August 18, 2016

The Honorable Chris Monceballez City of New Braunfels 424 S. Castell Avenue New Braunfels, Texas 78130 Dear Councilman Monceballez:

The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) was created by federal law to provide a comprehensive, cooperative and continuous transportation planning process for cities with a population of 50,000 or greater. The MPO’s mission is to provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods consistent with the region’s overall economic, social and environmental goals. The Walkable Community Program is one initiative by the MPO to move the region towards a system that supports active transportation such as walking, bicycling and transit as viable options to driving in a single occupancy vehicle. The MPO’s Walkable Community Program is designed to encourage and promote physical activity by identifying issues that prohibit children and adults from walking, bicycling and using transit. On May 10, 2016, the MPO staff, in cooperation with our transportation partners, conducted a Walkable Community Workshop at the New Braunfels High School. The workshop was attended by approximately 16 residents and agency staff. Feedback from the event is summarized in the attached report.

Please consider this report as you identify future projects for funding. AAMPO will be seeking project applications during our Transportation Alternatives (TA) Funding Program project call, scheduled to open October 1, 2016. We would appreciate the opportunity to visit with you about our Walkable Community Program, the specific findings of this report and/or the TA program. For more information, please contact Linda Vela, AICP, Planning/Public Involvement Program Manager at 210-230-6929 or by email at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Isidro G. Martinez

cc:

The Honorable Ron Reaves, City of New Braunfels, Council District 3 Mr. Garry Ford, Jr., P.E., City of New Braunfels, City Engineer Mr. Matthew Simmont, City of New Braunfels, Planning Mr. Ken Wilson, City of New Braunfels, Parks & Recreation Mr. Mario Jorge, P.E., San Antonio District Engineer, Texas Department of Transportation

825 South Saint Mary’s Street • San Antonio, Texas 78205  (210) 227-8651  (210) 227-9321 TTD 1 (800) 735-2989

 www.alamoareampo.org

Walkable Community Workshop: California and Lakeview Area

825 South Saint Mary’s Street San Antonio, Texas 78205 www.alamoareampo.org  (210) 227-8651  (210) 227-9321 www.alamoareampo.org

New Braunfels, TX | May 2016

Prepared in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and Federal Transit Administration

1

Table of Contents Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................................. 2 List of Figures ......................................................................................................................................................... 2 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 3 What is AAMPO? .......................................................................................................................................... 3 Why are walkable communities important?..................................................................................... 4 What is a Walkable Community Workshop (WCW)? .................................................................... 5 California & Lakewood Area Workshop ....................................................................................................... 6 Area Background ......................................................................................................................................... 6 The Workshop .............................................................................................................................................. 8 List of All Neighborhood Concerns Identified .................................................................................. 8 Potential Treatments ........................................................................................................................................ 11 Existing Plans and Potential Programs and Funding Sources .......................................................... 14 Next Steps ............................................................................................................................................................. 18 Appendix A – Blazosky, Allison. “Walkable Community Workshop” 2016 Presentation ...... 19

List of Figures

Figure 1: Walkability yields many benefits. Photo credit: WalkDenver.org .................................. 4 Figure 2: AAMPO staff present to attendees of a Walkable Community Workshop ................... 5 Figure 3: Groups experience a walk to nearby destinations ................................................................ 5 Figure 4: Participants map challenges to biking and walking ............................................................. 5 Figure 5: Map of the study area boundary for the California & Lakeview Area workshop ...... 7 Figure 6: Residents within the workshop study area identified ways to improve walking and bicycling ........................................................................................................................................................ 10 Figure 7: A traffic circle with a mountable curb slows vehicle speeds while still allowing continuous traffic flow and emergency vehicle access ....................................................................... 11 Figure 8. Chicanes are combined with a mini traffic circle at a ‘T’ intersection, similar to the intersection of California Blvd and Ohio Avenue................................................................................... 11 Figure 9: In a lane diet, travel lanes are narrowed to create space for a crossing island and bike lanes............................................................................................................................................................... 12 Figure 10: Sidewalks should be at least five feet wide, which allows two people to walk side-by-side .......................................................................................................................................................... 12 Figure 11: The Seattle Department of Transportation is considering cost-effective designs and materials such as dyed asphalt (left) and parking stops (right) ............................................. 13

