The Star Telegram recently wrote an article on the budget surplus from 2011. Apparently the city is in the black $2.7 million dollars. You might say, “Wow, that’s a lot of money. ” Considering the City has an operating budget of $200 million it’s not that much. If you are brave enough to venture into the comments section of the Star-Telegram section you can read the calls for “Return it to the residents” or “What a waste. How can they have a surplus?”
It would be nice to see the surplus money invested back into Arlington. The article says that Councilman Shepard’s Financial Committee is going to discuss with City staff where the money should be allocated. Maybe staff and Council have ideas about where they would like to see the money spent, but that doesn’t mean we can’t chime in. If you think a portion of that money should be used to implement the Hike and Bike System Master Plan, here’s a sample letter you might consider emailing to council and the Transportation Planning Manager in charge of the plan (we’ve included email addresses for simple copy & pasting).
___________________________________________________
To: robert.cluck@arlingtontx.gov; mel.leblanc@arlingtontx.gov; sheri.capehart@arlingtontx.gov; robert.rivera@arlingtontx.gov; kathryn.wilemon@arlingtontx.gov; lana.wolff@arlingtontx.gov; robert.shepard@arlingtontx.gov; jimmy.bennett@arlingtontx.gov
CC: alicia.winkelblech@arlingtontx.gov;
bikefriendlyarlington@gmail.com
Subject: Please use one-time funds to implement the Hike & Bike Plan
Dear Council,
I recently found out about the budgetary windfall of $2.7 million dollars. I would like to recommend the city invest in safer streets and a more resilient transportation system by committing $300,000 to implementing the on-street portion of the Hike & Bike System Master Plan.
I understand that the plan was intended to be implemented over the next 30-40 years but in 30-40 years costs are going to be higher than what they are now.
Something that could be taken care of now, today, and benefit us residents almost immediately, would be the on-street portion of the Hike & Bike System Master Plan. The sum total for implementing the on-street portion of the plan is only estimated at $300,000. It’s a one-time cost that would offer multiple benefits to Arlington residents.
When deliberating the spending of these one-time funds, I would strongly recommend you dedicate a portion of the funds to implementing the approved plan.
Sincerely,
Joan Q Public
123 Bicycle Track
Arlington 760XX
Who is Bike Friendly Arlington? You! Bike Friendly Arlington is a bicycle advocacy group with a diverse membership. We appreciate all of our members—those who attended rides and events, those who rallied together during the Hike & Bike Plan meetings and emailed City Council members, and those who support us on Facebook. You posted “We Support Bike Lanes” signs in your yards and continue to give us friendly honks on the road. You make bicycles feel appreciated in Arlington. We really couldn’t do this without your support. Thank you.
What have we done for you lately?
This year, we not only helped pass the Arlington Hike & Bike Master Plan, but we also
- Offered family-friendly rides on Sundays during the Fall and Spring
- Organized pub roll rides for our 21+ members to support local businesses in the downtown and surrounding areas
- Gained local business support for the Hike & Bike System Master Plan and donations to print yellow supporter t-shirts, and distributed them at the Arlington City Council hearings
- Produced and distributed “We Support Bike Lanes” yard signs to residents
- Rallied and organized members for each Hike and Bike Plan Town Hall Meetings and City Council hearing and spoke publicly about the benefits of the plan
- Participated in community events such as the Arlington Fourth of July Parade and National Trails Day
- Celebrated the Hike and Bike Plan’s approval on August 2, 2011
- Partnered with The Bicycle Betties of Fort Worth and the Danielle LeBlanc Foundation to hold a benefit ride to raise over $700 for the SafeHaven of Tarrant County Women’s Shelter
- Tabled at EcoFest, where we raffled off light sets, distributed bike safety information, and gained valuable information about our presence in the community
Rebuilding Bike Friendly. We admit we’ve taken a little break, but it’s time get back down to business. We’ve decided to restructure the organization to fulfill the growing demands of the community, to help implement the Hike and Bike Plan, and to get more riders on the road. We are reorganizing ourselves into a Board of Directors to increase our efficiency and effectiveness.
