The automobile remains the fastest way to get around Nashville, as demonstrated by a commuter race from Donelson to downtown this morning. A driver finished in 17 minutes, followed by a bicyclist who beat out the train passenger and bus rider.
Glen Kamka rides from Lavergne to his downtown office most days. On this morning, his forehead shined with sweat as he recounted his 24-minute commute down Lebanon Road.
“I pedaled a little bit harder than I usually do, but I had already ridden from my house to Donelson to start the race. So I was pretty warmed up.”
The Music City Star commuter train proved to be the next fastest mode of transportation in the race organized by Walk/Bike Nashville. Mike Rocco rolled onto the Metro Courthouse lawn after leaving the riverfront train station on his bike. Rocco began taking the train four weeks ago.
“I guess I just always wanted to try it. So I did. I wasn’t sure about the biking time and if they allow bikes. But definitely gas prices helped out quite a bit too.”
The Music City Star has seen a 27-percent increase in ridership since this time last year, with 7-to-800 passengers each day.
MTA buses have seen increased demand as well, up 11-percent from last year. In fact, the MTA rider finished last because the bus’s bike rack was full, forcing her to wait for a later bus.
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