BIKE: attn: Round Rock/Williamson County cyclists: meeting Thursday, July 15, 7 PM

[A. Gelfand]

Hello, All--

Many thanks to those of you who were able to attend my June 17 meeting on 
bicycle commuting accomodations in Round Rock. Also, I thank those of you 
who have sent me such helpful and encouraging correspondence. I must say 
that I'm touched and heartened by the positive reception I've been given on 
this forum.

The June 17th meeting attracted five attendees and was extremely 
productive. We established a few short-term action items, which I am 
following up on. On Thursday, July 15, at 7 pm, at the Saradora coffee 
house (101 E. Main St. in downtown Round Rock), there will be another 
residents' meeting. We will review the city bike plan and discuss what 
kinds of accomodations and facilitie we think are appropriate for our 
city/county. Personally, I am not satisfied with what little I know of this 
bike plan--namely the parallel but separate multi-use, multi-surfaced 
bikeways. Just my $0.02)

I have inquired about the bike plan and have so far received a map of 
proposed routes. I am trying to acquire the documentation that goes with 
the map. For your interest, here is the email I received from the Dept. of 
Transportation, which gives some general information about the nature of 
the bike plan:

"Thank you for contacting the Transportation Services Department.  I have
attached an electronic version of the Ultimate Roadway Network, which shows
the future bicycle facilities as indicated in the legend.

"The Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan, which includes the network as
a key part, consists of two basic elements, the roadway element and the
bicycle/pedestrian element.

"Pedestrian facilities are included in every new and reconstructed roadway.
The specifics concerning width and location are determined during design.
The City also has a "Gap" program to fill in the gaps between existing
sidewalks.

"Accommodations for bicycles are new to the Transportation Master Plan this
year.  In General, the bicycle element will provide east/west and
north/south arterial mobility and connectivity.  Where possible, the
bicycle
element will also provide two-way bicycle facilities on arterials located
within elementary, middle and high school walk zones.  Also new this year
is
the integration of the arterial bicycle element with the Parks and
Recreation Department Citywide Trails Master Plan. This integration fills
the arterial gaps between trails and the trail gaps between arterials.
Typically, the arterial bicycle element will be a hard surface located
outside the pavement, but within the right-of-way.   The specifics
concerning surface material, width and location are determined during
design."

Look for the article about the June 17 meeting in the Southwest Cycling 
newsletter next month! As always, I appreciate everyone's input, so feel 
free to contact me with your two cents. I would be happy to email anyone 
the map if you want it. I hope that many of you city and county residents 
will be able to attend this meeting.

Thank you,
Amy