2

California & Lakeview Area Walkable Community Workshop Report May 10, 2016

Introduction AAMPO was selected for the 2004 Walkable Community Workshop (WCW) Program – part of an effort by the National Center for Bicycling & Walking to help people make a difference in the livability of their communities. WCWs are interactive events that bring together residents, elected officials, advocates, public agency staff, health practitioners and educators to make our communities safer and more enjoyable for walking. Since 2004, AAMPO has held workshops throughout the region, providing information to community members on how we can turn our communities into the kinds of people-friendly places we all like to experience.

What is AAMPO?

The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is the local agency responsible for long-range transportation planning for a region that includes the Counties of Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe and a portion of Kendall County. Our Transportation Policy Board, made up of elected and appointed officials representing the state and the counties, cities and transit agencies within the Alamo Area, leads the MPO. We are responsible for educating and involving the public and local agencies in the decision-making process that channels federal and state funding to transportation projects in our region. Among other goals, our Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Mobility 2040, calls for: • • • • • • •

Identifying opportunities to improve and enhance the regional transportation system and preserve the investment in the existing transportation system Increasing the efficiency of the transportation system and decrease traffic congestion Investing in a public transit system that meets the needs of the region Addressing the social and environmental issues of the region in transportation planning efforts Supporting economic activity, employment growth and encouraging innovative partnerships Continuing to facilitate the involvement and participation of communities, agencies, organizations and the general public in the transportation planning process Maintaining a focus on safety

Making our communities more walkable achieves these goals and more. 3

Why are walkable communities important? They benefit the transportation system. Walkable communities that give people the option to walk, bike or ride the bus can reduce overall traffic congestion and preserve existing road infrastructure by converting trips many of us drive alone into bus rides, bike rides and walks. Many traffic-calming techniques that improve the walkability of a street also improve safety for all road users, 1 so even if you do not personally enjoy walking or biking, you still benefit from living in a walkable community.

Walkability boosts the local economy. Communities that have taken steps to increase their walkability are reporting increased retail sales 2 and enhancement of nearby property values 3. They benefit the environment. Pollutants are released into the air when we make trips alone in a vehicle. Walking and riding a bike emit no pollutants. Communities that are pedestrian-friendly contribute to better air quality, and their density consolidates energy usage. It’s easier to be active. Walkable communities allow routine trips to be made by biking, walking and using a wheelchair, helping residents meet their recommended minimum amount of physical activity.

They benefit our quality of life. Communities with inviting public spaces and accessible greenspace provide opportunities for neighborly interaction.

Figure 1: Walkability yields many benefits. Photo credit: WalkDenver.org 1

Walking gives those who don’t drive a travel choice. In the Alamo Area, almost one in five people (19.3%) is school-age (5 to 17), and more than one in ten (11.3%) of others are seniors age 65 or older 4. Thirteen percent of the population has a disability, and 7.3% of households have no available vehicle. Biking, walking and wheelchair rolling are necessary for many people in these population groups to lead active and independent lives.

Federal Highway Administration. Road Diets (Roadway Reconfiguration). FHWA. 29 Jan 2015. Web. 2 Nov 2015. 2 Salt Lake City Division of Transportation. 300 South Progress Report. Salt Lake City, UT: Salt Lake City Division of Transportation, 2015.SLC Gov. Sept 2015. Web. 2 Nov, 2015. 3 Majors, Jessica, and Sue Burow. Assessment of the Impact of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick. Indianapolis, IN: Indiana U Public Policy Institute, 2015. Indy Cultural Trail. 23 July 2015. Web. 2 Nov 2015. 4 U.S. Census Bureau, 2010-2014 5-Year American Community Survey

4

What is a Walkable Community Workshop (WCW)? WCWs can be flexed to the needs of the community. Workshops begin with an educational presentation on what makes a community walkable and may include a walking audit of a surrounding street or streets. Participants are then tasked with a mapping exercise to identify existing challenges to walking and biking in their community and potential solutions. The process concludes with a report summarizing the feedback from workshop participants and recommendations for realistic next steps that the community can take to achieve their ideas. A traditional workshop includes:

Part 1: Presentation – AAMPO’s Active Transportation Planner talks to the group about why walkability matters and the elements that encourage or discourage walkability. The planner provides examples of programs, policies and projects that can create walkable communities. Part 2 (optional): Walking Audit – The walking audit gives participants a chance to walk through the area and connect what they learned from the presentation to the actual challenges they experience when using the street as a pedestrian.

