Population*: 50,001 Included in Benchmark Study: No Complete Streets Policy: No Cell Phone Ban While Driving: No Texting While Driving Ban: No Helmets Required: No Safe Passing Ordinance: Yes Riding on Sidewalks Permitted: Yes *Population numbers are 2012 estimates. Source: United States Census Bureau Photo from Regina Rodriguez on Flickr
BikeTexas Benchmark Study
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| BikeTexas is currently undertaking a benchmarking study that will determine the baseline for bicyclist and pedestrian issues. This study will assess over 30 of Texas' largest cities on issues like pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, education and advocacy programs, funding, mode share, and safety. By doing an inventory of the innovations being made in cities across Texas, these cities will be able to learn from one another and see first hand how these ideas can be applied to their cities.
As educational reference material, BikeTexas has compiled informative web pages of bicycle terminology. The links explain innovative ideas in further detail to help city officials complete the survey, and to generally inform the public. All of these pages can be found in question form in the BikeTexas Benchmarking Study. The numbers of each link correspond directly to their number in the Benchmarking Survey. Each link provides imagery and a brief explanation to each term. |
San Marcos Bicycle Policies
Tyler Bicycle Policies
Population*: 99,323 Included in Benchmark Study: Yes Complete Streets Policy: No Cell Phone Ban While Driving: No Texting While Driving Ban: No Helmets Required: No Safe Passing Ordinance: No Riding on Sidewalks Permitted: Yes The City of Tyler has banned bicycles from using Toll 49. *Population numbers are 2012 estimates. Source: United States […]
Waco Bicycle Policies
Population*: 127,018 Included in Benchmark Study: Yes Complete Streets Policy: No Cell Phone Ban While Driving: No Texting While Driving Ban: No Helmets Required: No Safe Passing Ordinance: No Riding on Sidewalks Permitted: Yes *Population numbers are 2012 estimates. Source: United States Census Bureau Photo from Mike Davis on Flickr. […]
Weslaco Bicycle Policies
Population*: 36,846 Included in Benchmark Study: No Complete Streets Policy: No Cell Phone Ban While Driving: No Texting While Driving Ban: No Helmets Required: No Safe Passing Ordinance: Yes Riding on Sidewalks Permitted: Yes *Population numbers are 2012 estimates. Source: United States Census Bureau Photo from PINKÉ on Flickr
Wichita Falls Bicycle Policies
Population*: 104,552 Included in Benchmark Study: Yes Complete Streets Policy: No Cell Phone Ban While Driving: No Texting While Driving Ban: No Helmets Required: No Safe Passing Ordinance: No Riding on Sidewalks Permitted: Yes *Population numbers are 2012 estimates. Source: United States Census Bureau Photo from Nicholas Henderson on Flickr
Alamo Bicycle Policies
Population*: 18,761 Included in Benchmark Study: No Complete Streets Policy: No Cell Phone Ban While Driving: No Texting While Driving Ban: No Helmets Required: No Safe Passing Ordinance: Yes Riding on Sidewalks Permitted: Yes *Population numbers are 2012 estimates. Source: United States Census Bureau Photo: City of Alamo website
Texas Bicycle Policies by City
This interactive map has been produced as an extension of the BikeTexas 2012 Benchmark Study. The Policies chapter was in need of updating due to several cities changing policies since the project was published. Putting this chapter online also allows us to add cities that were too small to be included in the Benchmark Study […]
Abilene Bicycle Policies
Population*: 118,887 Included in Benchmark Study: Yes Complete Streets Policy: No Cell Phone Ban While Driving: No Texting While Driving Ban: No Helmets Required: No Safe Passing Ordinance: No Riding on Sidewalks Permitted: Yes *Population numbers are 2012 estimates. Source: United States Census Bureau Photo: Nicholas Henderson, Flickr
6.36 Bicycle Advocacy Organization
Many cities have organizations that are dedicated to working on bicycle issues. These organizations generally work toward better bicycle education and awareness. They also work toward policy change to make roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians. bikefriendlyrichardson.org
6.29 Street Closure Events
Many cities host street closure events for cyclists and pedestrians. These events help promote cycling and pedestrian awareness. Flickr: amydawnrose
2.02 Prohibited Cycling on Sidewalks
In many urban areas, cycling on sidewalks in prohibited by law. The reason for doing so is to eliminate potential conflict between cyclists and pedestrians. Another reason for prohibiting cyclist on sidewalks is for the safety of the cyclists. When a cyclist rides along a sidewalk, they put themselves at great danger at any intersection. […]
1.74 Surface Repair
In order for bicycle paths to be safe and functional, it is necessary to maintain them. Over time, paths incur damage due to use and must be repaired to preserve safety for users of the path. Surface repair typically involves filling potholes, but can also involve fixing cracks, or resurfacing asphalt. Natural surfaces typically degrade […]
1.70 Path Sweeping
In order for bicycle paths to be safe, it is essential that they are maintained periodically to remove any potential hazards. Often times paths are created but become unusable when they are covered in broken glass, gravel, other debris. Path sweeping should be budgeted into the implementation of any new path.
6.16 Bike to Work Day
Bike to work day is a national event held on the third Friday of May across the United States. Many cities and localities encourage timid riders to try out active transporation.
6.35 Bicycle Co-op
A bicycle co-op is a volunteer run bicycle organization that teaches people the mechanics of caring for a bicycle. Many offer “build-a-bike” programs in exchange for volunteer hours. www.yellowbike.com
4.03 Bicycle Advisory Committee
A bicycle advisory council is a group of informed citizens usually cyclist that help advise cycling decisions in the city.
1.79 Street Light Intersection Metal Detector (Loop Detector)
When traffic isn’t predictable, cities often use traffic signal sensor loops to detect the metal of a vehicle. “New” intersection metal detectors have been developed to accommodate cyclists. These new detectors cover a greater area increasing the chances of a cyclist being detected. Flickr: Bikeportland.org
1.72 Vegetation Maintenance
Vegetation can grow quickly along paths creating obstructions for pedestrians and cyclists. The vegetation should be regularly maintained to lower the chances of an accident.
1.57 Buses with Bicycle Bell
Some buses are equipped with a horn along with a less frightening bell to warn cyclists and pedestrians of the approaching bus. Flickr: 2E0MCA
1.60 Bikes in Transit Vehicles
Transit vehicles can provide space for bicycles by including bike racks on the interior of the vehicles. By providing racks that allow bikes to hang vertically, the bikes only take up about as much space as a person.
