Bike Texas endorsement controversy, and 11/16 elections

dougmc · 2016-09-22 10:05:24

I kind of wonder if Bike Texas has recently fallen off the rails ... (or "forgotten to keep the rubber side down", if I want to use a cycling metaphor instead?)

They endorsed Leslie Pool for District 7, where there's a lot of ... disagreement about if Leslie is a friend to cyclists at all.

(Leslie has recently gotten some flak for comments that she's made regarding bike lanes, where the people who live on Shoal Creek and the drivers should get to decide. (But maybe she merely forgot to say cyclists too?))

And yet they didn't endorse Natalie Gauldin, also running in District 7, who actually commutes by bicycle and has done a lot of cycling advocacy. (I don't know anything about Natalie personally, but that's what I'm hearing from people I trust, anyways. I'm not going to say that being a cyclist automatically makes someone a better candidate than everybody else, but ... in this case, it sort of sounds like she is better for cycling than Pool is, anyways.)

But Leslie Pool is a cyclist too! (Bike Texas's exact words: "I have known Leslie Pool as a bike rider and civic leader since 1999. Here is a photo w/ her and her council staff on bikes.") As proof, we were presented with this photo by Bike Texas.

In any event, here is Bike Texas's response to the criticism of their decision.

All in all ... it looks like the old policy of not doing endorsements was a wise one.

MichaelBluejay · 2016-09-22 12:09:33

Interesting. Does anyone know whether Bike Austin is going to endorse this year? They always have in the past, and in fact that was the whole reason the group formed in the first place, with the original name "League of Bicycling Voters".

damicoaustin · 2016-09-22 13:31:06

I assume Bike Austin will weigh in. Or at least have a process of its board on whether to.

I didn't recall Bike Texas making local endorsements, except for perhaps bond issues, but then I read they started to when 10-1 came around...I didn't recall it. They are taking grief for it on their Facebook page.

RedFalcon · 2016-09-23 07:58:08

dougmc wrote:

(Leslie has recently gotten some flak for comments that she's made regarding bike lanes, where the people who live on Shoal Creek and the drivers should get to decide. (But maybe she merely forgot to say cyclists too?))

I don't know anything about what Pool said or did about Shoal Creek, but I do know that she was very helpful in getting a bike lane problem fixed in my area.

The bike lane crossing Mopac at Parmer Lane (heading east) dropped cyclists into a right turn lane coming from Mopac turning right onto Parmer. That right turn lane did not have a yield sign, and didn't immediately merge into east bound Parmer lanes, so motorists could reasonably think they had the right of way and could just make the turn without stopping or yielding.

Anyway, I tried to get the city to put in a yield sign for that right turn lane, and they agreed it should be done. But, it turns out that the road is maintained by TXDoT. When I heard that I pretty much lost hope and so I contacted Leslie Pool and told her that I voted for her but that if I died at that intersection I would never vote for her again. Her office got right on it and talked to TXDoT. They kept me updated on what was going on. In the end, TXDoT made the bad decision to make the bike lane yield to the cars. This is counter to any other similar situation involving travel lanes, but at least they put in a yield sign that will warn cyclists that they aren't safe to just push through into that lane. The Pool people weren't happy about the TXDoT solution either, but I'll give them credit for listening to my concerns, making a real effort to help, and keeping me informed about their progress.

Darron · 2016-09-23 09:19:59

dougmc wrote:

(Leslie has recently gotten some flak for comments that she's made regarding bike lanes, where the people who live on Shoal Creek and the drivers should get to decide. (But maybe she merely forgot to say cyclists too?))

From the context I took it "drivers" as meaning "road users". I think it is just a matter of semantics. She acknowledges the attempt to make changes to Shoal Creek was a failure b/c of hte issues it caused for cyclist. Also RedFalcon's experience indicates she is taking all road user's concerns seriously.

MichaelBluejay · 2016-09-23 11:47:25

RedFalcon, good job on making the effort to improve that crossing. Yeah, TxDoT provided a less than ideal solution, I guess that's to be expected, but it's at least better than it was before, thanks to your efforts.

About Shoal Creek Blvd. -- time to try again for car-free bike lanes there? Let's continue that discussion in this separate thread.

MichaelBluejay · 2016-09-23 12:34:18

Since this the title of this topic is whether Bike Texas has gone off the rails, then in the spirit of "biting the hand that feeds you" (since they're slated to give me an advocacy award on Sunday), here are some of my concerns about Bike Texas. Who knows, maybe they'll see this and revoke my award, and then I won't have an ethical quandary about receiving it. Nah, who am I kidding, other groups don't even read this forum, much less participate.

(1) There's no telling what Bike Texas is actually working on these days, because their website doesn't say. In the News section, none of the posts even have dates. If you click the "Advocacy" menu item, you get mostly a list of what you, as a member can do, not a description of what Bike Texas is doing.

(2) Years ago when I inquired as to whether Bike Texas might be interested in lobbying to have license revocation added to the punishment options for drivers who kill cyclists, Bike Texas director Robin Stallings sent this jab back at me, "There is so much to do to improve cycling in Texas and we have to manage with very limited resources. You would be surprised how many 'bike activists' don't join TBC or donate but expect others to pick up the tab."

He dissed me for daring to consider myself a bike activist when I'd never donated to TBC. I was poor at the time, and I felt like replying that in a sane world someone's effort was just as good as their money, or that he had never helped fund *my* activist efforts which I typically pay for out of pocket, but I decided not to bother.

(3) I asked Robin if the advocacy awards are given periodically or if this is the first time, and if they've been given previously, who's received before and where's the list of recipients on the website? He sidestepped my questions, saying they're given biennially but not saying when they started awarding or giving a full list of previous winners, though he listed a few. He did admit that there's no list on the website. (!) And even in their announcement of the upcoming meeting on Sunday, there's no mention that awards will be presented at that time.

(4) [Update, 9/29] At the meeting, Doug Ballew told me that he'd received an award in the past. This is the guy that successfully and secretly lobbied the City Council to pass an all-ages helmet law as an emergency measure in 1996, decimating ridership. It was law before we could even rally the troops.

So, I'm feeling a bit less uncomfortable about receiving the award, because it's not much of an award if it's essentially given in secret, and if the truly deserving have already received it, and if the not-deserving have also received it (i.e., that I'm simply the last guy standing).

They did give me a list of the recipients for this year, so since Bike Texas isn't telling anyone, let me recognize the other Austin recipients publicly here:

* Chris Gross, Frankenbike
* Michelle Moore, Frankenbike
* Keith Byrd, Social Cycling ATX
* Greg Weaver, Mueller Developer

I'll presume that Mr. Weaver isn't the one to blame for the lack of bike lanes on Mueller Blvd., even though it's a completely new road.

Here's the list of "some previous folks recognized" that Robin provided:

* Durwood Mayfield of Lubbock
* Annie Melton of Dallas
* Leslie Luciano of Austin
* Senator Rodney Ellis
* Former FW Mayor Mike Moncrief
* Former Irving Rep Linda Harper Brown

dougmc · 2016-10-06 15:55:27

Looks like Bike Austin has endorsed Leslie Pool too.

AusTexMurf · 2016-10-12 18:01:00

,From email received today in a push due to pending November elections:
BikeTexas is pleased to announce our endorsements for November elections including Proposition 1 in Austin, City Council races in Austin and races in Harris, Travis and Wichita Counties. There are many more bike friendly candidates in local, state, and federal races. As we build our capacity to review and consider races, we plan to add more endorsements in the future.

Not every endorsee has a perfect record on bike/ped issues. Whether incumbent or challenger, we try to look at the totality of a candidate's bike/ped record while in office or as a civic leader.

BikeTexas is basing its endorsements strictly on where the candidates are on bike/ped issues, not where they stand on other matters that may also be a concern of voters.

City of Austin
Proposition 1 - Yes: Austin has a historic opportunity to invest in active transportation with this bond referendum. BikeTexas has been meeting with council members to discuss the November bond election since September 2015. There are many compromises on all sides that were required for this $720 million dollar package. We believe that in totality this is an excellent move for Austin and has the potential to make transformational changes in how we move in Austin. Read more here about Proposition 1.

We are fortunate to have many excellent candidates for City Council who are committed to making Austin a great place to bike and walk. Incumbents who supported active transportation inclusion in the bond package outweighs other relatively minor differences that we may have with them.

District 4 - Greg Casar: Greg Casar worked hard for the active transportation portion of the bonds and helped move it to the ballot in harmony with the Mayor and the majority of council. We previously endorsed Council Member Casar and are pleased with his leadership, and his voice in active transportation. He is the proven candidate in this race.

District 6 - Jimmy Flannigan: Jimmy Flannigan lost by a very small percentage of votes two years ago when he ran for the open seat against Council Member Don Zimmerman. His position has always been very strong on active transportation. The incumbent, Don Zimmerman has actively and openly opposed active transportation. He opposed the bonds and ridicules bicyclists in his current media campaign. Jimmy Flannigan supports multi-modal transportation, and is a proponent of Proposition 1. He has an open mind, and works in harmony with others in making Austin a better, and safer place to bike and walk.

District 7 - Leslie Pool: Council Member Pool's record and openness to active transportation concerns since 1999, including her support for $120 million for the transportation bond. We chose to endorse Leslie Pool for a second time due to her record. She has shown an open response to her constituents' wishes and bicycle-related concerns for many years, helping to bring a historic opportunity for better infrastructure, including more bike lanes, throughout all of Austin. Council Member Pool is the proven candidate in this race.