Community involvement. We’re reaching out to the community to increase ridership and to help promote BFA’s vision and mission. We’re actively recruiting ride leaders, program directors (who will organize specific programs or events), and volunteers for bicycle safety programs. If you are interested in volunteering as a program director, a ride leader, or an event volunteer, please email us: bikefriendlyarlington@gmail.com.
Open Board Meeting. We want BFA members to see how we operate behind the scenes. We will hold a one-time open Board Meeting on October 17th, 2011 at 6:00pm at the Engineering Research Building (500 UTA Blvd.) Room 470. During the Board Meeting we will decide on BFA’s mission and vision, vote on Board Member policies and procedures, and elect Board Members.
Board of Directors. There will be 7 positions within BFA’s Board of Directors, Executive Director/Chair, Ride Event Coordinator, Secretary, Treasurer, Media Manager, Webmaster, and Advocacy Outreach Coordinator.
Call for Action. We’re seeking a qualified individual in the Arlington community to serve on the board. If you’re interested in becoming a BFA Board Member, please fill out a Board of Director’s application (PDF/DOC) and send it to bikefriendlyarlington@gmail.com. Application deadline is November 1st, 2011, and the appointment will be made based on the selection and vote of the Board Members. Interested individuals are encouraged to attend the Oct. 17th Board Meeting.
BFA Board Members are expected to:
- Meet once a month at an agreed upon time/place to plan events and programs
- Understand and promote BFA’s mission
- Participate in resource development and fundraising
- Assist in membership development and ride leader recruitment
- Advocate on behalf of BFA
- Participate in and/or promote programs and events
- Help educate the community about bicycle safety & infrastructure
- Be friendly to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists
BFA Board Members must:
- Follow bicycle rules and regulations outlined by the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 551
- Pass the League of American Bicyclists Traffic Skills 101 class within 6 months of appointment
- Attend 75% of all board meetings (are allowed to miss 3 meetings/year with notice)
- Be at meetings on time, or no more than 15 minutes late
Where is BFA now? We’ve launched a small advocacy campaign distributing spoke cards with the “Rules of the Road” to bicyclists on UTA’s campus. We look forward to organizing rides and events alongside businesses, community members, and DFW bicycle advocacy and cycling organizations.
Ride on!
Bike Friendly Arlington invites you to Ecofest at Founder’s Plaza on Saturday, September 17th from 10am-10pm! Come out for the day with your family and friends to learn about organizations and businesses supporting environmental causes in the Arlington community and stay through the evening to enjoy two great free shows at Levitt Pavilion!
Bike Friendly Arlington will have a table at the event from 10am to 6pm with kid’s activities, a raffle to win prizes, and educational materials about bicycle safety. BFA is proud to be a part of the Arlington community of do-gooders. Please come show your support and help Arlington grow into a lovable and livable bike friendly city.
If you are interested in volunteering to help us at our table, please email us at bikefriendlyarlington@gmail.com.
Stay up to date on upcoming events with our Event Calendar or like us on Facebook!
Come out to City Hall today at 6:30 pm to watch City Council take their second vote on the Arlington Hike and Bike System Master Plan! See the facebook event.
Wear your yellow support shirt!
And join us early at 5:30 at Old School Pizza and Suds (603 W. Abram) for a short ride to City Hall!
See you then!
Last night the City of Arlington Council Chambers were overflowing. Almost 100 people spoke – over 300 were in attendance. It was a long meeting with lots of amazing and inspiring speeches in support, and (as usual) plenty of misinformation, attacks, and ludicrous conspiracy theories in opposition.
Last Night’s Outcome
Council voted to approve the plan 5-4, with Robert Shephard, Sheri Capehart, Jimmy Bennett, Lana Wolff, and Kathryn Wilemon voting for the plan. Mayor Cluck and Council Members Patrick, Rivera, and LeBlanc voted against the plan.
The plan is not yet approved!
Arlington requires a second reading for all ordinances. It is entirely possible that some council members may change their vote the second time around. It’s rare, but it does happen occasionally.
