Applications are being accepted until Thursday, Jan. 9 for a new, five-member ad hoc bicycle and pedestrian advisory board.

The group’s purpose will be to create a bicycle and pedestrian master plan for Nashville, but it also may advise the Nashville Town Council on matters involving bicycle and pedestrian transportation; recommend updates to town policies regarding sidewalks; review bicycle and pedestrian ordinances and regulations; create a citizen-driven process for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure requests, including sidewalks, crossings and bike racks; advise the council on opportunities for funding such requests; and advocate on related issues.

The town council plans to appoint volunteers at its Thursday, Jan. 16 meeting. Expression of interest forms are available on the town’s website, townofnashville.org.

Members do not have to reside in town limits, but they must live in Brown County. “Applicants seeking membership should demonstrate a desire to advocate for safe and accommodating bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and encourage an alternative transportation culture in Nashville,” the resolution says.

Terms will be staggered, with one member serving for one year, two for two years and two for three years at first. All terms will be three years after the initial terms expire.

The council had already received messages from six people who were interested in serving before the board was actually formed. A story in the Dec. 11 Brown County Democrat notified the community that the council was working on it. The council voted for it at the Dec. 30 meeting.

At least six pedestrians have been hit in Nashville in the past four years, one of them fatally.

Nashville resident Erika Rudd spoke in favor of the group being formed at the Dec. 19 council meeting. She said her family had dodged traffic many times while out walking with two dogs and a stroller, and now that they’re biking with their young son, they still see a need. “I’m happy to support this in any way I can,” she said.