County Commissioner Precinct 1 - Jeff Travillion: We have known him as a civic leader for many years. We believe that he is receptive to improving active transportation in the county and will engage voters and stake holders to find mutual common ground.
….
BikeTexas urges all Texans to exercise their right to vote! Early voting begins October 10-24. Polls open on Election Day November 4th, 7am-7pm.

Edited to add:
I realize that this post is redundant on this thread. The email was just sent and received today. I posed the question of endorsing Leslie Pool over Natalie Gauldin to a Bike Austin representative earlier this evening. The response given by the Bike Austin representative was nearly identical to the BikeTexas Statement on Austin's District 7 Council Race link that was shared earlier in this thread. In a nutshell, based on Pool's past support and voting record. Both candidates were highly recommended to me in person. Natalie was given much credit for her advocacy, her support, and her volunteer work with Bike Austin. It was also framed as a happy problem to have two bike and pedestrian friendly candidates running in the same district, etc., and I do agree, to a large degree. However, I also have concerns about Pool's failure to stand firm on the Shoal Creek issue and find fault with her statement concerning "the people who live on Shoal creek and the people who DRIVE it.." Leaves me wondering ???, as Michael pointed out in his post(edited to change from OP).

The Shoal Creek bike issue should definitely be revisited. And should include all people who use that public street which is also (so) called Bike Route 31. (So)Called Bike Route 31 is terribly compromised and flat out dangerous in our southern zone from Barton Springs Rd to Aberdeen near the its intersection with Vinson Rd. Unmitigated auto traffic cutting through this residential street network combined with poor street design, irresponsible driver behavior, and lack of COA response to the issues, leave Bike Route 31 so compromised it really should not be called a bike route at all. False advertising, cruel joke, IMO.

Last edited by AusTexMurf (2016-10-13 13:04:38)

AusTexMurf · 2016-10-13 02:43:11

Vision Zero ATX 2016 Voter Guide
Vision Zero does not endorse candidates at this time.
Guide here

2016 Austin City Council District 7 Voter Guide
District 7 specific info here.

AusTexMurf · 2016-10-13 03:23:42

Related info:
Polls on Austin transportation bonds yield sharply different results
Statesman Article Here

Highlights the importance to get out and vote on this one.
At least Prop 1 Mobility Bond is a start...

MichaelBluejay · 2016-10-13 10:56:59

Thanks for posting all these, AusTexMurf! I hadn't heard of Vision Zero ATX before; I added them to the sidebar and the Organizations page.

RedFalcon · 2016-10-13 10:58:07

I was reading my neighborhood Nextdoor.com posts the other day and there were about 30 on this subject. Everyone of them was very much opposed to prop 1. Apparently, it is a socialist plot to force us all to give up driving and take the bus while Obama swoops in with his UN black helicopters to take our guns and force us into FEMA camps while allowing Mexicans and Moslems to rape and pillage America after establishing a caliphate.

Not sure if the caliphate comes with sidewalks and safe routes to school or not. None of the posts addressed that aspect of the plan.

AusTexMurf · 2016-10-13 11:24:02

Part of an email msg sent to two of my childrens' elementary school principal, recently.
.....
Thank you for reviewing. Want to mark attention to the fact that Prop 1 mobility bond is directly related to Safe Routes to Schools. And that I am on the record that they should act regardless of political outcome. Either way, AISD has its own separate bond elections. Our city and school district must make safety and responsible transportation top priority issues regardless of political outcome. In this same email to you, I included some of both mine and Kate's comments on Nextdoor. We posted these comments after meeting with you, Chris, and Amir this past Tuesday AM. COA staff posted the original thread to Nextdoor for city wide review. I am thinking, partly as a result of the pressures some of us are currently applying on them at this time. I forced attention to the existing unsafe conditions in our neighborhood and around St. Elmo and Joslin elementary schools using Nextdoor, community online forums, and emails. Followed up by lengthy meetings and phone conversations. The city took note and seems to have applied this same strategy to Nextdoor in regards to Prop 1, as this creates community awareness and open discussion.
I am on your side even though it may feel temporarily uncomfortable.
Change is usually difficult for most people, including me. Facilitating change is oftentimes exhausting.
It takes a community pulling together to make a difference to the system at large.
Sometimes we have to lead even when we do not want to nor do not care to take on any additional responsibilities. Ask me. I know. I am at work for the greater good of the people in our community.
I will back off once we have plans of action established and in execution with our community support.
.....
Thanks and Best,
Larry

Last edited by AusTexMurf (2016-10-13 13:06:43)

AusTexMurf · 2016-10-13 11:26:21

Thank you for sharing this information.

.....
Principal
J****n Elementary

From: Larry
Subject: 2016 Mobility Bond Voter Information Posted on Nextdoor, Available City Wide

2016 Mobility Bond Voter Information via Nextdoor
Communications & Public Info Office from City of Austin · 1d ago
The City of Austin has launched AustinTexas.gov/2016Bond, which has voter information about the City of Austin bond proposition. On Nov. 8, 2016, Austin voters will consider the bond proposition alongside other city, state, and federal elections. If approved, this proposition would authorize the city to issue $720 million in general obligation bonds for mobility and transportation.

A Voter Information Brochure is being distributed to City facilities, including public libraries, recreation centers, and utility service centers. An interactive map of locations where people can pick up a voter information brochure is available at AustinTexas.gov/2016Bond.

Requests for educational presentations to the community or for copies of the Voter Information Brochure for distribution may be directed to Sara Behunek at 512-974-7840 or by email at sara.behunek /at/ austintexas.gov.
This posting is not intended to advocate for or against the measure that is the subject of this presentation.

The posting is for informational purposes only.
Shared with all areas in City of Austin in General

Kate Mason-Murphy from Southwood · 16h ago
I am saddened that we Austinites have resorted to ONLY support a way forward, out of this mess if it benefits us personally. What ever happened to doing something for the greater good? For our children and grandchildren??? Prop 1 is not the be all, end all but…it is a start.

I agree it is wrong that the Bicycle Master Plan, sidewalk completion and an all ages/all abilities network gets lumped in with millions of $ in road "improvements". No wonder people are disgusted. These are separate issues and deserve separate bond packages. But this is what we have. This is it. We have to commit. If we vote this down to wait for a "better" bond package 2 years from now, many of these opportunities will be lost.

Even if you personally "can't" walk, bike or bus to work, many of us CAN and WILL. That frees up the roads for you. It's that simple. I love that photo Larry posted. Get 60 people on bike and another 60 on the bus and look at all the blacktop you get to use.

Please set your self interests aside and do something for our kids. They are our next generation of Austinites.

Larry Murphy from Southwood · 23m ago
"Good go ride your bike or ride the bus so I can just drive on by lol"
@Robert E. B.

If you see me, I will be smiling and waving as I deftly filter through your current and future parking lot of stuck, mostly single occupant autos. If that is the future you are choosing to live in to. I will be enjoying my ride, my commute, either way.

Obviously more car lanes and many, many, more cars add up to more stuck traffic. More time in our lives lost. A bicycle is effective transportation during peak traffic times, if riding without kids. We need the bike lanes, separate paths through our green spaces, and of course sidewalks for our CHILDREN, our less confident cyclists, our mobility challenged, our elderly, our pedestrians, all of our people. We need reasonable alternatives to sitting in mostly single occupant automobiles, disconnected and generally frustrated at the entire situation. We need safer streets, NOW!

We don't need more cars, here. I think everyone should be able to agree to at least that. Hello....more people coming and driving into our city everyday. Particularly noticeable in our southern zone with auto commuter traffic from Hays County. At this point our area to the south is still under heavy development. Newly "improved" FM1626 traffic just pours up Manchaca Rd. It is a parking lot in the AM's from about 7:15-8:15 each day. The traffic cutting through our neighborhoods each AM is ridiculous. Ludicrous. Thank you Hays County and TxDOT !!!

And I absolutely agree that we need a viable regional public transportation system A.S.A.P.

This bond proposal does provide funding for greenbelt trails, multi use paths for walkers, runners, and cyclists, sidewalks, safer streets, safer intersections (where most accidents occur, particularly important for auto/pedestrian collisions, Safe Routes To School, and smart traffic signal system. Our people all get something out of it for themselves, their children, or someone they love. We all deserve green, clean belts of nature to enjoy, for exercise, and to provide non road based community connectivity. Big win there, IMO.
Think of all the money burned in gas by people sitting in auto traffic.
Why are we sending our money out of our local economy to Houston ?
Not to mention all of the time from our lives lost sitting in cars, frustrated and stressed. Our current situation is costing us all a lot, as is.

Wow, people...

Has anyone on here checked out the Southern Walnut Creek Trail ?
https://austintexas.gov/department/south...
https://austintexas.gov/page/walnut-cree...
Amazing, for our city....
And trails like those connected as part of a much larger network ?
How cool would that be...
Long connected trails through Williamson Creek, Slaughter Creek, Onion Creek in the city's domain ? Connecting to the Violet Crown Trail System ?
Who wouldn't benefit from and enjoy having those trails like that through our area ???
That is the possibility I can see becoming more of a reality as result of funds earmarked in this bond proposal. If it passes...

Voting FOR, here, as it is the best option we've got, IMO.
https://d3dqvga78raec5.cloudfront.net/p … max800.jpg

Larry Murphy from Southwood · 1d ago
What is Proposition 1?

