METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

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About the Active Transportation Plan

The Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is developing the Waco Metropolitan Area Active Transportation Plan (ATP) to improve bicycling and walking in McLennan County. A public kick-off meeting was held on March 23, 2017. Additional public meetings will be held during the month of April.

We anticipate that the draft ATP will be available for public review in late 2017. Please continue to check this page for meeting updates and for the latest planning documents, including handouts and presentations from public meetings.  To participate in this planning effort, please visit the Public Input section of this page.

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.

Public Input: How Can I Help Improve Active Transportation in the Waco Region?

Public Input Period has Closed at this time. 

     

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

    

National Bike Month, May 2018

    

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

     

Active Transportation Plan Schedule

Meetings and Documents

ATP Maps and Documents:
• Greater Waco Bike Suitability Map (2017)
• McLennan County Bike Suitability Map (2017)

March 23, 2017 Community Gathering

• Agenda

• Presentation

• Maps and Graphics