METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

About the Active Transportation Plan

The Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is developing the Waco Metropolitan Area Active Transportation Plan (ATP) to improve pedestrian and biking conditions in the Waco Metropolitan Area through the year 2045. After the ATP is adopted by the MPO Policy Board, recommendations in the plan will be programmed into the MPO’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan, as funds are forecasted for availability. Additionally, individual cities can incorporate recommendations into their Capital Improvement Programs (CIPs) and/or pursue alternative funding.

Download or View the Draft Active Transportation Plan

The Draft Waco Metropolitan Active Transportation Plan (ATP) is now available for public review and comment. The Draft ATP incorporates public comments received during the initial public comment period in 2017, the online public survey and mapping exercise, stakeholder interviews, MPO bike/ped work group recommendations, and other public outreach efforts.

The MPO will accept comments on the Draft ATP through 5 p.m. July 5, 2019 to be included as part of the official record. All comments will be presented to the MPO Policy Board and given full consideration prior to the plan’s adoption.

Download comment form here (form fillable pdf):
     Comment Form
     Formulario de comentarios

Email comments to: mpo@wacotx.gov.

Mail comments to:
     Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization
     P.O. Box 2570
     Waco TX 76702-2570     

The MPO held a public informational meeting on May 1, 2019 to present the draft ATP.  Presentation materials are available for your review:
     ATP Draft Plan Overview and Proposed Recommendations
     ATP Display Maps

What is Active Transportation?

Active transportation relates to human-powered, multi-modal transportation solutions that connect people of all ages and abilities to where they need to go using active modes. The term active transportation highlights the connection between healthy, active living and our transportation choices.

What are the Benefits of Active Transportation?

  • Transportation – Active transportation expands access to transportation networks for people who do not have access to an automobile, are unable to drive, or choose not to drive. Active transportation also supports public transit by providing accessible, well-planned connections to transit routes and stops. 
  • Economic – Active transportation infrastructure such as sidewalks and bike lanes cost less to build and maintain per mile than a new roadway or highway; often times minimal construction is required to add bicycle/pedestrian facilities to existing right-of-way.  Active transportation systems also foster economic health by creating dynamic, connected communities with a high quality of life that catalyzes small business development, increases property values, sparks tourism and encourages corporate investment that attracts a talented, highly educated workforce.
  • Health – Active transportation encourages physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control, physical inactivity is a major contributor to the steady rise in rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other chronic health conditions in the United States.
  • Environmental – Active transportation is environmentally-friendly and can contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.
  • Social - Active transportation is equitable because it benefits everyone in the community. A more diverse transportation system that provides viable choices to walk, bike and use public transportation, in addition to driving, helps to improve community livability, activate street life, and connect major activity nodes.    

Sources: Centers for Disease Control, US Department of Transportation, Partnership for Active Transportation 

Active Transportation - Education and Outreach Activities

Bike Month 2019 Activities (May 2019)

  • Ride of Silence, Wednesday May 15
    Meet at the fountain in front of the Waco City Hall at 6 PM
    Ride starts at 7 PM
    http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php
    For more information contact the Waco Bicycle Club
  • Bike with a Ranger, May 8 and May 22
    Hosted by the Waco Parks and Recreation Department
    Park Ranger guided tour along the Riverwalk in Downtown Waco that will highlight historical facts about Waco’s river corridor and landmarks along the route.
    Meet at the Waco Suspension Bridge.
    Rides start at 6 PM
  • Critical Mass Community Bike Ride, May 31
    Critical Mass Waco leads a community bike ride the last Friday of every month. Celebrate National Bike Month with Waco’s cycling community.
    Meet at the fountain in front of the Waco City Hall at 6 PM
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/47057872309/

Act Locally Waco: May is National Bike Month: What's the status of biking in Waco?
                     Article by Christine Miller

Act Locally Waco:  Celebrating May as National Bike Month
                     Article by Chelsea Phlegar

Active Transportation - Maps and Documents

Bicycle Suitability Map

     •  Greater Waco Bike Suitability Map (2017)
     •  McLennan County Bike Suitability Map (2017)

Cycling Map

     •  Waco Cycling Map