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MichaelBluejay

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From: Austin, TX

Registered: 2008-05-26

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$126M transportation bond on 11/2016 ballot

$126 million for Active Transportation in the bond proposition on the November ballot.
   
BikeTexas congratulates the Austin City Council  for placing a bold mobility bond proposition on the ballot November 8, 2016. The total $720 million package includes $126 million that is specifically designated for active transportation. Additionally, some portion of the balance may be used for protected bike lanes, sidewalks, and transit on major road corridors.

This is the biggest local bond funding proposal for active transportation in Texas. Houston proposed and passed $100 million approximately 2 years ago. Both San Antonio and Austin have previously proposed $40 million dollars on previous bond propositions but this is the largest one to date. The active transportation portion of the bonds will be a mix of protected bikeways on roadways, urban trails, sidewalks, safe routes to school infrastructure,  Complete Streets and  Vision Zero safety measures.

The complete package was carefully thought out to give something to all of the different stakeholders in Austin and is well balanced in all council districts. The bond would require an increase of less than $5/month in property taxes for an owner of a median-priced home in Austin ($278,000).

BikeTexas intends to support and encourage our members to vigorously support this bond election regardless of district. There is something in this package for everyone. If and when this bond election passes and the projects are completed this can give a significant boost to Austin becoming a  Platinum Bike Friendly Community.

BikeTexas has been working behind the scenes with Austin Council Members and in collaboration with many other organizations and stakeholders since September 2015 to make these bonds a reality. We call on everyone who wants a bike and pedestrian friendly, sustainable Austin to support the bonds and Move Austin Forward, the PAC formed to support the proposition.

A number of cities in Texas have very strong bicycle plans. It will take similar bold funding initiatives like Austin to see those plans implemented. It will be great to have another good example of on and off-street bike facilities that all of us in Texas can learn from and take pride in our Capitol City.

On behalf of BikeTexas staff and Board we want to thank all of the hard work and cooperation of citizen volunteers and our professional colleagues from other organizations.

BikeTexas is proud to stand with Austin's Mayor and Council and support this bond proposal.