not register online in advance, must register on site before riding.
  • Questions: Email us!

Follow BikeWalkBG on social media or visit our webpage for the calendar of upcoming events and updates.

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