Second Vote
So, when’s this second reading? It should be Tuesday, August 2nd, but Mayor Cluck mentioned that they could push it back if they felt they needed more time to discuss and debate the plan. As we hear more about this process we will post up here. Also: there should not be another public hearing – just a vote by council.
Vacation Time
It’s important to note that City Council is now on vacation, until the August 2nd meeting. While they shouldn’t be totally cut off from the world during the time, we should still be respectful that they are on a break and realize they’ve likely heard all our arguments. So, for now, thank our yes votes and mention how you look forward to their second vote of approval. As we get a better read on the situation closer to the second reading we may find a need for elaborating on why their vote was wonderful or why the no-votes should consider changing their vote.
[Easy copy-and-paste yes-votes email addresses: sheri.capehart@arlingtontx.gov; kathryn.wilemon@arlingtontx.gov; lana.wolff@arlingtontx.gov; robert.shepard@arlingtontx.gov; jimmy.bennett@arlingtontx.gov]
Star-Telegram photo by Richard W. Rodriguez
The Compromise
The plan council voted on last night was Option C. Robert Shephard proposed moving a few chapters to the Appendix to make them act more as recommendations and less as mandates. He also proposed not prohibiting parking in a bike lane. Sheri Capehart added back some bike facilities: numbers 9, 18, and 22 from our suggestions, as well as two bike lanes connecting to TCC on Southeast Parkway and Mansfield Webb Road. Hopefully the city will publish a new map soon so we can view the complete proposed plan.
Maybe this plan is not our optimal plan, but it’s a step in the right direction. As we are able to implement these facilities our opposition will be able to see the benefits they bring and will hopefully be open to more in the future. But for now, this is one step forward towards better freedom of transportation in Arlington.
Tread Carefully
The opposition is not going to let their guard down – any and all behavior will be scrutinized by the opposition, including the failure to obey traffic laws.
A Million Thank Yous to our Supporters!
Y’all were awesome last night and you have been wonderful throughout this long ordeal. The support from the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, UT Arlington, the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation, and the Arlington Convention & Visitor’s Bureau was incredible. We also want to thank our friends at Fort Worthology and all over the Metroplex. We especially appreciate our “yellow shirt” sponsors: Acme Bike Co., Mellow Mushroom, Tanstaafl Pub, Potager Cafe, Old School Pizza & Suds, Cody Rocamontes Memorial Skatepark, and Legacy Merch! You rock!
Press on the Web
For more on the plan, see these numerous posts:
Arlington Alive : Jim’s Bike Blog : BikeDFW : Nate Kogan : WFAA : Fort Worthology : Star Telegram : The Shorthorn
And remember, it’s not over yet! Continue to stay positive and up to date!
It’s finally happening – the City of Arlington City Council Public Hearing for the Hike and Bike System Master Plan will be held:
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
6:30 pm
Arlington City Hall
101 W. Abram Street
Things to know about the meeting:
- wear yellow. Bring your Hike and Bike Plan support shirt if you have one. We will have more to hand out.
- fill out a card when before you enter council chambers, mark it in support, and mark whether you wish to speak.
- the total amount of time supporters will be allowed to speak is 20 minutes (same for those opposed). Each speaker should get 2 minutes to speak at the most. If you are comfortable speaking, are a business owner, or represent an organization, please do speak.
- since the speaking time is limited, you do not need to speak. The visual of having as many supporters as possible in the room will make a huge impact, so come out and bring your friends!
Also:
- stay respectful. These meetings can get pretty heated, so take a deep breath and remember to stay calm, only speak when permitted, and be sure to thank Council for their time.
- the limited speaking time means this will likely be a shorter meeting, so please try to show up as close to on time as possible. Council chambers will be open well before the meeting so feel free to show up early. The public hearing is the first regular item on the agenda, so it should be underway by 7:00.
- we are having a short Ride to City Hall for the meeting. If you’d like to join, meet us at Old School Pizza and Suds (603 West Abram Street) at 5:30. We will leave by 5:50 to ensure plenty of time to lock our bikes, get shirts, and sign-in for the meeting.
