TBC Staff Met With TxDOT & AMPO Representatives

A meeting between representatives from Texas Department of Transportation, Amarillo Metropolitan Planning Organization, and bicycling and pedestrian advocates was arranged through the gracious efforts of Paul Braun, TxDOT Public Information Officer for the Amarillo District. Ken Graham and Steve Hayward represented cycling advocates, and Joyce Cunningham and Fernando Martinez represented Texas Bicycle Coalition at this meeting on Tuesday, February 6, 2007.

A promising outcome of increased communication on such things as mini-press releases on upcoming projects was offered by Texas Department of Transportation. Cunningham will post these notices on the Old Tascosa Cycling Club website to inform the base riders of potential detours. In exchange, Cunningham will be the point person for cyclists to notify of road/street debris pick-up sightings which will be forwarded on to the appropriate governing departments.

Formation of a committee comprised of cycling, pedestrian, and jogging advocates to report to the Amarillo MPO on appropriate issues will be proposed to the MPO as an outcome of this meeting. This was seen by all as a very positive and progressive step to improving the lifestyle for the Amarillo area.

We wish to thank all parties involved in this endeavor and look forward to working for a safer healthier community.