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Today’s the deadline (July 10): TxDOT needs to hear from Texans who bike, and a few minutes of your time now could mean more trails and safer streets. TxDOT wants your input TODAY as they launch their new ACTIONetwork, a new statewide initiative for active transportation. Your feedback will tell TxDOT what you would like them to understand and prioritize as they continue to plan for biking and walking around the state; a few minutes now can mean big impacts in the years to come! Take the survey here.
The survey is four questions long, plus an interactive map. Use the map to pinpoint up to 5 specific locations and offer your comments and share ideas about challenges and opportunities for active transportation near you. To get you started, think about places in your community where active transportation improvements would have the biggest impact and create excitement for future growth. Some ideas:
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Make a connection: places where new or improved trails could connect communities, neighborhoods, parks, employment centers, schools, transit, and other destinations.
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Make them safe: current barriers such as high-speed roadways, missing crossings, gaps in existing infrastructure, or other unsafe conditions.
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Make it everywhere: locations where improvements could help build out a connected active transportation network all across Texas, including the Texas Bicycle Tourism Trails network
As you can see in the image above, there are big sections of the map with no comments at all. If you live or work in one of those open spaces, be sure to add your comments today and encourage your family, friends, and coworkers to also tell TxDOT what they want to see for biking, walking, mobility aids, and transit in your community. The survey closes today, July 10, so don't wait!
Consider the following when offering comments:
- How will improvements here connect people to popular destinations?
- In what ways could safety and accessibility be better here?
- What would the economic benefit be: access to employment? Increased tourism? Better long-term health outcomes?
- Can improvements here eventually connect to the Texas Bicycle Tourism Trails or a similar statewide active transportation network?
Still stuck for ideas on what to comment? Here are some suggestions to get you rolling. Remember, your feedback to TxDOT today can mean big improvements in active transportation all over Texas in the future. Don't miss out--be sure that your voice is heard before the end of the day on July 10.
“A [bike lane, sidewalk, trail, etc.] on this street would safely connect the neighborhoods in this area to existing trails nearby.”
“This street has too much traffic for folks to feel comfortable. A separated trail in this location would improve safety and encourage more people to walk and bike.”
“A [bike lane, sidewalk, trail, etc.] in this area is a critical step to connecting [your city] to regional trails, which will help advance a connected statewide active transportation network.”
“Investments in statewide trail networks, such as the Texas Bicycle Tourism Trails, would create lasting economic benefits for communities across Texas.”
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