Part 3: Mapping – During the mapping exercise, the planner divides participants into small groups to document on maps where they observe challenges to biking and walking – either from the walking audit or in their day-to-day use of the area. Each small group is asked to prioritize their Top 3 potential connections identified during the mapping exercise and report these back to the group.

5

Figure 2: AAMPO staff present to attendees of a Walkable Community Workshop

Figure 3: Groups experience a walk to nearby destinations

Figure 4: Participants map challenges to biking and walking

California & Lakewood Area Workshop Area Background

The MPO collaborated with The Institute for Public Health and Research (TIPHER) and the City of New Braunfels to facilitate this workshop focused on bicycle and pedestrian mobility in the area adjacent to New Braunfels High School.

The workshop was held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 10, 2016, at New Braunfels High School. The study area is bounded by Loop 337 on the north, Lakeview Boulevard on the south, the Panther Canyon Nature Trail on the west and the railroad tracks on the east (see Figure 5). City of New Braunfels Councilmen Ron Reaves, District 3, and Chris Monceballez, District 4; Comal County Commissioners Donna Eccleston, Precinct 1, and Jen Crownover, Precinct 4; Texas Representative Doug Miller, House District 73; and Texas Senator Donna Campbell, M.D., Senate District 25, represent the workshop area.

The neighborhood is home to many community gathering spaces including the high school, Panther Canyon Nature Trail, EdenHill retirement community, and an access point into Landa Park. It is also situated across Loop 337 from the future site of the Veramendi master-planned community. Sixteen residents, community organizations and transportation professionals attended the WCW. Councilman Monceballez also participated in the workshop. The workshop coincided with construction projects ongoing or scheduled along the perimeter of the community. These include: •

•

Pedestrian and bike facility enhancements on Landa Street from N. Walnut Avenue to California Boulevard (TxDOT Project ID 021502056) 5 Expansion of Loop 337 from two lanes to four lanes divided, including sidewalk and bike accommodation, between River Road and SH 46 (TxDOT Project ID 021601055)

Additionally, New Braunfels was one of the focus areas of AAMPO’S 2016 Regional Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Study (www.alamoareampo.org/studies). In April 2016, the City of New Braunfels began a Landa Park & Arboretum Master Plan (www.nbtexas.org/landaparkmasterplan) and, later in the year, is kicking off a two-year Comprehensive Planning process.

5

For updates on this and other TxDOT projects, visit http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/projecttracker.html

6

Figure 5: Map of the study area boundary for the California & Lakeview Area workshop

7

The Workshop

The workshop began with a presentation on the building blocks and benefits of walkable communities. Following the presentation (attached in Appendix A), participants divided into three groups to provide comments about the walkability and bikeability of the neighborhood. Each group drew their comments on a map of the study area. The map identified where sidewalks exist, current posted speed limits, as well as the locations of automobile crashes during 2014-2016. The group’s ideas for improving bicycling and walking are listed below and visualized in the map shown in Figure 8.

To summarize the discussion, the workshop participants prioritized their top priorities for bicycle and pedestrian connections they believed could make a large impact on the walkability of that neighborhood. These priorities are noted below in bold.