PROP. 1 IS A $720 MILLION BOND PROPOSITION CENTERED AROUND TRAFFIC CONGESTION RELIEF BY IMPROVING NINE OF THE CITY’S MAJOR CORRIDORS. THE SMART CORRIDOR PLAN IS DIVIDED INTOTHREE MAJOR CATEGORIES: THE CORRIDORS ($482 MILLION), REGIONAL MOBILITY ($101 MILLION), AND LOCAL MOBILITY & ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ($137 MILLION)

THE SMART CORRIDOR PORTION COVERS NINE MAJOR THOROUGHFARES: NORTH LAMAR, SOUTH LAMAR, BURNET, RIVERSIDE, AIRPORT, EAST MLK/FM969, GUADALUPE, SLAUGHTER, AND WILLIAM CANNON. COMMUNITY-DRIVEN PLANS HAVE ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED FOR SIX. GUADALUPE IS CURRENTLY BEING STUDIED AND SLAUGHTER/WILLIAM CANNON HAS YET TO BEGIN. ALSO INCLUDED IS FUNDING FOR ADDITIONAL CORRIDOR PLANS.

THE REGIONAL MOBILITY SECTION CONTAINS TRAFFIC CONGESTION IMPROVEMENTS TO INTERSECTIONS AND MAJOR ROADWAYS SUCH AS LOOP 360, SPICEWOOD SPRINGS ROAD, PARMER LANE, ANDERSON MILL ROAD, 620 & 2222, AND OLD BEE CAVES ROAD.

THE LOCAL MOBILITY & ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SECTION INCLUDES $11 MILLION FOR PLANNING, DESIGN, ENGINEERING, AND CONSTRUCTION OF LOCAL ROAD REPAIRS, AS WELL AS $37.5 MILLION FOR SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS, $27.5 MILLION FOR SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS, $26 MILLION FOR URBAN TRAILS, $20 MILLION FOR BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE, AND $15 MILLION FOR FUNDING SAFETY-RELATED INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS.

What is a smart corridor?

SMART CORRIDORS WILL IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION, VEHICLE FLOW, AND SAFETY THROUGH:

— SMART SIGNALS THAT AUTOMATICALLY ADJUST TO TRAFFIC CONDITIONS

— MEDIANS AND TURNING BAYS TO REPLACE CENTER-RUNNING TURN LANES

— CONSOLIDATED DRIVEWAYS TO DECREASE TRAFFIC DISRUPTIONS

— BUS PULLOUTS WITH BENCHES AND SHELTERS

— TRANSIT QUEUE JUMPS FOR MORE RELIABLE BUS SERVICE

— DEDICATED LANES FOR RAPID BUS ON SOME CORRIDORS

— PROTECTED CYCLE TRACKS AND SIDEWALKS SEPARATE FROM ROADWAYS

— MODERN DRAINAGE INFRASTRUCTURE AND RELOCATED UTILITY LINES

Why do we need to expand and upgrade our transportation infrastructure?

THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS. WE HAVE WOEFULLY UNDERFUNDED OUR TRANSPORTATION NEEDS AS WE CONTINUE TO RAPIDLY GROW AS A CITY AND REGION. OVER THE NEXT 10-30 YEARS WE HAVE $9.5 BILLION IN IDENTIFIED MOBILITY NEEDS, INCLUDING UP TO $2.3B IN CORRIDOR NEEDS. A $720M BOND WOULD MAKE REAL PROGRESS AND EXPERTS WHO HAVE STUDIED AUSTIN SAY THEY ARE THE PLACE WHERE WE SHOULD START:

“ADD CAPACITY IN CRITICAL CORRIDORS” -2015 URBAN MOBILITY SCORE CARD, TEXAS A&M TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE
“IMPLEMENT CORRIDOR PLANS WITH A FOCUS ON WALKABILITY” –JEFFREY TUMLIN REPORT
“CONTINUE WORKING ON DEMONSTRATION CORRIDORS (LAMAR BOULEVARD, BURNET ROAD, RIVERSIDE DRIVE, AIRPORT BOULEVARD, AND EAST MLK BOULEVARD/FM 969) TO PLAN AND BUILD COMPLETE STREET IMPROVEMENTS. THESE INCLUDE SEPARATED BIKE LANES, WIDER SIDEWALKS, AND IMPROVED TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE WITH MORE USER FRIENDLY BUS SHELTERS.” –IMAGINE AUSTIN

How will this proposition address our transportation needs?

TURNING OUR OLD STATE HIGHWAYS INTO SMART CORRIDORS REQUIRES MAKING SIMPLE, SPECIFIC IMPROVEMENTS THAT WILL REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION, HELP TRANSIT, AND PROVIDE INCREASED SAFETY FOR BICYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS.

THE FIRST CHANGE IS THAT WE WOULD INSTALL SMART TRAFFIC LIGHTS THAT CAN BE TIMED REMOTELY AT ANY TIME TO ADJUST FOR WEATHER, ACCIDENTS, BIG EVENTS LETTING OUT, AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION. RIGHT NOW, THE WAY WE TIME THE LIGHTS IS TO SEND OUT A TECHNICIAN EVERY FOUR YEARS TO DO IT BY HAND.

ACCESS MANAGEMENT (DEDICATED TURNING LANES, DRIVEWAY CONSOLIDATION, TURNING BAYS, AND RAISED MEDIANS) WOULD ALSO INCREASE TRAFFIC FLOW. INSTALLING BUS PULLOUTS AND QUEUE JUMPS WOULD MEAN BOTH THAT YOU WOULDN’T GET STUCK BEHIND STOPPED BUSES AND THAT RIDING THE BUS WOULD BE MORE ATTRACTIVE. AND BY BUILDING SAFE SIDEWALKS AND PROTECTED BIKE PATHS, ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION WOULD BE A SAFER CHOICE.

IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT THE WAY WE MEASURE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ROADWAYS SUCH AS THESE OLD STATE HIGHWAYS IS TO MEASURE DELAYS AT INTERSECTIONS. WHEN WE TALK ABOUT TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THESE ROADS, WE TALK ABOUT DELAYS AT INTERSECTIONS. IF THE INTERSECTIONS WORK BETTER (AS EACH OF THE CHANGES DESCRIBED ABOVE WOULD DO), THAT MEANS YOUR WAIT AT THOSE INTERSECTIONS IS SHORTER.

HERE ARE SOME REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLES OF WHAT TRAFFIC ENGINEERS SAY WOULD HAPPEN IF WE IMPLEMENT THE SMART CORRIDOR PLAN:

SOUTH LAMAR: TURNING SOUTH LAMAR INTO A SMART CORRIDOR WOULD HAVE A PROFOUND EFFECT ON TRAFFIC CONGESTION. IF WE MAKE THE LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDED IN THE SMART CORRIDOR PLAN, WAIT TIMES AT INTERSECTIONS DURING MORNING RUSH HOUR ON SOUTH LAMAR WOULD IMPROVE 61%. IF WE DO NOTHING, WAIT TIMES AT INTERSECTIONS IN THE MORNINGS WILL INCREASE 216%.

IN THE EVENING RUSH HOUR, WAIT TIMES AT INTERSECTIONS WILL DECREASE 51% IF WE DO THE LONG-TERM PROJECTS. IF WE DO NOTHING, EVENING RUSH HOUR DELAYS WILL INCREASE 113%.

NORTH LAMAR: IF WE TURN NORTH LAMAR BOULEVARD INTO A SMART CORRIDOR, MORNING DELAYS AT INTERSECTIONS WOULD DECREASE 48%, AND EVENING DELAYS AT INTERSECTIONS WOULD DECREASE 49%. COMPARATIVE DATA IS NOT YET AVAILABLE.

BURNET ROAD: IF WE DO THE LONG-TERM WORK ON BURNET ROAD, MORNING DELAYS AT INTERSECTIONS WOULD DECREASE 11% AND AFTERNOON RUSH HOUR DELAYS WOULD GO DOWN 27%. COMPARATIVE DATA IS NOT YET AVAILABLE.

AIRPORT BOULEVARD: IF WE DO THE LONG-TERM PROJECTS IN THE SMART CORRIDOR PLAN, DELAYS AT INTERSECTIONS DURING YOUR MORNING COMMUTE WOULD DECREASE 10%; IF WE DO NOTHING, DELAYS WILL INCREASE 40%.

IN EVENING RUSH HOUR, WAIT TIMES AT INTERSECTIONS WOULD DECREASE 20%; IF WE DO NOTHING, WAIT TIMES AT THOSE SAME INTERSECTIONS WILL INCREASE 40%.

How will this make Austin safer?

LAST YEAR WAS THE MOST DANGEROUS YEAR ON AUSTIN ROADS IN REGARD TO FATALITIES. SEVERAL CHILDREN HAVE DIED WALKING AND BIKING. THIS BONDS PROVIDES FUNDING TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TEN MOST DANGEROUS INTERSECTIONS THAT HAVE HAD TRAFFIC FATALITIES. IT ALSO INCLUDES FUNDING FOR SIDEWALKS FOR THE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM IN ALL 10 COUNCIL DISTRICTS.

What about IH-35, Mopac, 183, and the Y? Aren’t those the worst roads for congestion?

