We couldn’t have gotten as far as we did without help from the Partnership for a Healthy Texas, the AARP, transit authorities and other groups (click here for a full list). BikeTexas’ Executive Director, Robin Stallings, is on the steering committee for the Partnership, which is an association of health-related organizations that crusade against obesity […]
Advocacy
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Bipartisan Bike Rides
Texas Bicycle Coalition works because Texans get involved.
Whether it's travelling to Austin to testify in a Senate or House committee hearing, visiting your school board and advocating for inclusion of the Texas SuperCyclist Curriculum in your child's school, or passing along our BikeTexas Today eNewsletter to friends you think should support our work, BikeTexas needs your help to build a better state of bicycling for all Texans.
BikeTexas represents you before our federal and state legislatures. We meet with the offices of our Senators and Congressional Representatives twice in March, participate in the League of American Bicyclists National Bike Summit, and the International Mountain Bike Association 24 Hours of IMBA. Typically on our BikeTexas Cyclists in Suits- Texas Lobby Day, dozens of advocates visit all 181 state legislators’ offices in Austin. BikeTexas testifies before several Texas Senate and House Committees and our members and volunteers place thousands of calls to the offices of legislators advocating important bicycling bills. Thanks to these efforts the voice of Texas cyclists are resounding in the ears of our legislators.
How to get involved with BikeTexas advocacy efforts:
- Join BikeTexas
- Order a BikeTexas License Plate for your vehicle.
- Write your local, state and federal legislators, informing them that you support the efforts of BikeTexas and the pro-bike legislation advocated by this organization. More information about contacting your legislators can be found here.
- Attend advocacy events like BikeTexas Cyclists in Suits, League of American Bicyclists National Bike Summit, and International Mountain Bike Association 24 Hours of IMBA. Meet with other bicycle advocates and increase the impact of your legislative visit exponentially.
- Provide BikeTexas with your email address and we'll send you Action Alerts when we urgently need you to contact your legislators or submitt testimony for Committee hearings.
- Subscribe to the BikeTexas Today eNewsletter email list.
- Spread the word about BikeTexas. Tell your friends about us and our programs. Encourage them to purchase a BikeTexas sponsored License Plate to support bicycle safety education in Texas and advocate for cyclists' rights while driving.
Collaboration with the Partnership for a Healthy Texas, AARP and Transit Authorities
Complete Streets Milestones
BikeTexas made solid progress in fighting for Complete Streets, though we will have to try again in 2013. It passed in both the House Transportation Committee and the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee. Unfortunately, it did not pass through the House or Senate before the session ended, so Complete Streets will not be passed […]
Call Your Senator and Urge a YES Vote on Complete Streets!
The Complete Streets bill, SB 513, would require the Texas Department of Transportation to consider all modes of transportation including bicycles and walking in road renovation or new construction projects that use federal or state funding. The bill passed through the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee last week, and the entire Senate may vote […]
Complete Streets Bill Gets First Senate Hearing
The Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee heard SB 513 — the Senate companion to the Complete Streets bill in the House — on Wednesday, April 13. If passed, the bill would require the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to consider all modes of transportation when designing roads built with state and federal funding. Examples […]
Charity License Coalition Organizations
Charity License Plate Coalition Organizations BikeTexas March of Dimes Friends of Big Bend Alliance for Life Texas State Rifle Association Texas CASA American Quarter Horse Association Texas BASS Federation Nation Knights of Columbus
How the numbers break down
How the numbers break down In 2010, revenue of approximately $16,330,000 was collected from the sale of specialty license plates in Texas. Out of the $16,330,00 total revenue, highway and general funds received about $10,811,000. Also, a private vendor firm, MyPlates.com, received $2,740,624 in commission. This leaves $2,779,000 for agencies and charities. Under HB 1 / […]
Charity License Plates Home Page
Assault on Specialty License Plates There are more than 180 specialty license plates currently available for purchase from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The majority of plates were developed specifically to benefit agencies and charities around the state. House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1278 include provisions to take 50% of annual specialty plate […]
Capitol Staffers (Re)Discover the Joy of Riding on BikeTexas Wellness Ride
A group of Capitol staffers and elected officials came out to BikeTexas on February 20, 2011 to participate in a Wellness Ride. Organized by Senator Rodney Ellis and Representative Eddie Lucio, III, the ride took a group of nearly sixty cyclists on a six-mile ride around downtown Austin. Representative Armando Walle also rode with the […]