- if you haven’t written council yet, now is the time.
- Council will be voting on Option C. If you think we need more than what Option C provides, let Council know!
- for more history on the plan, see this post.
Bike Friendly Arlington recently emailed City Council asking them to “Close the Gap” of Plan “C” and add back primary lanes and connections from the well researched and developed, original plan. Below is the e-mail. Help us get these changes realized. Write to City Council asking them to make Plan “C” a safer, better connected, more accessible plan:
| Dear Council,
It has been many months, many meetings, and many e-mails since the Hike & Bike Plan was first conceived. While the consultant, staff, steering committee, and general public spent months developing a comprehensive, well-connected plan, naysayers have spent an equal amount of time tearing it down, with misinformation, conspiracy theories and outright lies. And now we are less than a week away from the first public reading. Bike Friendly Arlington would like to thank you for the time spent in consideration of the plan, but in the same breath we would ask that certain on-street elements be put back in to make on-street riding safer and allow for more connectivity. Our rational for adding back to Plan “C” is guided by: Safety – given the choice, bike lanes should be placed in favored of bike routes where possible. Bike lanes have a proven track record for increasing safety. While they may just be stripes of paint on the ground, striping creates a defined space for bicyclist that motorists and make bicycle travel more predictable. Connectivity – the plan is a snapshot of a full build out. If this is going to be the guide for street design, it needs to be as robust as possible. There is no sense in creating a plan that is disjointed. Residents should be able to get where they are going by the most direct route possible. Gaps in the connectivity will make bicycle travel between different parts of the city less likely. Access – As is, Plan “C” is a stripped down Plan “A.” Plan C includes numerous cases where former planned bike lanes (removed in Plan B) were added back in Plan C, but as bike routes, even though there is ample pavement width to accommodate them as bike lanes. While bike routes may serve an experienced rider that feels comfortable riding with traffic already, they do little to encourage the novice rider to take to the streets. If the bike routes are passed in lieu of bike lanes, and bike routes implemented accordingly, safety and accessibility will only marginally increase.
Explanations
City Council, please add back these important elements that provide additional connectivity to the system and provide additional safety and comfort for all users. We thank you for your time and your service to our community. Bike Friendly Arlington |
Cities all around the Metroplex are making great strides to advance bicycle infrastructure.
Fort Worth
Fort Worth unanimously approved their BikeFW plan in February of 2010. This plan provides 480 miles of on-street bike lanes, 218 miles of on-street bike routes, and 224 miles of off-street trails.
As Mayor Mike Moncrief stated before he voted to approve the plan “The important message tonight is alternative modes of transportation. We deserve options from which to choose” (see his comments starting at 01:24:00 here).
To supplement this plan, the Fort Worth City Council also recently unanimously approved both a Safe Passing Ordinance (requiring a vehicle to give three feet of space between it and a vulnerable road user) and a bicycle parking ordinance for the city.
Dallas
Just this month the Dallas City Council also unanimously approved the 2011 Dallas Bike Plan. This plan provides 255 miles of on-street bike lanes, 188 miles of on-street bike routes, and 456 miles of off-street trails.
Other area cities
The City of Denton has a bike plan underway, but in the meantime, unanimously approved a Safe Passing Ordinance.
The City of Richardson’s bike plan contains a robust system of bike lanes, routes, and trails.
Arlington?
We realize Arlington is not any of these cities, and we appreciate that too. We love Arlington. But we feel Arlington is missing an opportunity to provide real amenities for its citizens. Our neighbors are attracting creative people who help spur economic development and Arlington needs to do the same.