List of All Neighborhood Concerns Identified

Access to Landa Park

Traffic Calming

California Blvd from Lakeview Blvd to Landa Park is narrow and bordered by a guardrail and steep terrain. All three groups voiced a strong need for more comfortable access from the neighborhood to Landa Park, with two groups calling it their top priority. Residents pointed out how close they live to the community asset, but how uncomfortable it is to walk or ride a bike to it. Participants suggested: • Making it more comfortable for people walking and biking by building a sidewalk or shared use path out from the edge • Considering limiting traffic on that section of California Blvd by restricting it to people walking, biking or using golf carts Residents identified speeding issues on Oakwood Blvd from Loop 337 to Lakeview Blvd. They suggested bike lanes and/or speed humps to narrow the roadway and slow traffic on this wide, straight roadway. Other roadways residents desired to see traffic slowed, suggesting speed humps, included California and Lakeview Blvds. Residents proposed converting the intersection of Lakeview and California Blvds into a roundabout to calm traffic. Currently, a stop sign on Lakeview Blvd stops cross-traffic on that street.

Residents suggested continuing the new road diet along Ohio Avenue from New Braunfels High School all the way through to California Blvd Table continued on next page

8

Table continued from previous page

Residents called for a shared use path on one side of Lakeview Blvd from California Blvd to River Road as a high priority, noting that there are lots of people who walk and bike along this road and that there appears to be plenty of right-of-way

Safe places to walk and bike

Crossings

There was some debate on where sidewalks are needed. One group observed that there are no sidewalks on side streets of California Blvd and that they are not necessarily needed there. Another group listed sidewalks as their top priority, including on some side streets. The streets residents wished to see sidewalks along include: • Ohio Avenue from New Braunfels High School to California Blvd • California Blvd from Loop 337 to Lakeview Blvd • Oakwood Blvd from Loop 337 to Lakeview Blvd • Lakeview Blvd from California Blvd to the workshop boundary • Texas Avenue between California and Oakwood Blvds • Side streets of Lakeview Blvd, including Lakeview Terrace, Lakeview Circle, Tuscan Ridge and continuous sidewalks in Eden Hill retirement community Residents suggested installing traffic lights at these intersections: • Loop 337 at Oakwood Blvd • Loop 337 and California Blvd • Loop 337 and Castlewood Drive

9

Figure 6: Residents within the workshop study area identified ways to improve walking and bicycling

10

Potential Treatments The MPO’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP) contains profiles of 43 street treatments for improving safety for people walking. The full PSAP may be downloaded at www.alamoareampo.org/Studies. Based on residents’ expressed desire to improve access within the neighborhood, we recommend traffic calming treatments (in bold) for the area such as:

Mini traffic circles are circular islands installed in the center of appropriate residential street intersections to reduce traffic speeds and collisions (PSAP, p. 10809). Ideal candidates for this type of traffic calming feature are intersections of residential streets that are designated bicycle routes or where a wide, straight street makes it easy to speed through, resulting in a history of crashes. Examples may be the intersection of California and Lakeview Blvds. Installation depends on a Figure 7: A traffic circle with a mountable curb slows traffic study. While traffic circles require vehicle speeds while still allowing continuous traffic drivers to reduce speed, they still allow for flow and emergency vehicle access continuous traffic flow and can be installed in lieu of signals or stop signs (Figure 12). Larger vehicles that make wider turns can be accommodated by building traffic circles with mountable curbs. Another feature that calms the flow of traffic are chicanes (PSAP, p. 106-07). By extending the curb at the corner or midblock, chicanes narrow the width of the street to one lane, causing drivers to slow their speed to navigate around the feature or yield to another driver (Figure 13). This kind of traffic calming feature is recommended when there is a high volume of high-speed cut-through traffic and on routes that are frequented by children walking or biking to school. Chicanes work Figure 8. Chicanes are combined with a mini traffic circle at a ‘T’ intersection, similar to the intersection best as part of a comprehensive of California Blvd and Ohio Avenue neighborhood traffic calming program where other features are also being installed.

11

Existing vehicle lane widths can be wider than needed. On roadways where vehicle lane widths are greater than needed, a lane diet may be a good solution (PSAP, p. 10001). The term lane diet refers to reducing vehicle lane widths, which encourages slower vehicular speeds and reduces crossing widths, improving conditions for people walking. It may also provide sufficient space for installing a bicycle lane or constructing/widening sidewalks.