YES, INDEED. THOSE ROADS ARE ALL BEING ADDRESSED THROUGH VARIOUS OTHER PROJECTS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS BOND PACKAGE. CTRMA IS COMPLETING THE WORK ON NORTH MOPAC AND WILL POTENTIALLY BEGIN WORK ON SOUTH MOPAC SOON. CTRMA IS ALSO HANDLING LONG-AWAITED IMPROVEMENTS TO 183 AND THE OAK HILL PARKWAY PROJECT. TXDOT HAS BEGUN SIGNIFICANT WORK ON IH-35 AND HAS SIGNALED THAT MORE MAJOR INVESTMENTS ARE ON THE WAY. THE ROADS IN THE SMART CORRIDOR PLAN ARE THE “LOCAL” ROADS THAT EVERYONE DRIVES ON AND WHICH HANDLE MORE THAN 150,000 AUTOMOBILES A DAY. IN MANY CASES, THERE HAVEN’T BEEN SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO THESE ROADS IN DECADES.

Who will execute the bond if the transportation initiative passes?

THE CITY OF AUSTIN WILL BE CHARGED WITH EXECUTING THE PROJECTS SHOULD THE BOND PROPOSITION PASS. THE CITY COUNCIL IS WORKING ON A TIMELINE WITH CITY STAFF TO ENSURE BOND MONEY IS SPENT WITHIN 6-8 YEARS OF BOND PASSAGE. MANY OF THE PROJECTS WILL BE COMPLETED IN CONSULTATION WITH OUR REGIONAL PARTNERS: TXDOT, CAPMETRO, CAMPO, CTRMA, AND TRAVIS COUNTY.

How much will the Transportation Proposition cost?

PROP. 1 WILL COSTS LESS THAN $5 PER MONTH FOR THE OWNER OF A MEDIAN-PRICED HOME (2015: $264,000) IN AUSTIN.

Who will benefit from the bond?

ALL 10 COUNCIL DISTRICTS ARE SLATED FOR IMPROVEMENTS. A MAJORITY OF AUSTINITES LIVE WITHIN 1.5 MILES OF THE SMART CORRIDORS. ALL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION WILL BENEFIT.

Will vehicle lanes be removed or added?

95% OF THE ROAD-RELATED BOND PROJECTS ARE GEARED TOWARD EFFICIENCY AND DOING MORE WITH THE SPACE THAT WE HAVE ON OUR ROADS. THERE ARE NO LANE REMOVALS TO ADD BIKE LANES. THERE IS A STRONG EMPHASIS ON ADDED CAPACITY THROUGH EFFICIENCY MEASURES IN ALL OF THE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS. LANES WILL BE ADDED ALONG THE FM969 CORRIDOR EAST OF 183.

What is the timing of when these projects will be complete?

WITHIN 6 TO 8 YEARS. A SMALL AMOUNT OF THE BOND MONEY WILL BE USED TO ACCELERATE THE USUAL PROCESS AND TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE CITY TO COMPLETE THE PROJECTS IN A TIMELY FASHION.

When is the election?

THE ELECTION IS TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2016. POLLS WILL BE OPEN FROM 7:00 AM TO 7:00 PM. EARLY VOTING WILL TAKE PLACE OCTOBER 24TH – NOVEMBER 4TH.

More here:
http://moveaustinforward.org/
Denise, David, Melissa, and 1 other thanked you
Picture of Larry Murphy
Larry Murphy from Southwood · 1d ago
We support Proposition 1 – The Smart Corridor Plan

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Last edited by AusTexMurf (2016-10-13 12:00:46)

AusTexMurf · 2016-10-13 11:58:27

Personal contact info, cc list, and bcc list removed from email sent yesterday.

Subject: Good Morning South Austin Council Members. Please Read and Respond.
Date: October 12, 2016 11:36:16 AM CDT
To: pio.renteria /at/ austintexas.gov, Ann Kitchen <ann.kitchen /at/ austintexas.gov>, delia.garza /at/ austintexas.gov
Cc: lizette.melendez /at/ austintexas.gov, Ken Craig <Ken.Craig /at/ austintexas.gov>, katherine.nicely /at/ austintexas.gov, steve.adler /at/ austintexas.gov

Good Morning South Austin Council Members.

First, I want to thank you for moving this hornet's nest up in priority. And...we are not doing enough to act on this issue. It should be the TOP priority for this zone and where all three of your City Council districts confluence. Our area and its issues are truly at the epicenter of current and future development and traffic woes in the Austin region. Remember the people who live here, trusted you, and voted for you.

In one fell swoop, we can take on a whole host of the City's initiatives...Prop 1 Mobility Bond, Vision Zero, Imagine Austin, South Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan, Safe Routes to School, Reconnect Austin, Traffic Calming, Bicycle Master Plan, Urban Trails Master Plan, Active Transportation, Affordability, Public Transit, and Flood Mitigation/property buyout. These programs and initiatives all work toward the HEALTH, WELLNESS, FREEDOM, MOBILITY, and SAFETY of our residents.

We already coordinate closely with many City staff members in Planning, Watershed, Neighborhood Partnering Program, PARD, Public Works, Urban Trails, Transportation.

We have non-profit partners GAVA, APF, KAB, SFC giving their focused attention to this area. We work with UT Civil Engineering, Communication and Public Heath students. We seek partnerships with local businesses and those business owners and managers in our community. We are involved in our four children's three AISD schools and are helping them to integrate with our community. We are active in the bicycle community, BAC, PAC, BikeAustin, BikeTexas, COA/CAMPO, TxDOT public meetings. We are involved with and advocate for active transportation, preserving our remaining green spaces, our waterways, and offering reasonable alternatives for all people living and moving themselves through our zone.

We have a unique OPPORTUNITY to be forward-thinking, progressive and creative in pulling all of the pieces together. All it takes is for us to stand as a community for the SAFETY of our CHILDREN! Remember the Dutch in the 1970's ?
Amsterdam children fighting cars in 1972

“This would be a perfect area for a trial with a maximum speed of 30km/h” (18mph) explains a traffic expert of the city of Amsterdam to a child in a film that was broadcast on Dutch national TV almost 42 years ago.

The TV documentary was made for a progressive broadcasting corporation and shows the Amsterdam neighbourhood “De Pijp” which was about 100 years old at the time. The homes were run down and small. The streets were never built, nor fit for all the cars brought in by the 40,000 people living in the small area and its many visitors. This led to an overpopulated neighbourhood with a lot of dirt and filth and especially the children suffered. The documentary is one of a series and this particular episode looks at the situation from a child’s perspective...
More, here: https://bicycledutch.wordpress.com/2013 … s-in-1972/

That's how you can appeal to EVERYONE in the community. AND IT'S REAL !

We must fix this problem now! Our SAFETY, the safety of our CHILDREN is in jeopardy. What is it going to take? The DEATH of a CHILD in our neighborhood ?
Save our streets, save our people, save our CHILDREN. We all deserve better.

Stop the proposed Vinson Rd development ! Stop ANY and ALL private development on this property ! Development at this time, given existing dangerous conditions and the continuing Flood Mitigation Buy Outs in our area, is absolutely irresponsible. Hold this property for our future! Address our current conditions !

With all due respect, CM Renteria, your lack of attention and response to your constituents concerned with these issues in YOUR City Council district is alarming. We trust you. We believe in you. We VOTED FOR YOU to represent us. That is NOT what is happening.

Thanks and Best,
Kate, Larry, and the Mason-Murphy Family
Kate Mason-Murphy
Larry Murphy
Parents
Active Community Members
Neighborhood and School Advocates
Former AISD Educators
Lead Gardeners - Emerald Wood Community Garden and Joslin Elementary
Community Organizers - Central Williamson Creek Greenbelt
Outdoor Learning Adventures
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_9F9_RUESS2E/S7tbc … people.jpg
http://www.citymetric.com/sites/default … 20fund.jpg

RedFalcon · 2016-10-13 12:11:33

To get to their elementary school, the children in my neighborhood would have to walk 2 miles and cross 13 lanes of high speed traffic at the Parmer/Mopac intersection, one railroad track, and two low water crossings. 50% of the walk would have to be on the road because their are no sidewalks for half of it.

But their parents will largely vote against prop 1 just like they voted against neighborhood traffic calming improvements a few years ago. At that time I went door to door to help get people to vote for the traffic calming, but most of what I heard was incredibly negative.

The sad fact is that a significant number of people (registered voters) don't care about anyone but themselves. Our culture is all about our "RIGHTS" and not also about our "RESPONSIBILITIES". The sense that we are all in it together and that a rising tide lifts all boats is dead. If this attitude had prevailed in the 1940's I think the Japanese Empire would have extended across the Pacific and everyone in Europe would speak German as a first language.

AusTexMurf · 2016-10-13 12:15:28

Email msg as forwarded. Copied here. This is our southern zone of Bike Route 31 connecting to Shoal Creek Blvd. Our problems are shared all along the so called Bike Route 31. We need to push together on this and other issues affecting cyclists and all people using our streets.

Urgent Plea for Help and Request for Immediate Action - Au$tin, Capital of Texa$
6 days ago at 1:49 PM
From
Kate Mason-Murphy
To:
pio.renteria /at/ austintexas.gov
lizette.melendez /at/ austintexas.gov
delia.garza /at/ austintexas.gov
katherine.nicely /at/ austintexas.gov
Ann Kitchen
Ken Craig
eric.bollich /at/ austintexas.gov
Cc
chris.moore /at/ autintexas.gov
superintendent /at/ austinisd.org
adriana.gonzales /at/ austinisd.org
Larry Murphy
Amir Emamian
trustees /at/ austinisd.org
And many others. Contact info removed for privacy. Apologies, Michael.