For a comparison of these plans versus Arlington’s proposed Option C:
| Arlington Option C |
Bike Fort Worth | Dallas Bike Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bike Lanes | 16 | 480 | 123 |
| Bike Routes | 43 | 218 | 203 |
| Other on-street | 2 | 1 | 514 |
| Off-street Trails | 64 | 200 | 456 |
| Total Miles | 125 | 924 | 1296 |
With a quick glance, wouldn’t you think Arlington deserves more? Now take a look at Option A – the plan created over a year and half with the work of the public, city staff, and experienced consultants:
| Arlington Option A |
|
|---|---|
| Bike Lanes | 108 |
| Bike Routes | 33 |
| Other on-street | 22 |
| Off-street Trails | 118 |
| Total Miles | 281 |
Better, no? Also, Arlington’s Option A is about 58% on-street and 42% off-street, which is closer to Fort Worth’s percentages (75% on-street and 25% off-street) and Dallas’ percentages (65% on-street / 35% off-street). (By comparison, Arlington’s Option C is only about 49% on-street / 51% off-street – learn more here.) Option A also has many more miles of lanes, instead of routes, which is a better option – people want on-street facilities to get to practical destinations.
For a full understanding of the differences between these facilities, please see our post about bike lanes and bike routes, and why bike lanes are accessible to more users than bike routes.
Bicycle infrastructure is on a roll in the DFW metroplex! Dallas recently passed their 2011 Dallas Bike Plan and the Bike Fort Worth Plan has already implemented an impressive number of bike lanes and routes and created a vibrant community atmosphere in the Near Southside District. Arlington City Council will vote on a modified version of Arlington’s Hike and Bike Plan on June 28, 2011.
Arlington is several strides behind its neighbors. It’s been over a year and a half since transportation planners and private consultants worked with the public to create Arlington’s Hike and Bike System Master Plan, and several months since the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the plan for approval (in February 2011). But when the original proposed Hike and Bike System Master Plan landed in the hands of Arlington City Council Members and Arlington’s more regressive residents, it changed from a transportation plan into a recreational compromise.
The City Council changed the Hike and Bike plan from a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian transportation system to a plan that emphasizes cycling and walking for recreation rather than transportation. The plans are now referred to as Option A, B, and C. The plan that will be put for a vote before Council is Option C. But, “Plan C, with its focus on on-street bike routes and not bike lanes, does little to bridge the experience gap between novice cyclists that only feel comfortable riding in parks on trails, and experienced cyclists who already feel comfortable riding in the street with traffic” (Plan “C”: Mind The Gap).
Plan A was projected to create a viable and integrated transportation and recreation system with 108 miles of striped bike lanes, 33 miles of bike routes, and 118 miles of off-street trails. Plan C includes only 16 miles of bike lanes, 43 miles of bicycle routes, and just 64 miles of off-street facilities. Plan C gives the impression of a compromise: it balances on- and off-street bicycle facilities in mileage rather than estimated funding, thus creating fewer on-street bike lanes (Refer to the plan comparison chart for cost estimates).
We are encouraging amendments to Plan C for bike routes to return to the plan as bike lanes, as they were designated in the original plan. Plan C is not the kind of Hike and Bike Plan that Bike Friendly Arlington expected, but it’s better than no plan at all.
We’d like to extend an invitation to all cyclists, pedestrians, BFA supporters, and businesses to the public hearing at City Hall Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, on June 28, 2011, at 6:30pm. The meeting will likely be unruly and at times incredulous, but we could use all the support we can get on the positive side. Please wear your yellow support shirt if you have one, and if you don’t we will be handing out more in the lobby.
Please be sure to learn more about the plans, write a letter of support to City Council Members, join our mailing list, and tell your friends!
Please join us to help get a Hike and Bike System Master Plan that properly accommodates for Arlington’s diverse citizenship – ages 8-to-80 – once and for all!
We’re posting another letter we sent to the opposition’s leader, Mr. Buddy Saunders. We look forward to a response.
###########################################
Dear Mr. Saunders,
On the eve of the Thoroughfare Development Plan public hearing our readership has forwarded us your SOS Update #57. We have read it and attached our analysis below. We request that you forward this analysis to your readership in the interest of giving them the most accurate information in regards to the TDP before tomorrow’s hearing.
