New TxDOT Policy More Bike and Ped Friendly

Monday, 06 June 2011

Though Complete Streets did not become law, BikeTexas was influential in beefing up the Texas Department of Transportation’s new bicycle and pedestrian policy which goes into effect on August 31, 2011. BikeTexas gave feedback on the draft of the policy, and TxDOT included several of the following suggestions from BikeTexas. The policy encourages TxDOT projects (on state facilities) to consider bicycle and pedestrian amenities. If no bicycle and pedestrian facilities are planned, the managing office shall state why no such facilities are planned. Also, the inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian facilities shall be considered when the project is scoped, which means it must be considered when the project is initially planned.

The Complete Streets law that BikeTexas lobbied for this legislative session would require TxDOT to consider bicycle and pedestrian projects, compared to TxDOT’s policy, which suggests that TxDOT consider these amenities. However, BikeTexas is encouraged by TxDOT’s step in the right direction and was glad to be consulted on the policy’s language.

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