Respected Community Members,

I know you are all very busy folks. This is a truly URGENT matter affecting our entire zone. We must move with great haste and urgency before the opportunity is lost. We must act immediately to protect our children, our elderly, our mobility challenged, our neighborhoods, our people, and our options looking forward.
Safe streets for all people ! Clearly we must mitigate neighborhood cut-through traffic, calm traffic speeds, change our transportation modes, and driver behaviors a.s.a.p.
But,
Please just imagine if we had neighborhood Greenways (quiet connecting neighborhood streets), connecting trails through our waterways and greenbelts, and the possibility of an effective, modern public transportation system. Starting with a rail trail and potential rail substation, here:

The proposed Vinson Dr development (4507 Vinson Dr, Austin TX 78745)...

"Under current conditions any residential development of those lots is irresponsible. COA could just buy them and sit on them until the rail spur issue is dealt with, preferably when a rail and trails project / public transit happens." These properties (313652, 313653 and 313654) sit at the beginning/end of the Bergstrom Spur, a straight shot to the airport ideal, for a multi-mode transportation option for us all. Imagine a future passenger rail substation with rail and trail to our regional airport, similar to other US cities such as Washington DC, Portland, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, and others.

#1: Before anything is built on this land, COA needs to buy it, or at least halt development at this time. It is a critical piece of real estate as we move forward as a city, for public transit, Vision Zero, Bicycle Master Plan, Urban Trails, the South Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan, Imagine Austin, all ages/all abilities...all of it. TravisCAD has the 2016 appraised value at $110K, $110K, and $200K up from $37,500, $37,500 and $150K respectively in 2015.

If you look at the attached map (parcels 313652, 313653 and 313654), the future possibilities for this land should be obvious. COA should not even consider new private development here given current unsafe conditions for our residents.
Travis Co CAD map was attached here.
Google Map link here: https://goo.gl/maps/NWxEhRZ4Xh12

Add the horrific cut-through, aggressive, high speed traffic in our neighborhood (Vinson, Emerald Forest, S 2nd, S 3rd, Philco, Orland, Emerald Wood,Aberdeen, Englewood and Redd) and that is a recipe for disaster/death. A child was hit by a driver while exiting his AISD school bus, in the crosswalk just .25 miles from this proposed development earlier this school year. Spend one morning commute (7:15-8a) as an observer along any of these neighborhood streets, and you will understand why we are screaming, uniting, why we are mobilizing. During the Vinson Project "development phase", it has been suggested that ALL of Emerald Forest/Vinson traffic be re-routed up S 3rd street. That is not a solution! It is our ONLY "Safe Route to School" for our two neighborhood elementary schools, St. Elmo (D3) and Joslin (D5). There is no sane person on earth who would allow this development to happen. At least not in their own neighborhood. Absolutely irresponsible given our current conditions in this residential and public school area.
See video here:

http://kxan.com/2016/09/01/video-two-ai … g-off-bus/

This proposed development is on Bike Route 31, one of if not the most heavily used N-S bike route in the city.
There are no sidewalks or pedestrian facilities of any kind along this stretch of Vinson nor in many other critical parts of our neighborhood, our city.
This proposed development is located directly up hill of the15 properties in the Williamson Creek buyout to "mitigate flooding" in our area.
Allowing development of 18 "affordable housing" units on this piece of land at the same time COA is removing 15 middle income families out, bulldozing their truly affordable 45-50 year old solidly built single family residences as "flood mitigation" is gentrification at its finest.
How might this development impact the existing traffic mess in the South Austin Hospital area connecting to Ben White ?

#2: Use our zone as a pilot program for a North/South Greenway along Emerald Forest/Vinson from William Cannon to the South and Ben White and Bike Route 31 to the North.
Use St. Elmo/Mt. Vernon/Redd/Western Trails as the East West Greenway from Congress to the East and Westgate/CapMetro transit hub to the West. Schools, neighborhoods, and grocery stores are along this route.
18mph speed limit, traffic calming roundabouts and bulb outs (art installations), speed bumps with bike cut outs, complete sidewalks, Austin's first urban neighborhood Greenway, as implemented in other US Cities.
Enforcement and policy changes that support these efforts is also key.

We request all 3 City Council Members earmark quarter cent funding for this project. This project crosses district boundaries and serves to benefit all of the stakeholders as well as be a model for the rest of the city.
We implore you to do something for the people who already live here!
Or to state it differently, those of us who remain and survive our area's irresponsible growth and deplorable transportation system.
We must act now to improve our dangerous traffic issues that we are all facing. Our transportation modes, street design, driver behaviors, and (lack of) regional public transportation system, must change in our area.
My husband and I have been advocating for city action as described for several years via the South Austin Combined Neighborhood Planning process, the Austin Bicycle Advisory Council, our community, and our public schools. Even though the Bergstrom Spur, Williamson Creek trails, planned improvements for St. Elmo/Vinson/Redd corridor are included in our current Bicycle Master Plan and completed SACNPlan, we have yet to see any action or improvements. In fact the dangers and traffic problems are worsening every day.

We have four children attending AISD schools, grades K-10. Our district transfers students, creates and promotes far flung magnet schools, spends so much money on busses, fuel, and drivers. Our school district policies HELP CREATE unsafe traffic conditions in our school zones and contribute greatly to our area's traffic problems and dangers during peak times. Our children should be able to SAFELY walk and bike to their neighborhood schools. Please help keep our children, all children, healthy and safe by protecting them from drivers and providing them reasonable and safe alternatives on their commutes to school.
Please help protect our families, our neighborhoods, OUR CHILDREN ! All I ask is that you ALL do your part. Somewhere along the line, those in power stopped caring about us, the regular folks who live in and love this city. There is some thing in your sphere of influence you can do, or I wouldn't have included you in this REQUEST for ACTION. What can you do to help ?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best~
Kate, Larry and the Mason-Murphy family

Additional information from our neighborhood discussion forum:
Michael from Salem Meadow · 3d ago

Under current conditions any residential development of those lots is irresponsible. COA could just buy them and sit on them untill the rail spur issue is dealt with, preferably wh a rail to trails project happens.

Larry from Southwood · 2d ago

R*y,
With all due respect to your many excellent suggestions and with kudos to you for all that you do for our community,

This idea just doesn't work at all:
Close Vinson Drive just north of its intersection with Philco with north-bound traffic detoured onto Philco and S. 3rd to St. Elmo. Close Vinson Drive at St. Elmo with a gate for construction workers and materials delivery. Require that large trucks delivering construction materials approach the construction gate from S. 1st or S. Congress, traveling on St. Elmo. I suggest that bicyclists who don’t want to take the Philco/S. 3rd detour carry their bikes across the railroad tracks where they bisected Lansing Drive in decades past.

S 3rd is already very congested in the AM commute time with people cutting through from Emerald Forest and S 1st. It is the only safe route to two elementary schools through our hood, Joslin and St. Elmo. We would really suggest flowing all that traffic through our neighborhood with kids commuting and school zone ??? Also, what do our neighbors on S 3rd St have to say about that ? Or those on Philco, even Orland. Would also create even more traffic problems on Emerald Wood, Aberdeen, Evergreen.

Also, you can't tell elementary school kids to cross a RR track without a crossing. Very dangerous and even illegal, I believe.

No more traffic directed through our hood ! Simple...
I mean really the whole thing is a bad idea.
The worst solution would be to filter all of the auto traffic through our hood and the heavy trucks through our school zone. And then having them meet at an intersection with no traffic control. No crossing guard. Busiest time of day for auto traffic in our area and all construction traffic is in the AM's. Guess what time school starts.
Really ???

Also,
S 2nd cut through auto traffic is just as bad as 3rd, currently. Only difference is that they do have a crossing guard in place at W St. Elmo in the AM's.
And,
Please include Michaels comment of this development as irresponsible and his suggestion that the city purchase the property as part of the Bergstrom spur running directly to our airport and/or to use as a substation for passenger rail on the main line. It is the most pertinent post in this entire thread, IMO. It is the only option presented that makes any sense at all.

It is absolutely ridiculous that our city would allow this development without at least first addressing and significantly improving the current dangerous and untenable existing conditions. Particularly for our children, elderly, mobility challenged. But really, for all people living and moving through this zone of our city.

Is it in the realm of possibility to use eminent domain as this property is not currently residentially occupied nor has construction even begun ?

Thanks again, Ray !

Larry from Southwood · 2d ago

Here is a view of the cut through traffic Pre Vincent Rd construction.

S 3rd St from W St Elmo looking toward Philco. Photos taken this AM.
Wow.
And if the development is allowed, imagine the situation during construction.
More from today only, here:
https://goo.gl/photos/xtto6NKskGPoJFP19
It is irresponsible that people behave this way and that our city allows it and does nothing to mitigate the problem. It will get much worse both during and after the Vinson Rd project if allowed. Again, this is the only reasonably safe route to two of our elementary schools for children that walk and bike to school.
Ridiculous !

Photo from Larry Murphy

Ray from Southwood · 1d ago
Larry, I have been having an ongoing conversation about traffic safety on Vinson Drive with Ken Craig, Council Member Kitchen's Senior Policy Adviser. Your comments and photos make obvious the fact that I need to expand that conversation to include S. 3rd St. Although CM Kitchen is not your representative, she chairs the city of Austin's Mobility Committee and is thus involved in these kinds of issues.