Again, in the interest of transparency we have CC:ed City Council and will post a copy of this e-mail on our blog at www.BikeFriendlyArlington.com. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Ride on,
Bike Friendly Arlington
******
SOS update #57 concerning the Thoroughfare Development Plan Update gives a false impression of the TDP Update when the rationale behind the TDP Update is common sense:
1. The latest TDP Update recognizes that Arlington is still growing, but it is now virtually land-locked by other cities and so that growth will be in particular areas, and it will occur in ways that are different from what was originally planned in the 1990s.
2. Over-building of roadways and over-wide streets cause speeding, and speeding through neighborhoods was listed as the number one concern among residents in the 2011 Citizen Survey.
3. Let’s be fiscally responsible, and increase our roadway capacity in those places where the expected population growth and land use require it. Don’t over-build in those neighborhoods and areas where it’s not needed. Why pay for miles of concrete and maintenance costs where it’s not needed? Focus on where it is needed.
4. That’s why the TDP Update plans for an increase of around 216 lane miles of roadway, instead of 348 lane miles in places where it’s not needed. This will save the community around $130 million.
5. Traffic is affected by population growth, density, and existing and FUTURE land use–what the land is being used for around those roads, as well as the socio-economic characteristics of the area. This researched update uses computer modeling that takes this into account.
6. The model projects that automobiles will still be the primary mode of transportation in the next 30 years. It also recognizes that people want other choices too, and that streets should be designed flexibly for this.
7. The model is cautious. It assumes “high intensity” future uses in areas that don’t have a current use.
Throughout SOS #57 there are mischaracterizations of the TDP that borrow the line of reasoning from an earlier post that “the TDP is a backdoor bike plan.” These mischaracterizations rely on gut feelings (“Things we all know”) as a substitute for due-diligent research:
1. Roadways with Level of Service (LOS) A are “freeflowing.” Yes, the TDP says Level of Service A is “freeflowing,” but it also goes on to say this traffic flow is “at or above the speed limit.” In other words, SPEEDING. TDP Update, p. 5.
2. Myth: “…planners consider [Level of Service] C or D acceptable in order to make room for bicycles.” (SOS #57, 1).
TRUTH: While we appreciate that thought, really, C or D is desirable because at this level, “traffic moves along at an efficient rate and posted speeds are maintained.” (TDP Update, p. 5). In other words, NO SPEEDING, and traffic moves EFFICIENTLY. You don’t have to spend the extra money on unneeded road width and maintenance of the extra roadway.
3. Opponents have brought up “transit” as a bugaboo in the TDP Update (point 2), when in fact no transit is planned in the TDP Update. The TDP Update mentions transit when talking about the general concept of “Flexible Thoroughfare Design” that is being “embraced by municipalities across the country.” The concept simply recognizes that people across the country are requesting other ways to travel in addition to automobiles, and it makes the common sense conclusion that “increased use of alternate modes of transportation, such as transit or bicycling, could reduce vehicular demand on thoroughfare roadways over time.”
4. Myth: Heavy bike usage occurs only under “very dense population” and in places with a “very low standard of living.” (Paragraph 2)
Truth: Bicycling occurs where people feel safe bicycling and have good bicycling facilities. David Hembrow studied this and shows that Dutch cities with lower population densities had higher bicycling rates than higher density cities. Also, the Dutch do not suffer from a “low standard of living.” http://hembrow.blogspot.com/2011/02/population-density-vs-cycling-rate-for.html
5.Myth: Bike riding only occurs in Arlington in parks (Paragraph 3).
Truth: People in Arlington want to bike on city streets in Arlington to get to practical destinations, but they want to feel safe doing so, that’s why in the open house surveys, 94% said they’d bike more, and 88% said they’d walk more, if biking and pedestrian improvements were installed.
Also, bicyclists in parks that we’ve talked to say they like the idea of bike lanes on Arlington streets, and they don’t want to be limited to just the parks. People want to bike to practical destinations for running errands, shopping, entertainment, school and work, in addition to parks. One speaker at the 2nd P&Z meeting even brought up that they didn’t want to have to drive their car to a place so that they could ride their bike.
Furthermore, bicyclists are already on city streets, and we’re seeing more of them all the time. You notice them more when you bike yourself, or have friends or family who bike. You’re more sensitive to them.
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