INTRODUCTION I am Mark Lund. I have served as the MPO Director at the Brownsville MPO since 1994. I wish to share with you successful problem-soling cases or examples from our community. How can you make progress on bicycle/pedestrian issues? We start with auto-centric communities. With 99% of the trips made via motor vehicles, how can we obtain resources to develop alternate modes? Sometimes we need to adjust staff attitudes. Some years ago, I asked our City Engineer about funding for striping of bike lanes. What can be done? He explained that there were no funds that could be spared. 2
The City was spending about five million dollars per year to completely rebuild seven to eight roadways. Three, or perhaps four of those roadways would be suitable for bike lane striping. Why couldn’t the striping be done when these roads were rehabbed? Wouldn’t that save monies? He grudging by agreed. He agreed because he knew the City Commissioners were becoming very interested in these issues. If it had been my interest (alone), I doubt that the change would have taken place. The problem was not the level of funding. The problem was that staff did not want to change their procedures. They wanted to keep doing what they had been doing. I imagine that you face or encounter similar issues. 3
Personal Background • 9 years – City Heritage Officer • Training – 2 day course, Dan Burden • 1996 MPO Bicycle Pedestrian Plan 4
It’s a long slog . • A Champion VS An advocate 5
Historic Battlefield Trail • Mark and Larry Trail • UPWP vs the mob accountant • A rear opportunity 6
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Historic Battlefield Trail Southern Pacific rail corridor and switchyard purchased by the City of Brownsville (1999). STEP grant awarded (1999). Extensive stakeholder and community involvement in the design of the Trail & Linear Park Improvements (2000-2005). Push-button crossings at signalized intersections. Trail serves as a “spine” of the community’s bike network. 10
US 77/83 with FM 802 (east) 11
Paseo de la Resaca This 1,000 acre development was built to include artificial water features. By constructing resacas, this development also incorporated an extensive hike and bike trail system as a key aspect of the Master Plan. Miles of off-road trails These new trails were created to tie into the 9 mile long Historic Battlefield Trail. LL&M District created Fees (on tax bills) are used to pay for trail maintenance. Pedestrian underpasses Created at two (2) major highways 12
Why Plan? Q: If 99% of the trips involve motorized vehicles, why should we plan for other modes? Not everyone has a driver’s license. Children have trips to A: make — to school, to shop and to visit friends. Must they rely on others for a ride? What about seniors? What about those folks with limited incomes? The bicycle is a wonderful invention. It provides cheap transportation for students. It serves as an alternative when your vehicle is being serviced. Or, perhaps the motorist decides he or she simply needs some exercise. 13
Fort Brown Connection • Under Construction • 2.75 miles in length • Downtown Brownsville • Wey – Finding Signage included 14
PASEO DE LA RESACA 15
PASEO DE LA RESACA CONNECTS TO HISTORIC BATTLEFIELD TRAIL 16
PASEO DE LA RESACA 17
HISTORIC BATTLEFIELD TRAIL 18
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Retro-fitting of Pablo Kisel Boulevard In 1999, a new north:south collector was built, just north of Sunrise Mall. About ten years later, the pavement had badly deteriorated. In 2010, the MPO requested assistance from the FHWA. Peter Eun, FHWA staffer, came to Brownsville and conducted a Pedestrian Safety Workshop. City staff attended this two day training session, along with staff from other Valley cities. An important outcome of this workshop involved the design or retro- fitting of this collector roadway. A dangerous roadway became safer for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. Instead of a four lane facility, the roadway was reduced to three lanes. With one travel lane in each direction and use of a middle turning lane, the traffic flow actually improved, since motorist unpredictability was largely removed. 23
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Also, the crossing distance for pedestrians was shortened. And, the addition of the bike lanes on the shoulders made provisions for these users. Again, the change involves an attitudinal shift by re-examination of the overall situation. The roadway corridor is no wider or bigger than before. No right-of-way was needed. The new design augmented safety, while addressing the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists. 25
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Belden Trail & Belden Trail Connection Belden Trail occupies a former rail corridor (1 mile in length). Extensive Community (Citizen) Involvement (Ownership) of the trail’s design. Example: palm fronds set a design into the concrete apron. Texas Wildlife & Parks Funding secured to fund improvements. Belden Trail Connection (0.4 miles) achieved in 2016. Connection made between Belden Trail and Historic Battlefield Trail and Linear Park (9 miles + 0.4 mile + 1 mile) Extensive landscaping at adjacent area/City Cemetery Resaca. Cycle-track used on Old Alice Road. NOTE: high-visibility barrier (low cost) 27
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Active Transportation & Tourism Plan The City of Brownsville obtained a $100,000 grant from the Legacy Foundation to address local health issues. The City leaders decided to use these monies to develop a bicycle/pedestrian plan for all of Cameron County. Financial contributions were solicited from other cities. Ten communities pledged $10,000 each to help fund this $200,000 planning effort. In addition to analyzing needed bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure, a key part of this plan is identification of facilities to attract tourists. Local bicycle/pedestrian advocates recognize that their coalition must be EXPANDED. To secure funding in future years, they envision local business interests joining the coalition to advocate for such funding to support economic development. Planning involves not just bicycling/walking, but water routes for kayaking. 32
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Cyclobia This event started in Bogota, Colombia. These events involve complete closure of streets (to motorists). This allows walkers, bicyclists and others free rein to use the local streets. Brownsville has been drawing thousands of participants. Cyclobia is held 3-4 times per year. The emphasis has been on promoting family fun. Includes Bicycle raffles, Bicycle rentals, other events and activities are held in the adjacent bike roads. Includes Bicycle raffles, and Bicycle rentals; or other activities held in the parks. 35
On-going MPO Activities MPO-sponsored Town of Rancho Viejo Master Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan (2016). This municipality has only 1,500 persons. The MPO is funding a study on behalf of the Town of Rancho Viejo. Professional services will be obtained to help conduct this study. 36
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Any question or Comment ? Thank You MARK LUND 39
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