Aug. 24 Update

 

August 24, 2023

Dear Sewanee Community,

We are writing to update you about renewed efforts to protect bicyclists and pedestrians through the enforcement of parking restrictions along University Avenue. As many of you will recall, one of the temporary changes that occurred during the pandemic was the relaxation of parking restrictions in locations throughout campus, including along University Avenue. It’s been three years now, and it’s time to return to reasonable and appropriate parking regulations. Bike lanes along University Avenue from Green's View Road to Mitchell Avenue offer a safe way for bikers in our community, especially schoolchildren, to travel along this busy thoroughfare. Now that the academic year is starting up at Sewanee Elementary and at the University, effective Sept. 4, Tennessee state code prohibiting vehicular use of bike lanes will be enforced.

As part of this process, the curbs on University Avenue will be painted yellow, indicating that parking is prohibited. To accommodate the high level of demand for parking and reduce the need for parking on University Avenue, the University has made additional visitor and employee parking available behind Fulford Hall. There will also be a passenger drop-off zone (not parking) in front of All Saints’ Chapel for use by the mobility-impaired. Beyond the central core of campus, the University has also increased the number of parking spaces in the gravel lot on Alabama Avenue and added a lot beside the football field on Texas Avenue for student vehicles and special events.

Please know that this policy will not be relaxed for special events. Event managers should plan to inform their constituents of this policy, share information on parking availability on campus, and make the necessary arrangements (such as shuttles) to transport guests if necessary.

Over the course of the next several weeks, the University will continue to seek ways to make our community safer for pedestrians and convenient for commuters by increasing parking options. To encourage non-vehicular travel and promote a healthy lifestyle, the Office of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability is piloting a bike lending program. The program will provide a limited number of bikes to students who need them. This program will be expanding during the academic year. Interested students can contact OESS to learn more.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to a safe, healthy, and more sustainable community. We believe our community thrives when people of all ages and abilities can safely walk and bike on the Domain.

Scott Wilson, Acting Provost
Chip Schane, Vice President for Public Safety