87R14581 CJM-D
By: Stucky H.C.R. No. 65
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The 2018 Texas Bicycle Tourism Trails Study
published by the Texas Department of Transportation identifies
numerous potential benefits of a statewide trail network, which may
be used for bicycling and walking; and
WHEREAS, The report found that well-designed and
well-constructed multi-use trails have a significant positive
impact on local economies; the cyclists who use them spend money on
a wide variety of products and services, and in states with such
trails, daily expenditures by cyclists on longer trips average $136
per day; trails can serve as venues for events that draw
participants and their families from far and wide; moreover, many
studies conducted across the country have shown that multi-use
pathways are prized amenities that raise nearby property values;
and
WHEREAS, Multi-use pathways were also found to promote the
health and well-being of users and the general public; these
dedicated routes not only create safe opportunities for exercise
and stress reduction, but also foster community interaction,
mitigate urban heat islands, and encourage preservation of natural
habitats and the environment; in addition, they raise national and
international awareness of the state's uniquely beautiful
landscapes and of neighboring historic and cultural sites; and
WHEREAS, The study recommends the development of pilot
projects to test large-scale implementation of trail networks; it
suggests prioritizing network segments using such characteristics
as accessibility to potential users and other transportation modes,
including airports and motor vehicle parking, and also by
considering proximity to existing multi-use pathways, established
events, and such features as natural scenery, historic sites, and
state and national parks; and
WHEREAS, The Bicycle Tourism Trails Study presents a
compelling case for investing in a statewide network of multi-use
pathways in order to recognize significant economic and social
benefits; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby encourage the Texas Department of Transportation to develop
and support multi-use pathway network projects; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the department leverage $8 to $80 million from
existing federal funds designated for nonmotorized uses, such as
Transportation Alternative Program Funds, Transportation
Alternative Program Flex Funds, and successor programs, and
identify a state source for up to 20 percent of the total cost to
fund the projects; no more than 5 percent of the cost should be
obtained from local sources; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the department give priority to
network-focused projects that include multiple municipal or county
jurisdictions; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the projects prioritize the safety of all road
users and be suitable for users who are between the ages of 8 and 80;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward official
copies of this resolution to the chair of the Texas Transportation
Commission and to the executive director of the Texas Department of
Transportation as an expression of the sentiment by the Texas
Legislature.