With that preamble, I want to ask if it is OK if I use your comments and photos. I think I need your permission given Nextdoor's Terms and Conditions. If you would like to contact Ken Craig directly, I will be glad to give you his email address if you don't already have it.

You might also be interested in a blog post titled Fatal Bureaucracy I wrote and posted on the Southwood Neighborhood Yahoo mail group last September 11th.

Michael from Salem Meadow · 1d ago

James Casey, St Elmo, Vinson area needs to be addressed as a whole.

Dave from Southwood · 1d ago

Has anyone had any interactions with the Council member in whose district this addition to our neighborhood will lie?

I'm underwhelmed with his attention to the South Austin portion of his district.

Tara from Southwood · 1d ago

The proposed subdivision asking for denser rezoning, will actually affect the 3 City Council Districts that divide our neighborhood, but DEFINITELY email, snail mail and call to let your opinion known!

Emails: District 3 ann.kitchen /at/ austintexas.gov, District 5 sabino.renteria /at/ austintexas.gov for District 2 delia.garza /at/ austintexas.gov

When he was running for office, Pio was definitely pro-neighborhood. Here's an excerpt from an open-questionnaire that all candidates filled out.

How can we make sure the city’s infrastructure is equipped to handle its growth?

Sabino ‘Pio’ Renteria:
"Stop Economic Development Office & 5 Chambers wooing out-of-town companies who bring their workers to Austin – especially the guzzlers of energy/water operations. Refocus those incentives/abatements/fee waivers to existing businesses Local businesses create more jobs & hire folks who already live here reducing stress/sprawl on infrastructure Limit infill in to 60′ to reduce need to upgrade utilities that tear up streets/create sink holes. Make growth pay for itself, show survivors a little love."

Full questionnaire here: http://www.burntorangereport.com/diary/2...

Photo from Tara

Larry from Southwood · 1d ago

SABINO RENTERIA
DISTRICT 3 COUNCIL MEMBER
I believe represents this zone.
Although I have met with his aides on many issues discussed here and no actions, just empty promises. Pio himself really should get involved.
Ray, can you please make sure that Pio and his staff also have access to our voiced neighborhood concerns on this project.
In a nutshell, this development is short sighted, self-serving, and entirely irresponsible. Our city should halt development and purchase the land for our community and greater good looking forward.

It is uniquely situated for future transportation and infrastructure upgrades serving our entire community.

Passenger rail substation. A direct connection to our airport via rail right of way. A multi-use path for pedestrians, cyclists, and of course future public transportation. RAIL AND TRAIL ! Plain as day to me, just these developers do not make their additional monies at our expense, our safety, and our quality of life. This development compounds and intensifies are woes and the opportunity to hold this property and its access to the Bergstrom Spur, still currently owned and controlled by UP, I believe.

Sabino ‘Pio’ Renteria:
Yes but won’t spend until state/federal match funds are secure.I support public transit & worked the 1st vote creating Metro. I had leadership roles in both rail elections.If Dellionaires didn’t mess with the route in the 1st vote & Kruese’s Republican House Transport Committee hadn’t turned a 2nd vote for rail into a commuter line to nowhere in Williamson County, then we’d be on expansions instead of a starter line. I’m aware of I35 Mobility Project, like HOV-Managed Lane on all major corridors.

Sabino ‘Pio’ Renteria:
1. Find ways to push Metro to reduce fares and run buses and the commuter rail earlier so that ‘reverse commutes’ from the central city out to the jobs around Kramer and Crestview serve the workers who are low-income and need to be at work before 9 am.
2. Restore the free Dillos and expand the routes to serve the neighborhoods that surround downtown, UT, and the upcoming Hospital District.
3. Invest in upgrading the traffic light timing system and allow for meaningful input by local businesses and neighborhood groups who know how major intersections in their areas operate.

Sabino ‘Pio’ Renteria:
Stop Economic Development Office & 5 Chambers wooing out-of-town companies who bring their workers to Austin – especially the guzzlers of energy/water operations. Refocus those incentives/abatements/fee waivers to existing businesses Local businesses create more jobs & hire folks who already live here reducing stress/sprawl on infrastructure Limit infill in to 60′ to reduce need to upgrade utilities that tear up streets/create sink holes.Make growth pay for itself, show survivors a little love.

Sabino ‘Pio’ Renteria:
BOR readers are a lot like me & I’m a lot like them. We do what’s right & just.We’re not afraid of evil-doers & greedy bastards.I did 1 term on EnviroBoard, 14 yrs on CDC. My 1st job was teen leader for LBJ’s War on Poverty @ Pan Am Rec Center-50 yrs later-I’m its treasurer. Co-founder: Friends of MACC-1991; E. Cesar Chavez Neighborhood Planning Team-1998. This gives me experience/institutional knowledge/good relations with city; setting me apart from others. I’m devoted, determined & democratic.

Pio's promises and stands were why I voted for him to represent me. I really do expect him to be who he says he is and do everything in his power to stand for our people.

I very much miss Chris Riley's influence on our city. Ann Kitchens has moved in and stepped up to a great degree. Problem is, we need more elected officials who are in some sort of agreement and move the work forward in a timely enough fashion to save what's left and provide a reasonable quality of life for those of us who remain and survive, and for future generations that follow.

Larry from Southwood · 1d ago

Are any city council members listening to this discussion ???
Council members Renteria, Kitchens, and Garza should all be involved as this greatly affects their areas, their constituents represented and this is a critical issue for our entire city and region. Please help !
Again, Ray, are you able to facilitate this communication ?
We should study and take notes from US cities such as Washington DC, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Francisco, etc. DC and Pittsburgh have amazing trail systems connecting directly to their modern airports. DC has multiple passenger rail systems with easy accessibility to/from Reagan International. Metro rail and passenger Amtrak for longer regional trips. All relatively affordable.

Not to mention what our European cities have done/are doing. Different conversation, though, as they were developed before the dependency on petroleum based energy and institutionalized dependence on the automobile by intentional design.

We should invite our City Council representatives to walk through our neighborhood to our elementary schools during peak AM commute time. It is the reality and danger our children face every day !!!

Tara from Southwood · 21h ago

Your idea of inviting Pio, Ann and Delia to the neighborhood to do the walk to the elementary school is a brilliant idea!

After contacting and meeting multiple COA staff the one common piece of advice is to have residents call, and email city council directly (Nextdoor is not a recognized COA means of communication)... Austin is a political machine and won't react, unless there is a critical mass of residential support.

I've sent the informal traffic survey and poll I did a month back to the city and was told that we just miss triggering a formal Traffic Analysis by 18 vehicles...but again, the COA employees who are reviewing these things are not actually in the neighborhood and seeing the surge in traffic and congestion, or the real safry issues. They are in their office working the numbers they have, that's not a jab at them, that's just a reality. You and our neighbors know better, and we need to make it clear to the City Council.

Here's the full info I received from Pio's aide.
________________________________________________________________
In regards to the traffic inquiries, I have contacted Natalia Rodriguez, the traffic engineer for the case, and here is her response to my inquiries:

“The proposed zoning (at maximum capacity for the 1.9 acres), does not trigger a Neighborhood Traffic Analysis at the time of Zoning application. Their total trip count would be approx. 283 trips which does not exceed the minimum 300 trips per day that is required for a NTA. Therefore, we cannot require roadway improvements to the right-of-way (with the Zoning application). There is a proposed future urban trail along the vacated railroad line and a proposed future buffered bicycle lane proposed along Vinson Drive; however, any improvements for the proposed facilities would be recommendations and would only be along the property’s frontage.”

Larry from Southwood · 21h ago

Natalia Rodriguez seems to understand current city code. She does not seem to understand at all our current existing conditions on the ground.

Way to go COA, once again...

Larry Murphy from Southwood · 17h ago

Very pertinent video related to this thread.
I have known the first student in the video since he was an infant, as he attended with my son the now closed child care center at the SE corner of Redd and Manchaca across the street from Joslin Elementary. His mother is the librarian at St. Elmo Elementary. His father is a long time cycling and pedestrian advocate and is our director of the Austin B Cycle bike share program. These are our children being hit by careless drivers. The first child was hit in front of St Elmo Elementary in our hood.
Again, we also have four children of our own. Two of them commute by bike through our hood and on W St Elmo nearly every day. Our middle school son commutes by bike through here as much as feasible. Drivers speed past them unsafely, honk at them, yell at them, flip them off, tell them to f**k off, etc. nearly every day. One in kinder, one in 2nd, one in 7th.

http://kxan.com/2016/09/01/video-two-ais...

My apologies as this will be posted in two threads. I have been reluctant to do so, for whatever reason, but we all need to be made aware of the situation. Particularly in regards to the Vinson Road development project, further compounding our neighborhood cut through traffic problem and lack of safe routes to schools and other places in our community.

Larry from Southwood · 10h ago

These pictures were taken yesterday, Thur AM on our commute to school. W St Elmo and Vinson Rd. My wife and our youngest child in kinder. The driver was honking, revving his engine at them, screaming ***k you, and flipping them off. He made a very dangerous pass and then screamed through our hood turning left on Mt Vernon and then right to fly down Redd. He nearly hit another father and his young son on bike crossing Mt. Vernon. I have their photos but choose not to post without permission from them. This is on the same road that Amy and Elliot McFadden's child was hit in the video originally posted in this thread. This is where Vinson Rd intersects W St. Elmo.
Hello ?????
Photos here: https://goo.gl/photos/pYTqWpu35KLgBnqFA

Photo from Larry Murphy
Photo from Larry Murphy

Larry from Southwood · 10h ago

3rd
Nice spot to pass, huh ?

