METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Metropolitan Planning Organization
Latest News
Grant Awards
Congratulations to the City of Waco and City of Lorena on being selected by the Texas Transportation Commission to receive federal funding to construct bicycle and pedestrian infrastrucutre. The City of Waco was awarded a Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) Program grant to construct sidewalks in the vicinity of JH Hines Elementary School. The City of Lorena was awarded a SRTS Program grant to construct sidewalks in the vicinity of Lorena Elementary & Middle Schools, and a Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) Program grant for their Lorena Downtown Streetscape Revitalization project. The SRTS and TA grant programs are highly competitive. TxDOT evaluated each grant application and made selections based on criteria such as safety benefits, reasonableness of cost, readiness for implementation, statewide or regional significance, integration of land use and transportation decision making, collaboration with stakeholders, and leverage of other projects or funding. Congratulations to our local grant recipients!
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.
The ATP recommendations are framed in the context of the Six Es, a concept borrowed from the League of American Bicyclists and Safe Routes to Schools. The Six Es include: Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Evaluation and Planning, and Equity.
Download the Active Transportation Plan
Active Transportation Plan Project Map
Resources
Waco Cycling Map
Online Waco Cycling Map (ArcGIS Map)
Waco Cycling Map (2019) (PDF)
Bicycle Suitability Maps
Greater Waco Bike Suitability Map (2017)
McLennan County Bike Suitability Map (2017)
City of Waco Pilot Scooter Program
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advocacy Groups
Waco Streets Program
Better Streets (Pavement Managment Program)
To report a pothole or other problem on City of Waco streets (such as debris in the bike lane), call the City of Waco Streets dept. at 254-750-8690
Other
Education and Encouragement
May 2020 Bike Month Activities
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Ride of Silence, Wednesday May 20, 2020
Meet at the fountain in front of the Waco City Hall at 6 PM
Ride starts at 7 PM
Ride will be about 8 miles. All riders welcome and please wear a helmet.
http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php
For more information contact the Waco Bicycle Club
Blog Posts
May is National Bike Month: What's the status of biking in Waco? (Act Locally Waco, May 2019)
Celebrating May as National Bike Month (Act Locally Waco, May 2018)
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