College Station among Texas’ bike-friendliest cities

National Bike MonthAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, College Station ranks No. 1 in Texas for the highest percentage of people who bike to work. Thanks to the city’s pro-bicycling policies and programs, College Station was one of only three Texas cities to be designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists in 2011.

State law allows bicyclists to ride on any public street, unless posted otherwise. College Station has several bicycle facilities that improve connectivity and access, including bike lanes, bike routes and multi-use paths. We have 33 miles of bike lanes, 59 miles of bike routes and 8 miles of multi-use paths, with more on the way.  

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State of the City (Part 5): Improving Mobility

This is the fifth of a six-part series by City Manager David Neeley based on his 2011 State of the City Report.

A Safe, Efficient and Well-Connected Transportation System

The continued growth in population we have experienced in the last 10 years has placed immense pressure on our roadways. As a result, we have begun to take an aggressive approach to creating a multi-modal transportation infrastructure that can handle increased vehicular traffic while promoting alternative methods of transportation through land use plans that promote bicycle and pedestrian opportunities.  One of the most notable examples of this has been the University Drive Pedestrian Safety Improvement project undertaken by the city, TxDOT and the Northgate District Association. The project, which is already underway, will construct sidewalks and bike lanes, and create loading zones and a new pedestrian mall to improve the overall experience in one of the city’s most historic locations.  Additional projects completed or underway include:

  • The FM 2818 and Campus Village multi-use path, which will complete the existing path that runs from Texas Avenue to Welsh by extending it through the Campus Village development to Southwest Parkway.
  • The completion of Hike & Bike Trail Phase I and the extension of the Bike Loop Project through the arboretum.
  • The completion of the Victoria Avenue Extension, which includes bike lanes and sidewalks in advance of the soon-to-be-opened College Station High School.
  • The completion of the Royder Road and Greens Prairie Trail Reconstruction to accommodate the new Greens Prairie Trail Elementary School, which opened in August.
  • The completion of the Holleman Drive Extension, which provides a signalized connection from Jones Butler Road to FM 2818.

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City Council Meeting Summary (Sept. 22)

This blog is a summary of the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Sept. 22 and is not the official minutes. Changes made to specific items will be recorded in the minutes, which will be available in approximately two weeks.

Workshop Meeting Highlights

Click here to watch the entire workshop meeting. Click on individual agenda items listed beneath the video window to view a specific segment.

Council Liaisons to City Boards and Committees

The council consensus was to postpone the appointment of council liaisons until after the Sunset Advisory Commission reports its findings.  The Council will continue to attend meetings on a rotating basis at the Design Review Board, Parks and Recreation Board, Planning and Zoning Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustments. Council Member Julie Schultz will serve as interim liaison for the Historic Preservation Committee. Liaisons would represent the council on city boards and committees that lack council representation, and would not have voting or other privileges reserved for full members.

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City Council Meeting Summary (August 11)

This blog is a summary of the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on August 11 and is not the official minutes. Changes made to specific items will be recorded in the minutes, which will be available in approximately two weeks.

Workshop Meeting Highlights

Click here to watch the entire workshop meeting. Click on individual agenda items listed beneath the video window to view a specific segment.

Proposed FY2012 City Budget
The council received its first glimpse of the city’s proposed FY 2012 budget, which includes the city’s lowest property tax rate in a decade and recommends no rate increases for electric, water or sanitation services. The council will conduct four days of budget workshops next week (Aug. 15-18), followed by a public hearing on Sept. 8. Final adoption of the budget and tax rate is set for Sept. 22.

Click here for the press release about the budget presentation.

Click here to see the entire proposed budget.

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Previewing Thursday’s City Council Meetings (August 11)

Here’s a quick look at some of the items the College Station City Council will be considering at its workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, August 11. This blog is not intended as a complete and official agenda. Click here to see the entire agenda packets.

Workshop Meeting (3 p.m.)

Proposed FY2012 City Budget
The council will receive the proposed 2012 city budget. The budget process includes a public hearing on Sept. 8, with final adoption set for Sept. 22. Workshop meetings are scheduled for August 15-18 for the council to review the proposed budget. Several areas will be discussed, including fiscal and budgetary policies, a review of all funds, the proposed pay plan, tax rate options, outside agency funding, capital projects, utility rates and other issues.

Carters and Burton Creek Bacteria
The council will hear a workshop presentation on state and local plans to restore and maintain Carters and Burton creeks, which have elevated bacteria levels. The two creeks run through most of Brazos County and are among 271 waterways in Texas that do not meet quality standards. The cities of College Station and Bryan, along with Brazos County, Texas A&M and the Texas Department of Transportation, are working with AgriLIFE and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to formulate a proactive implementation plan.

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