Photo from Larry Murphy
Larry Murphy from Southwood · 10h ago
Nice pass !
This pending development and ignoring these problems are both insane !

Photo from Larry Murphy

And, much, much, more input from our community members discussion on our neighborhood forum and Nextdoor...

Last edited by AusTexMurf (2016-10-13 14:41:15)

AusTexMurf · 2016-10-13 12:27:41

RedFalcon wrote:

To get to their elementary school, the children in my neighborhood would have to walk 2 miles and cross 13 lanes of high speed traffic at the Parmer/Mopac intersection, one railroad track, and two low water crossings. 50% of the walk would have to be on the road because their are no sidewalks for half of it.
But their parents will largely vote against prop 1 just like they voted against neighborhood traffic calming improvements a few years ago. At that time I went door to door to help get people to vote for the traffic calming, but most of what I heard was incredibly negative.
The sad fact is that a significant number of people (registered voters) don't care about anyone but themselves. Our culture is all about our "RIGHTS" and not also about our "RESPONSIBILITIES". The sense that we are all in it together and that a rising tide lifts all boats is dead. If this attitude had prevailed in the 1940's I think the Japanese Empire would have extended across the Pacific and everyone in Europe would speak German as a first language.

You really should be involved with the CAMPO planning process. Initial public input phase ends today. Public comments and participation today from 9AM-5PM. Meeting today from 5:30-7:30pm. PDF link here.

Tom Wald shared Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO)'s event with you:

Public meetings on bicycling and walking improvements along US 183 (MoPac to Cypress Creek Rd.)
Do you have any ideas to make walking and biking better in the Northwest corridor?

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) is conducting a study to develop a plan for bicycle and pedestrian accommodations near and across US 183 from MoPac in Austin to Cypress Creek in Cedar Park. This study will include a series of focus groups, public presentations, and an open house designed to engage and gather input from people in and around the area.

This study includes the development of a corridor plan for active transportation that could include: trails, sidewalks, bike lanes, and connecting streets in the corridor.

Why plan for walking and biking in the region?
Bicycling and walking is…

Healthy
Low cost
Non-polluting
An alternative to driving
This plan will make biking and walking safer, more comfortable, and more convenient.

Upcoming Meetings
CAMPO is holding a charrette work session to share background information, collect input from the community, and sketch ideas. There are several opportunities to stop by and learn more. Please join us as you are able.

Location: Balcones Country Club, 8600 Balcones Club Drive, Austin, TX 78750 (map)

Tuesday, October 11
Educational Presentation and Public Input
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 13
Open House and Final Presentation
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Stay Tuned
The second work session is scheduled for November 8-11, 2016. Details will be posted online once they are available. For more information, please contact:

Kelly Porter, AICP
kelly.porter /at/ campotexas.org -- (512) 974-2084
www.campotexas.org
https://www.traviscountytx.gov/images/t … 161007.pdf

Last edited by AusTexMurf (2016-10-13 12:38:27)

AusTexMurf · 2016-10-13 12:30:30

MichaelBluejay wrote:

Thanks for posting all these, AusTexMurf! I hadn't heard of Vision Zero ATX before; I added them to the sidebar and the Organizations page.

Thank you, Michael.

AusTexMurf · 2016-10-13 12:59:02

Move Austin Forward

What is Proposition 1?

Bike Austin needs lots of immediate help via volunteers for this pending election. Block walking, phone calls, data entry, and online/social media support.
Visit their website to volunteer.

Volunteer, here
Or,
Email miller[at]bikeaustin.org

Added:

Email received just moments ago:
Hi All!

This is a weekly update email about what YOU can do to support the Mobility Bond and bike-friendly Council candidates. Check out https://bikeaustin.org/vote/ to learn more.

Here's where we are collecting pledges this week:
Thursday, Oct 13th, 5:00 - 6:00pm, Pledge Collection @ 1-35 and 4th St Downtown
Thursday, Oct 13th, 7:30-8:30pm, Pledge Collection @ Thursday Night Social Ride at Festival Beach Park
Saturday, Oct 15th, 11:00am-12:30pm, Pledge Collection @ Mellow Johnny's (400 Nueces St, Austin, TX 78701)
Saturday, Oct 15th, 1:00-2:30, Pledge Collection @ South Walnut Creek Trail, Govalle Park (1109 Shady Ln, Austin, TX 78721)
Monday, Oct 17th, 6:00-7:30pm, Volunteer Night: Data Entry @ Bike Austin Office (1000 Brazos St) Bring a computer if you have one, drinks and snacks provided!
Next Week: Phone Banking begins! Phone Bank at Bike Austin Office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6-8pm. Snacks and drinks will be provided. See the Bike Austin Calendar (updating today) for the complete calendar. If everyone signs up for 1 or 2 phone banking shifts we will easily meet our goal!

Email julia[at]bikeaustin.org to volunteer!

We are also starting a push for Get Out the Vote--door-knocking. See the Bike Austin calendar for complete details. Below is our schedule for door-knocking. It will be great to have as many people out as possible. If you can commit to even one shift, that is great! Feel free to attend any, even if you don't live in the district. Rsvp by email to julia@bikeaustin.org or sign up here.

Saturday, October 22nd, 10am, District 6
Sunday, October 23rd, 2pm, District 6
Saturday, October 29th, 10am, District 4
Sunday, October 30th, 12:30pm, District 2
Saturday, November 5th, 10am, District 3/9
Sunday, November 6th, 1pm, District 9/3

Let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Thank you,

Julia
Bike Austin

Last edited by AusTexMurf (2016-10-13 13:34:07)

AusTexMurf · 2016-10-13 14:20:49

A giant heartfelt thank you to many folks listed in this post. Apologies if offended. Really.
We have a lot of leverage and momentum currently. Hopefully, by posting this publicly, it will inspire others to get out and VOTE in the upcoming election. We are truly at a make it or break it point in our city. For so many of us for so many reasons.

I have requested that a BAC agenda item for Vinson/St Elmo safety be added. I know the BAC did discuss this area a year or so ago in the context of looking at W St Elmo. Staff was supposed to look at possible improvements/traffic calming to the St Elmo/Vinson/James Casey intersection, but I don't think we ever heard back. I have requested an update on that.

Tom Thayer
BAC chair (until October 18th)

Thank you, Tom T and Tom W. I have commuted by bicycle as much as able for 30+ years, nearly without interruption. About 15 of those years were with AISD. I have led and/or participated in many youth rides and bicycle initiatives.I have been using what we are calling Bike Route 31 regularly since moving here in 1994. I have been regularly riding Austin streets and our lesser developed off road trails since 1994 as well. I rode pedicabs for almost 12 years in downtown and late night auto traffic w/o any accidents or passengers ever harmed. I commuted by bike from S Austin to pedicab, returning in the strangest AM hours.I ride throughout our city, our area, our region. I ride in San Antonio, Houston, and DFW with some frequency. I have commuted, toured and rode recreationally in Ohio, even through their worse winter(2014) since the 70's. This greatly deepened my cycling perspective and appreciation of high quality state wide bicycle networks, the importance of having a supportive state highway department that understands bicycling as transportation, committing to real connecting networks, changing grades when crossing streets dominated by motorized vehicle traffic, etc.I have toured and ridden in many of our southern, western, midwestern, mid atlantic, and north eastern states.I have ridden all over much of Houston, San Antonio, DFW, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Memphis and their surrounding areas. Not tasks for the uninitiated. Conditions in other parts of our nation make riding considerably safer and easier than in Texas and southern states, having terrible reputations in the bicycle touring community.

We have 4 children.My oldest son started getting around Austin by bike at 11 months, 2nd at 8 months, and 3rd at 6 months.Each has ridden in child trailers set up for babies, one in a recumbent tandem tagalong, all three on Adams TrailABikes, as they grew.Oldest started commuting to Zilker Elementary, about 5 miles away and across Ben White a and S Lamar, on his own 20inch geared bike in 2nd grade. Bike commuted to Zilker through 5th grade. Bike commutes to Small Middle School, crossing unde Brodie and MoPac using Williamson Creek, now.Younger two started riding their own bikes to Joslin Elementary ( Redd and Manchaca) using W St Elmo/Mt Vernon/Redd when they were in 1st grade and Kinder respectively.My wife is a bicycle commuter, tourer, and recreational rider.We have ridden all over Austin all of the time.We rode on a self-supported bike tour of about 500 miles from Pittsburgh area with all four children ages 3, 5, 10, and 12, spending a week with the fam in the DC area.

I am not easily shaken by riding in traffic. I was willing to put my own family out there.

Our neighborhood, our south central transition zone, have become very dangerous and I am no longer confident in putting my children on our streets. Their lives are at the mercy of drivers' increasing rage, frustration, and poor choices. Limited sidewalks, limited cycling facilities, limited alternative routes, horrific neighborhood cut through traffic, particularly at AM peak, high speed drivers in school and residential areas, close passes, screaming drivers, cursing, threatening me, my wife, and children ,etc., are our reality nearly every day . Driver rage and aggression boiling from the permanent and pervasive. Motorized vehicle traffic congestion. Highways clogged, arterials clogged, traffic pouring through connecting neighborhood streets, etc..I will keep riding until I physically cannot but I am very much doubting my choice to let my children walk or bike in our neighborhood, to their schools, or around south austin due to existing conditions on our roads.