National Association of Realtors supports Complete Streets
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is a solid supporter of Complete Streets laws and policies across the country. The NAR has recognized that home buyers and renters across all demogrpahics prefer neighborhoods that are safe, have less car traffic, and offer easily accessible walking and biking options for local transportation. The website www.realtor.org/transtools offers […]
Get Involved – Complete Streets 2013
Complete Streets – How to Get Involved Priority #1 Sign the Complete Streets Petition Priority #2 Spread the Word & Gather More Signatures Get Everyone You Know to Sign the Petition Tell anyone you know who walks, rides, or drives on roads in Texas to sign the petition at: www.biketexas.org/completestreets You may also download & […]
Get Involved – HB 1105 – Complete Streets Bill
On March 16 the House Transportation Committee will have a public hearing regarding HB 1105 – the Complete Streets Bill. Your involvement is key to making sure they support this essential bill for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in Texas. Priority #1 – Show up in person, Wednesday March 16, 8am at the Capitol […]
Cyclists in Suits – Texas’ Bike Lobby Day
Join us for Cyclists in Suits – Texas’ Bike Lobby Day! What: BikeTexas Cyclists in Suits – Texas Bike Lobby Day is a biennial event held during the Texas Legislature’s regular sessions. It is great opportunity for Texas cyclists to share their love of cycling with their state legislators. The goal is to have cyclists from every […]
What is the language of the Complete Streets Bill (SB-513 & HB-1105)?
The language for SB 513 and HB 1105 is identical, and can be viewed here
Who are the authors the Complete Streets Bill (SB-513 & HB-1105)?
Texas Senate Sen. Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) Sen. Bob Deuell (R-Greenville) Sen. Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth) Sen. José Rodríguez (D-El Paso) Texas House of Representatives Rep. Linda Harper-Brown (R-Irving) Rep. James L. “Jim” Keffer (R-Eastland) Rep. Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria) Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon (D-San Antonio) Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin)
Who are the authors the Complete Streets Bill (SB-513 & HB-1105)?
Complete Streets Bill Authors Texas Senate (SB 513) Sen. Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) Sen. Bob Deuell (R-Greenville) Sen. Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth) Sen. José Rodríguez (D-El Paso) Texas House of Representatives (HB 1105) Rep. Linda Harper-Brown (R-Irving) Rep. James L. “Jim” Keffer (R-Eastland) Rep. Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria) Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon (D-San Antonio) Rep. Eddie […]
What Organizations Support Complete Streets in Texas?
SB 513 & HB 1105 Supporting Organizations AARP http://www.aarp.org American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org American Heart Association “The American Heart Association’s 2011 State Public Policy Agenda includes advocating for proposals that promote efforts within the community environment that will lead to increased physical activity and healthy eating such as the creation of […]
Shifting Gears – Transportation, Health, and the Built Environment
Come and be inspired to make your city more livable! Gil Peñalosa is an international expert on livable communities and the Executive Director of 8-80 Cities. He will present many real-world examples that show how modest changes to our transportation infrastructure can have major positive impacts on community health, traffic congestion, and quality of life […]
Shifting Gears – Transportation, Health, and the Built Environment – feat. Gil Penalosa
Come and be inspired to make your city more livable! RSVP online by January 31, 2011. Gil Peñalosa is an international expert on livable communities and the Executive Director of 8-80 Cities. He will present many real-world examples that show how modest changes to our transportation infrastructure can have major positive impacts on community health, […]
Shifting Gears 2011 a Huge Success
Gil Peñalosa is an international expert on livable communities and the Executive Director of 8-80 Cities. At events in San Antonio and Austin, he presented many real-world examples that show how modest changes to our transportation infrastructure can have major positive impacts on community health, traffic congestion, and quality of life in Texas. BikeTexas is […]
Where can I find out more information about Complete Streets?
Benefits to children: http://www.completestreets.org/complete-streets-fundamentals/factsheets/children/ Benefits to health: http://www.completestreets.org/complete-streets-fundamentals/factsheets/health/ Creation of livable communities: http://www.completestreets.org/complete-streets-fundamentals/factsheets/livable-communities/ Economic revitalization: http://www.completestreets.org/complete-streets-fundamentals/factsheets/economic-revitalization/ Minimize future costs by implementing bike and pedestrian lanes: http://www.completestreets.org/complete-streets-fundamentals/factsheets/costs/
