Your Move Voters on Nashville's Newest Transportation Initiative

Volunteers for the Choose How You Move campaign walk down Broadway during the Labor Day parade for many local unions and workers' groups. The campaign is continuing to spread awareness for the referendum that will appear at the bottom of the ballots for voters on Nov. 5, Braden Simmons

Nashville is continually growing, putting a strain on infrastructure such as bus lines, sidewalks and bike lanes. 

But the Choose How You Move campaign is trying to improve these issues in all 35 districts of Davidson County. 

Despite 2022 being the most dangerous year on record for pedestrians in Nashville, Jeff Morris, the executive director for the campaign, said the issue is solvable.  

“Ultimately what Choose How You Move is and what Nashvillians have asked for are plans to account for all of the growth,” he said. 

Choose How You Move is a campaign for Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s transportation referendum that will appear on this year’s ballot.  

The campaign encourages voters to remember to vote for the referendum since it will appear at the bottom of the ballot. 

Belmont student Kham Van speaks with members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 46 labor union about the Choose How You Move campaign. The Choose How You Move referendum is going to be voted on by Nashville voters on Nov. 5, Braden Simmons

The plan has something for all Nashville residents whether they’re in the suburbs or don’t plan to take the bus the plan. 

It has improvements for everyone, said Vice Mayor of Nashville Angie Henderson.  

This could include the 86 miles of new sidewalks, the up-to-date traffic signals or the new transit center locations to improve the WeGo bus lines. 

“Right now, we live in a city that doesn't sleep, but our public transportation system does sleep, and that doesn't benefit people like hospitality workers or even third shift workers or nurses,” said Morris. A worker from the Music City Center sits outside the dining area, waiting at a bus stop while taking a call on the phone. Braden Simmons

“It has so much local impact, both immediately and for decades to come. These opportunities don't present themselves as often as we might hope for everything to come into alignment,” she said. 

Some Belmont students who care about the campaign and want to see these changes implemented have been actively involved in the campaign.  

An Old Town Trolley Tours bus drives down Demonbreun Street while Nashville cyclists attempt to fit into the bike lane on its right. The Nashville Transit Referendum has plans for 35 miles of improved bicycle facilities including bike paths, Braden Simmons

Carter Barnett, a senior political science student and Nashville resident, believes this plan could be incredibly beneficial for all Nashvillians, which is why he has worked to inform voters of the plan. 

“No matter if you walk, bike, ride or drive, there's something in the plan for you,” he said. “It can be a stepping stone for future plans.” 

A Bird e-bike parked outside of Bridgestone Arena in front of the Nashville Predators mural on Demonbreun Street, Braden Simmons

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This article was written by Braden Simmons