May 24, 2012 - The first of several planned signed bicycle routes in the City of Knoxville is complete, with directional signs showing the way from Cedar Bluff to downtown, and back. The approximately 11-mile route runs partly along City greenways and partly on roads, though it largely avoids major highways.

"We already have many bicycle commuters and recreational cyclists who come into downtown along parts of this route," said City Engineering Director Jim Hagerman. "The signs will help them find the safest ways into and out of the center city. They may also encourage others to make the ride."

There are 95 signs posted on poles along the route, directing cyclists along the Ten Mile and Jean Teague greenways, through some neighborhood streets in West Hills, and eventually to the Bearden and Third Creek greenways. Two short stretches of the route run along Kingston Pike, just west of Papermill Drive and near Bearden Elementary School.

The next route to be posted with signs will be from downtown to South Knoxville, connecting to Ijams Nature Center and the Urban Wilderness Corridor. Future routes are planned through East Knoxville, to Chilhowee Park and the Knoxville Zoo, and through North Knoxville to the Alice Bell community and Knoxville Center mall.