How is it that some cities are bikeable and others seem to discourage cycling at every turn? The question is obviously complex but part of the answer is: planning.

Transportation planning in the Houston area is a huge, never-ending and multi-faceted job. Planners nead to be consis-tently reminded that bicycle facilities are important to the public. To help you make informed comments, here is a brief summary of one of those plans: the Houston 2000 Strategic Transportation Plan

The City of Houston is currently in the process of rewriting this document, which contains seven transportation goals and eight strategies for achieving those goals. A whole lot more than just roads, roads, roads, the draft's strategies include far-reaching, potentially bike-benefiting pro-grams such as high capacity transit, so-called “smart growth,” intermodal connectivity improvements, en-vironmental improvements, and a whole separate strategy (number 6) just for Bikeway and Pedestrian Systems. It is pleasantly surprising to see Houston preparing to follow through on its comitment to non-motorized transportation modes.

Since the City is focusing on bicyclists as a strategic component of its transportation planning, now is the time our input as cy-clists can be brought to the forefront. While simply being included in the plan is a breakthrough for cyclists, the actual wording of the draft strategy leaves a lot to be desired.

The first impression one gets is that they are trying to get bikes off the streets, rather than focusing on making the streets safer and more inviting for cyclists to use. The primary way this will happen is not necessarily by retrofitting car-only streets, but by including bike accommodations in new road construction and reconstruction - federal law now requires that bike accommodations be routinely included in new road designs, such as wide curb lanes, striped bike lanes, or paved shoulders. The City's draft mentions the desirablity of bike parking, employer-provided showers, and bikes on buses, but does not provide for ordinances that would require or encourage these. Nor does the draft mention bike safety education programs in schools, and the law enforcement necessary for the safety and dignity of cyclists on the City's roads.

We can reclaim the streets of Houston for people, and not just their cars. And we can acheive the system of scenic parks with multi-use trails following the banks of bayous and creeks. With its mild climate and flat terrain, Houston should be world-famous for its bicycling and healthy citizenry.

For more information see: www.ci.houston.tx.us/citygovt/mayor/stp

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