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Active Transportation

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Active Transportation

The City of College Station sees the value of creating a bicycle and pedestrian friendly community. Planning and programming for bicycle facilities and sidewalks is important for transportation, recreation and healthy living. A comprehensive transportation system considers the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians by connecting them to nearby parks, schools, and businesses as well as addressing their safety. An active transportation system also enhances quality of life with opportunities to experience the outdoors, reduce road congestion and protect the environment.

Please visit the virtual engagement page below to learn more and provide input on the City of College Station’s new Active Transportation Master Plan! Stay informed by signing up for our email list.


Bicycle Friendly Business The League of American Bicyclist Bicycle Friendly Business The League of American Bicyclist

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Learn More & Provide Input on the New Master Plan





Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs and Events


The Bicycle and Pedestrian Program is comprised of various components to be successful. They range from planning and development to the operations and maintenance of facilities. Various City departments including Planning and Development Services, Public Works, and Capital Projects work together to provide a comprehensive system.


The goals of the program are to:

  • Improve Connectivity and Accessibility, 
  • Increase safety, 
  • Increase Bicycling and Walking Outdoors and 
  • Encourage Environmental Stewardship. 

    Cycle with Council

    Cycle with Council Sign

    Celebrate National Bike Month every May by joining City Council members and other residents for a casual bike ride. A new route is determined each year to explore new parts of the city. Cyclists of all ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The event is free, but all participants must register and sign a participation waiver. You may register online (link will be provided at a later date) or register on the day of the event before the ride begins.


    Previous Events:


    View Photos


    2024 Video Announcement

    Bike Route - 2021 Cycle with Council

    Bike Route - 2022 Cycle with Council

    Bike Route - 2023 Cycle with Council

    History
    BICYCLING IN COLLEGE STATION
    In 1975, the Brazos Valley League of Women Voters, the Environmental Action Council, and the A&M Wheelman Club collected data that concluded that more than 10,000 bicycle trips were occurring on a daily basis to and from Texas A&M University campus. As a result of this study, the City began planning to develop bicycle routes in the Southside and Eastgate areas. By August of 1976, the proposed routes had been signed and the City applied for Federal funds to develop an improved system. Unfortunately, the funds never materialized.

    In 1980, City Staff, along with members of the community, revised policies and developed the first City Bike Plan (refer to Appendix A). Many residents objected to the 24 hour parking restriction along the signed routes, so City officials only installed bike lanes on two streets - Jersey Street (now George Bush Drive [FM 2347]) and Southwest Parkway. It included bike lanes, signed bike routes, and some paths on Texas Avenue [BUS 6]. The City also prohibited bicycle travel on a designated portion of Texas Ave [BUS 6] (from Lincoln Avenue to Holleman Drive) and along Harvey Road [SH 30]. The Bike Plan created the foundation for subsequent plans that served to address the high volume of students commuting to and from Texas A&M University campus.


    BICYCLING, WALKING, AND GREENWAYS
    In 1992, the City of College Station updated the Bikeway Master Plan. This update identified not only bicycle facilities but incorporated pedestrian facilities and multi-use paths in the form of sidewalks, side paths, and greenway trails. It called for approximately 40 miles of bike lanes, 50 miles of bike routes, and 30 miles of multi-use paths. That same year, the City's Subdivision Regulations were modified to include the development of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, specifically sidewalks and bikeways on collector and arterial streets. In 1994, the Sidewalk Master Plan was created with the help of a Sidewalk Committee.

    In 2002, the Bikeway and Pedestrian Master Plan Update was completed. It called for 20 miles in addition to 25 miles of existing bicycle lanes, 50 miles in addition to 59 miles of existing bicycle routes, and 40 miles in addition to 3 miles if existing multi-use paths. In 2003, the City of College Station was designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. In 2004, the Hike and Bike Task Force was formulated to prioritize the multi-use paths defined in the 2002 Plans.


    RECOGNITION
    The City of College Station currently has 33 miles of bike lanes, 59 miles of bike routes, over 130 miles of sidewalks and 8 miles of multi-use paths. An additional 4 miles of bike lanes, 7 miles of sidewalks, and 6 miles of multi-use paths are funded. 

    According to the 2010 Community Service Data, College Station ranks #1 in Texas for having the highest percentage of bicyclists who commute to work. In September 2011, the City of College Station received Honorable Mention from the League of American Bicyclists to be designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC). Only three cities in Texas are designated as Bicycle Friendly. The BFC award recognizes a community's commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies. For more information, visit the League of American Bicyclists website. 


HOW BIKABLE AND WALKABLE IS YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

Download and print this Bikeable Checklist or Walkability Checklist. Fill it out and return it to Jason Schubert at [email protected]  or 979.764.6221.


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