METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

About the Active Transportation Plan

The Active Transportation Plan (ATP) was adopted by the Policy Board on July 18, 2019 (Resolution 2019-5). The purpose of the ATP is to identify policies, programs, and infrastructure projects to support non-motorized modes as a viable transportation option for shorter trip purposes.  The objectives of the plan are to:

  • Improve and expand the active transportation network in McLennan County to provide better connectivity between neighborhoods and destinations for people of all ages and abilities;
  • Prioritize active transportation modes in regional transportation planning so that people have a choice to utilize the transportation mode that best suits their trip;
  • Increase the safety and convenience of walking, rolling, and biking;
  • Facilitate the use of public transit by improving pedestrian and bicycle connections to transit routes and stops;
  • Enhance the quality of life in McLennan County by reducing vehicle emissions, encouraging physical activity, activating street life, and helping to creating dynamic, connected communities.

The plan adds value to the regional transportation planning process by: 1) Serving as a resource for member governments to incorporate bicycle and pedestrian elements into roadway construction and maintenance; 2) Providing a menu of potential best practices, policies, outreach and educational activities to promote walking, rolling, and biking; and 3) Identifying regionally significant priorities for potential inclusion into the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and for federal or state funding eligibility.

Download or View the Active Transportation Plan

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 2019
    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 2019
    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 2019
    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

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

Draft Plan - Public Meeting Materials

The MPO held a public informational meeting on May 1, 2019 to present the draft ATP.  Presentation materials are available for your review:

Cycling Map

     •  Waco Cycling Map

Bicycle Suitability Map

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