Kevin Walters

kewalters@tennessean.com

FRANKLIN – More bicyclists may one day pedal to work, home or shopping around downtown Franklin and Cool Springs if a $2.9 million grant is approved to create a bike-sharing program here.

The Transit Management Authority, which oversees Franklin’s bus system, wants to create a grant-funded bike-sharing program in Franklin similar to the one launched in Nashville in 2012.

Fifteen bike stations outfitted with 150 bicycles would be added on city property at locations in historic Franklin and Cool Springs starting in 2015, if transportation officials at the Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization approve the grant.

Nashville has 20 bike-sharing hubs around downtown and nearby neighborhoods, which are funded by a $1.2 million federal grant.

Way to lessen traffic

The Franklin bike-sharing proposal comes as city officials explore such things as bike-sharing or a fixed route bus service as ways to lessen the traffic that planners fear may one day swamp Franklin because of the enormous multiuse developments proposed for Franklin and Cool Springs.

“We see this potential project as a key to supporting a healthy and vibrant community, with a low-cost, effective transportation option that will connect residents, employees, and visitors alike to work, home, and community activities,” Debbie Henry, TMA executive director said in a statement.

Instead of money, city officials would be asked to donate the use of city property for bike-sharing stations. Meantime, TMA leaders would pursue $2.34 million in grant money from the Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and then seek corporate partners to cover a $580,000 commitment in matching funds needed to secure the grant.

Franklin aldermen will discuss the bike-sharing program at their meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at Franklin City Hall, 109 Third Ave. S.

Reach Kevin Walters at 615-771-5472 and on Twitter @thekevinwalters.