I have been bringing up the problems and sharing possibilities in our southern zone with senior and junior COA planning staff, Eric Bollich, Chad Craeger, Nadia Barrera, city council members, COA Parks staff, Bike Texas, Bike Austin, APD, AISD, and others regularly since about 2010-2011 when I saw our street safety spiraling out of control. I knew that we were loosing our quiet connectivity that we all enjoyed. I helped lead our acting Bicycle Program Director and several city planning staff on an exploratory ride through our zone in Feb 2013. I pointed out the dangers and building traffic on Vinson/Emerald Forest, the traffic conundrum at Ben White to James Casey (S Austin Hospital), and the Vinson/St Elmo intersection, discussed the AM neighborhood cut through traffic, and pointed out the lack of adequate sidewalks. Kate and I took our youngest two children with us on the ride. We rode by our two elementary schools on this route, Joslin and St. Elmo (where Amy McFadden works and where her and Elliott's children attend and where their child was hit by a driver in the crosswalk). I dreamed out loud what I saw possible. We paused the ride so that everyone could see up and down the Bergstrom Spur and imagine the possibility. I talked about Greenways and 18mph speed limits north/south on Emerald Forest/Vinson/Bike Route 31 and an East/West Greenway along St Elmo/Redd/Western Trails through Sunset Valley connecting to the Violet Crown. I hammered repeatedly to get going on a Williamson Creek trail connecting from the Oak Hill Y to McKinney Falls and Colorado River (our community, led by Kate, Tom Donovan, and myself have started this and rallied much support with our community, COA Parks, and Austin Park Foundation). At the time, many of my suggestions were brushed aside due to bureaucratic challenges or as of little importance or probability.

Many others, particularly Michael C, were saying much the same things to many of the same people. Michael, myself, Kate, Tommy Eden, Francis Reilly, and many others were very active during the South Austin Combined Neighborhood Planning Process.

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/npzd/Austingo … tation.pdf

Two of these suggestions were included in the updated COA Bicycle Master Plan. NO REAL improvements on the ground, though. We did get marginal bike lanes on Redd after I burned into and interrupted a BAC meeting agenda when the city was resurfacing that street. COA staff reacted quickly to get the project slowed and minimal bike lanes painted on the ground. Terribly incomplete sidewalks still. Crazy. Other than this and repainting St Elmo between S 1st and Congress only, NOTHING has been done.

I withdrew in participation from advocating through our BAC. I sat through endless meetings where we poured over every detail of each bicycle facility design and sat through lengthy presentations of low to medium importance while the BAC as a board ignored the much more pressing and broader issues at stake, IMO. I was and am frustrated by the lack of action or progress in South Austin. I have repeated this same sentiment to both Miller and Mercedes at Bike Austin. I continued and continue to participate and advocate for family cycling issues, working with Ghisallo, at our childrens' schools, with friends and community members in my hood, and online via Bicycle Austin, bike forums, Southwood neighborhood online forums, and most recently, Nextdoor. Our neighborhood Nextdoor Crime and Safety forum has been inundated with community members complaints about high speed and cut through auto traffic in our hood recently. Most of them from auto drivers with children who just cannot endure what is happening. Quite a few from cyclists and walkers whose posts are even more legitimate, IMO.

Conditions worsen every week.Traffic cutting through our neighborhood from Emerald Forest, S 1st, and Manchaca is ludicrous. Ridiculous. Traffic enforcement or even police presence in the AM is almost non-existent in our neighborhood.

Again, I am in full support of active transportation and bicycling for me is a way of life. I am not easily spooked. Until recently, I believed that we, my family, were somewhat safe, and I allowed and encouraged them to ride bikes and walk whenever feasible.Currently, my family is in danger and so are many others in my community.
This is real.
AUSTIN IS NOT BICYCLE FRIENDLY.
This has become a cruel joke ! I feel much safer in San Antonio, central Houston, or DFW (FW and north central Dallas). What happened???

Now we are facing the additional traffic dangers and loss of valuable Bergstrom Spur property across from the UP main line due to the private Vinson Road Development. Absolutely irresponsible !
The city really Must Act Now to preserve the ways of life and life itself that we all share.I truly hope that our Bicycle Advisory Council will weigh in strongly on this issue and seek immediate ACTION.

BAC members, thank you for considering these related issues of the Vinson Rd development and existing unsafe conditions in our southern zone. I have online albums with many photos of conditions in our hood. If interested, I will be happy to share links.And, Thank you, Tom W, for all that you have done and do for our community. Thank you for responding so quickly to our email sent yesterday.
Best,
Larry Murphy

Tom W wrote:
Kate,
Thank you for your email. Michael C (in South Austin) also raised the issue of bicycling mobility along Vinson Dr. in the context of this proposed development. I have asked staff to add the bicycling mobility issue to an upcoming BAC meeting. If the chair or vice-chair (cc-ed here) would like to affirm that request with staff, it'll help ease that agenda item request along.
(This is my primary bike route to my parents' house in South Austin.)

Last edited by AusTexMurf (2016-10-13 14:55:02)

AusTexMurf · 2016-10-13 15:02:27

Newly received:
Bike Austin 2016 District 7 Questionnaire Responses Here

RedFalcon · 2016-10-13 18:39:47

AusTexMurf wrote:

You really should be involved with the CAMPO planning process. Initial public input phase ends today. Public comments and participation today from 9AM-5PM. Meeting today from 5:30-7:30pm. PDF link here.
Tom Wald shared Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO)'s event with you:
Public meetings on bicycling and walking improvements along US 183 (MoPac to Cypress Creek Rd.)
Do you have any ideas to make walking and biking better in the Northwest corridor?

Yeah, I had it on my calendar to go to those, but some home stuff came up. Also, to be honest, my nerves were pretty much shot from my latest near death experience commuting to work the other morning. (I guess it wasn't really near death since I saw it coming and took evasive action, but still - this crap gets old.)

I do try and get to these kinds of things when I can. I looked at the Campo stuff and emailed the contact person. I pointed out that there might ought to be a better way for non-drivers to provide input. The very people who are supposed to be helped by this are disproportionately hindered in being able to provide input. I do appreciate that some kind of effort is being made, though.

I don't ride that particular area that often, so I don't have specific ideas. I will say that the newest Adventure Cycling Association route (Hill Country Loop) goes right through that area. I was the first person to buy the map and ride that route. (It ain't braggin' if it's true). As long as you don't get into Cedar Park it's not too bad.

AusTexMurf · 2016-10-15 17:37:58

My recent post on Social Cycling Austin:
Larry Murphy We are lucky to have two bike friendly candidates running in the same district. It is almost a happy problem to face. So is a bit of road rash, tired, wrecked quads and legs, sleep deprivation from riding all night, waking up in the morning to do it again, and waking to beat up and sore after smoking hot sex ! I will continue to choose all of these things by my own VOLITION. Yin and Yang. Living life fully. FREEDOM of CHOICE, LIFESTYLE, MOBILITY, SOCIAL NETWORK, COMMUNITY etc. Taking risks and loving it and eating s**t sometimes. Putting ourselves out there to get all of it. I think Leslie Pool received endorsement based on her voting record, representation of different voices in her own community, and her proven ability to work with others for the greater common good. I too am p*$$ed about her comments on Shoal Creek Blvd and lack of understanding on what that STAND means to us all. Compromise has its flaws. Compromise is the most reasonable alternative to move this work forward, in the big picture. Cyclists and pedestrians still have a very strong presence on Shoal Creek corridor. Nice connections, too, via the waterway and UNDEVELOPABLE greenbelt it affords. Money can't buy it to redevelop it at OUR COST. But Bike Route 31 is like a church, school, spiritual connection, music, art, sensible local pub, to our cycling community. OUR QUIETER NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIVITY WE ALL ONCE ENJOYED. Leslie Pool did not acknowledge what that stretch of Bike Route 31 means to all active, outdoor people moving through that zone, particularly long time cyclists. She does offer a reasonable choice to more of her constituents at large.Perhaps seen as more marketable to more folks. Compromise VERY WELL MAY BE OUR ONLY REASONABLE CHOICE to move our work forward at this point in time. We may be able to get more real and reasonable voices out of the deal, in the end. I personally prefer the choice of Natalie Gauldin, as she is a commuter cyclist, MOTHER of CHILD who chooses and uses the bicycle as her mode of choice, etc. She puts herself and her loved ones out there, living it. Much more LEGITIMATE VOICE of the truly dedicated cycling community. I FEEL for her and with her. Problem is, there are a lot of her district members out there that are not dedicated to the cycling community. And many of those she might have to work with towards COMPROMISE do not share her perspective. In any event, I cannot vote for either candidate as I live further south on Bike Route 31. If YOU DO, get out and vote for either candidate of YOUR CHOICE because you have two reasonable alternatives.

Bicycle Austin forum

#1 2016-09-22 10:05:24

Bike Texas endorsement controversy, and 11/16 elections

#2 2016-09-22 12:09:33

Re: Bike Texas endorsement controversy, and 11/16 elections

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Re: Bike Texas endorsement controversy, and 11/16 elections

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Re: Bike Texas endorsement controversy, and 11/16 elections

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Re: Bike Texas endorsement controversy, and 11/16 elections

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Re: Bike Texas endorsement controversy, and 11/16 elections

#24 2016-10-13 18:39:47

Re: Bike Texas endorsement controversy, and 11/16 elections

#25 2016-10-15 17:37:58

Re: Bike Texas endorsement controversy, and 11/16 elections

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