Active transportation planning for communities

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Hike and bike trails

Hike and bike trails help communities meet shared value goals by creating a space to stay connected, be active, and embrace nature. Active trails shape the liveability and mobility for long-term community attractiveness.

With the pace of urbanization, pre-emptive planning for further development of hike and bike trails should become a priority during municipal, and county planning. This may include considerations for new planning development, revitalization of existing parks, or conversion of brownfield or abandoned properties into green spaces.

Active transportation benefits

Properly engineered trails provide a safer, more comfortable environment for the growing number of people riding bikes or using other forms of active transportation. Plus, they benefit everyone.

Creating equity

Trails support equitable community and revitalize growth when planned thoughtfully. Accessible and connected amenities benefit everyone. By keeping our parks and trails beautiful, accessible, safe, and functional, we ensure equitable access to nature and promote healthier lifestyles. Creating community connectivity within and between neighborhoods, schools, and community centers as well as increasing economic vitality are driving factors that show why we need to focus on this urban mobility development.

Quality of life

Active transportation increases the quality of life, general health, and well-being of those who use it or live nearby. Benefits from these trails include access to jobs, potential pollution reduction, exercise opportunities, and access to nature. It also supports the revitalization of nearby, connected communities and enables competitiveness with peer cities that are setting the bar.

Environmental considerations

Environmental impacts should always be considered as part of the project design. Sustainable design will consider beneficial impacts to water quality and general ecology. Example elements may include wetland plantings, pocket prairies, and permeable pavers. Planting selections will also vary based on plants native to the area and general environmental conditions.

Other environmental and sustainability factors to include during planning are:

Resiliency in Floodways and Floodplains
Erosion control
Sustainable/nature-based solutions

Considerations for trail design

Slopes, grades, and existing land conditions all play a role in the applied geometry used to design a trail plan. Safety elements are another critical element to factor in the design to ensure usability and trail adoption.

11b. New sidewalk and trail under large tree just south of Holmes Ct looking north.jpg

Factors for planning

Geometry (horizontal and vertical)

Trail intersections
Street intersections or crossings
On-street pavement conditions
Drainage
Trail edge protection
AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities
ADA requirements
Retaining wall types/drainage
Maintenance access

Safety considerations

Lighting
Callbox/blue phone
Striping/signing
Railing
On-street painted/delineated/separated
Trail tie-ins
Vehicle prohibition
Crossings signals
Horizontal clearance from vertical obstructions

Our experience

RPS has delivered hundreds of miles of pedestrian, bicycle, and trail projects across Texas working directly with city staff in Public Works, Traffic, Transportation, Watershed Protection, and Parks and Recreation Departments.

We understand the requirements of various stakeholders and potential project challenges and use this experience to manage the processes involving permitting, contractor direction, public involvement, and TDLR compliance.

From trail design, site assessment, field observation, environmental engineering, and trail construction management our diverse expertise ensures absolute delivery of every project.