Bill Text: TX HCR64 | 2019-2020 | 86th Legislature | Introduced

Texas House Concurrent Resolution 64 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Encouraging the Texas Department of Transportation to develop and support bikeway network projects.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-04-29 - Committee report sent to Calendars [HCR64 Detail]

Download: Texas-2019-HCR64-Introduced.html

	86R6037 BPG-D

	By: VanDeaver	H.C.R. No. 64



	CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The 2018 Texas Bicycle Tourism Trails Study
	published by the Texas Department of Transportation identifies
	numerous potential benefits of a statewide bicycle tourism trail
	network; and
	WHEREAS, In the study, TxDOT uses the term "bicycle tourism"
	to describe a range of activities, from long-distance touring and
	bike-packing to local day rides, urban cycling, and events such as
	races; and
	WHEREAS, The report found that well-designed and
	well-constructed bicycle 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 bicycle events that draw
	participants and their families from far and wide; moreover, many
	studies conducted across the country have shown that bikeways are
	prized amenities that raise nearby property values; and
	WHEREAS, Bikeways 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 bikeways; 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 bikeways, established bicycle
	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 bikeways in
	order to recognize significant economic and social benefits; now,
	therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas
	hereby encourage the Texas Department of Transportation to develop
	and support bikeway network projects; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That the department leverage $8 to $80 million from
	existing federal funds designated for non-motorized 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 official copies of this resolution be
	forwarded 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 of the members of the 86th Texas
	Legislature.