BIKE: Round Rock really _is_ bike-friendly! (warning--long post)

[A. Gelfand]

I posted this message to austinriders, but I'd like to share some 
interesting excerpts with y'all from the Round Rock General City 
Plan...Personally, I'm offended that city planners have the gall to put in 
writing that my safety and right to the road are of great importance. The 
attitude I get is, "if you got off the road, drivers wouldn't have to swear 
or swerve at you."

I know I sound like a rabid zealot, but I've been putting a good deal of 
time into my research and the stress is getting to me a little.

I have been digging around for information to guide the July 15
meeting on biking as transport in Round Rock. I recommend you scan
some of this info if you are planning to attend. I have pasted some
excerpts from the city general plan. The entire document can be found
at 
<http://www.ci.round-rock.tx.us/planning/genplan/toc.htm.>http://www.ci.round-rock.tx.us/planning/genplan/toc.htm 
.

And here come a flurry of rhetorical questions--please bear with me!

I'm stunned. Given the following written goals, our roads
should be much better for cyclists. Is the city only supporting of
cycling for transportation in theory? These plans were documented 4
years ago. Why didn't I figure out how friendly RR is to cyclists for 3 
years running? Why was Mayor Maxwell so surprised about my biking to work 
when the city has been stating
clearly since 2000 that multi-modal transport (including light
rail!!) and safe road access for cyclists (our safety is of paramount
importance? really?) is a high priority?

Here goes.

"2.2 Vision Statement
Round Rock is a diverse, historic, and family-oriented community with
a distinct identity as a desirable place to live, work, and play.
Residents, government, and business are committed to working together
to build a more viable community.
2.3 Goals and Objectives
TRANSPORTATION
Goal 1 Round Rock will ensure a safe and efficient transportation
system that provides increased access and mobility for all residents.
Transportation and land use policies will maximize traffic flow at
both the local and regional levels
OBJECTIVES:
1.1. Ensure a local transportation system, which includes roadways,
sidewalks, bike lanes, and hike/bike trails, that provides citizens
with options to drive, walk, and bike to local destinations safely
and efficiently.
1.2. Strengthen roadway and parking standards to include design
features that enhance safety and circulation and provide buffering
for residential neighborhoods.
1.3. Study the feasibility of developing a local transit system to
provide additional transportation choices for citizens."


"Freeways
Freeways are limited access highways intended to move high volumes of
automobile traffic at relatively high speeds over long distances.
They are direct links between major automobile traffic generators and
have controlled access to maximize uninterrupted automobile traffic
flow and automobile safety. Frontage is provided along adjacent
service roads or from intersecting City streets. Freeways connect the
local area with cities outside the region. They are not intended to
serve local traffic needs.
They are the only road facility that does not serve pedestrians or
cyclists. Interstate 35 is the only freeway that serves
the Round Rock area."

"7.6 Multimodal Concerns and City Identity
Throughout the General Plan 2000 update process, the citizens and the
City Council have clearly identified a desire for a transportation
system that gives citizens the option to walk, bike, or drive
throughout the City. They have also indicated a strong desire for
measures to strengthen and enhance the City's identity and visual
appearance. Two planning workshops specifically addressed these
concerns: Transportation/Roadway Implications for Development and
Community Identity and Appearance. City policies are expected to
respond to these concerns and create a transportation system
responsive to community desires.
The consideration of safety is paramount for all users of
transportation facilities. While automobile users are relatively
protected within the confines of an automobile, pedestrians and
cyclists have no such protection. The Institute of Transportation
Engineers (ITE) confirms these concerns. According to the ITE,
pedestrian and bicycle injuries increase markedly in collisions with
automobiles travelling above twenty miles per hour. Above 35 miles
per hour, injuries usually endanger life or are fatal. Injuries
result not only from the initial impact with a vehicle but from
secondary impacts with the ground. It is therefore imperative that
road designs provide adequate and appropriate space for nonmotorized
travelers, such as cyclists and pedestrians. Separate bike lanes for
experienced cyclists should be developed adjacent to automobile lanes
while sidewalks should be separated from roadways by landscaped
buffers. Crosswalks should be clearly marked and designed to minimize
pedestrian walking distances across roadways. Larger roadways should
feature separated grade crossings, particularly near schools, and
landscaped medians. Landscaped medians act as a refuge for
pedestrians and cyclists when crossing wide streets. Roadway designs
should also preclude excessive automobile speeds. Since typical
roadway designs allow cars to safely travel fifteen percent faster
than posted speed limits, roadways should feature sufficient visual
cues to keep automobile drivers within posted speed limits and to
ensure pedestrian and bicycle safety. Crosswalk markings are one
means to help achieve these goals. Crosswalks can be identified
through paint markings, bricks, or textured concrete. Trees along the
right-of-way can also help slow motorists. Studies have shown that
trees not only enhance roadway aesthetics and contribute to a "sense
of place," they also diffuse and buffer traffic noise and create a
visual and psychological calming effect, which slows traffic
(Planning Advisory Service Report 456)."

"7.9 Summary
In summary, the City seeks a balanced transportation system featuring
pedestrian, bicycle, and automobile links, which offers residents
access to both work and non-work related destinations. Due to the
permanence of transportation improvements, each should be planned to
avoid costly retrofits in the future. Consideration should also be
given to the future maintenance of the system. Overall, roadways
should feature designs compatible with current land uses, include
multiple modes, feature adequate buffers and landscaping, and reflect
residents' desires. Using such an approach, the City hopes to meet
the future transportation needs of the community in an effective
manner."