Jun 16, 2009
Bike Fort Worth Getting Local, and National, Attention
By: Kevin Buchanan
The city’s new Bike Fort Worth plan, which we reported on not too long ago, is attracting attention from both near and far. First, Bike Friendly Oak Cliff ran an interview with Don Koski, Fort Worth’s City Planner.
Dallas will obviously be following closely the changes that Fort Worth adopts due to the similarities we share in density and temperature. How do you feel that this type of planning has merit given these challenges?
Regarding density, I can’t speak for Dallas, but in Fort Worth we are planning and developing more mixed-use centers and urban villages and redeveloping and infilling downtown and other neighborhoods near downtown. We are also planning for higher-density development along existing and future commuter rail stations and potential streetcar lines. Making these areas and the city as a whole more accessible by bicycle is consistent with these plans and visions. We have a lot of work to do in order to get there.
Regarding temperature, I don’t buy the argument that people won’t bike because it’s too hot/cold/wet/etc. Look at the cities that have the highest bicycle commute rates in the country: Portland (wet), Minneapolis (cold), Seattle (wet), and Tucson (hot). Certainly there are many cyclists who won’t bike for transportation purposes when it’s hot, but there are other ways to address that, like by promoting the provision of shower and change facilities at major employers. In fact, I would say Fort Worth has great potential as a bicycling city: relatively flat, decent street block pattern, great trail system to which to make connections, great cycling weather 8 months out of the year, etc.
The interview was then picked up by the national/New York-focused Streetsblog. Some great exposure for bike-friendly initiatives here in Fort Worth!
You guys have a great plan in place, and I can only hope our leadership in Dallas begins to take its cues from some of that same planning.
Keep up the great work!
FortWorthology leads the way… then everyone else checks it out. Good to see this getting plenty of attention. Thanks Kevin.
I found this and other closely related articles all over the place with a simple Google search- from a San Fran Blog to a Washington D.C. one!
I understand some VCr’s (Vehicular Cyclists) concerns and dislikes about Bike Lanes and some other cyclists’ wishes for Bike Lanes/Trails everywhere- I think this plan does an excellent job of utilizing a more centralist, use all the tools in the tool box, and all inclusive approach.
Another good thing in FW and our surrounding cities.
I grew up and lived in the Twin Cities for 20 years. One thing that I miss the most is the amazing bike trails! Looks like Fort Worth made a great choice with Don Koski!
PS: Fortworthology is the absolute BEST website I’ve come across in years. Keep up the great work.
We’re hoping for similar minds to prevail in Denton.
We just need to remove a couple of roadblocks, as it were:
http://bikedenton.wordpress.com/2009/06/23/oakhickory-parking-and-bike-lane-controversy/
I’d like to see some helmet and light laws to go along with these plans.
Thanks for continuing to report on Bike Fort Worth!
No need for light laws – see Tx Transportation code Sec. 551.104(b) http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/SOTWDocs/TN/htm/TN.551.htm
Serious drag that Gov. Perry vetoed SB 488, which would have expanded safety issues for cyclists by requiring motorists to move over or give at least 3 ft. when passing us. On the other hand, he signed a bill requiring new drivers to be tested on bicycle issues…small victory, but something nonetheless.
As for helmets – many cities regulate them for kids. If you’re an adult, you should be free to make your own choice like the motorcyclists. Personally, I don’t leave home without mine strapped to my noggin.