Figure 9: In a lane diet, travel lanes are narrowed to create space for a crossing island and bike lanes

Sidewalks and walkways (PSAP, p. 64-65) provide people with space to travel within the public right-of-way that is separated from motor vehicles. Sidewalks are associated with significant reductions in pedestrian collisions with motor vehicles. The recommended minimum clear width (free from obstructions) for a sidewalk or walkway is 5 feet, which allows two people to pass comfortably or to walk side-by-side (Figure 14). Wider sidewalks should be prioritized near schools and in downtown Figure 10: Sidewalks should be at least five feet wide, areas where many people walk. Sidewalks which allows two people to walk side-by-side should be continuous along both sides of a street, fully accessible to all pedestrians, including those in wheelchairs, and buffered from the street’s curb. AAMPO’s 2016 Regional Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Study (pg 35-51 of Ch. 5) recommends: • A side path wide enough for both walking and biking on one side of California Blvd from Lakeview Blvd to Landa Park entrance • Sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides of California Blvd from Loop 337 to Lakeview Blvd (first priority) • Sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides of Lakeview Blvd from California Blvd to E Torrey Street (second priority) • Bike lanes on Ohio Avenue from New Braunfels High School to California Blvd (second priority) • A side path on the north side of Loop 337 from SH 46 to River Road (first priority) • A sidewalk on the south side of Loop 337 from Castlewood Drive to the future Veramendi development (second priority) 12

The Seattle Department of Transportation unveiled a proposal in October 2015 6 that would increase the number of sidewalks throughout Seattle by utilizing more cost-effective designs and materials. Some examples include: • Cheaper asphalt sidewalks that are dyed and stamped to look like brick • Installing a raised curb or line of parking stops to create a new dedicated walking space • Building a sidewalk on just one side of the street that is integrated with gardens to catch and filter rainwater

Figure 11: The Seattle Department of Transportation is considering cost-effective designs and materials such as dyed asphalt (left) and parking stops (right)

The methods of traffic calming described above are ways of “moving the curb” to extend the space allocated to active transportation modes and improve the experience of walking and bicycling. Quick, temporary options to implement these treatments include painting chicanes and holding Open Streets events where streets are temporarily closed to car traffic. Potential funding sources and programs for more permanent solutions are described below.

6

Office of the Mayor. “Mayor unveils proposal to build more sidewalks in Seattle neighborhoods.” Seattle.gov. Oct 21, 2015. http://murray.seattle.gov/mayor-unveils-proposal-to-build-more-sidewalks-in-seattle-neighborhoods/.

13

Existing Plans and Potential Programs and Funding Sources There are no guaranteed funding sources for projects identified through the WCP. By holding a workshop, though, community members can connect with transportation agencies to identify and prioritize their transportation needs for cars, transit, walking and bicycling. This report represents the community speaking with one voice to assist elected officials and potential funding entities in seeking solutions to their transportation needs. Sharing project costs among several funding sources may be the best opportunity for funding desired projects. Examples of potential funding sources and programs are listed below. This is not a comprehensive list of funding resources and examples may not be appropriate for certain types of projects. Residents are encouraged to work with local government representatives and staff to develop applicable grant and direct project funding. Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG)

Potential Program Walking School Bus: The Walking School Bus program helps to match parents who live in the same neighborhood and would like to have their children walk to and from school together in a group for added safety. Commute Solutions for Schools Phone: (210) 362-5213 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.aacog.com/index.aspx?NID=371

Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) The MPO’s Transportation Policy Board is advised by several standing committees: Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), Bicycle Mobility Advisory Committee (BMAC) and Pedestrian Mobility Advisory Committee (PMAC). Many representatives from New Braunfels and Comal County are members of these committees. Contact information, meeting agendas and packages can be found at: BMAC: http://www.alamoareampo.org/Committees/BMAC PMAC: http://www.alamoareampo.org/Committees/PMAC TAC: http://www.alamoareampo.org/Committees/TAC

Existing Plans • The MPO’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP) defines a set of actions to encourage walking and to make it safer. This plan is a visionary, yet practical, action strategy to make the Alamo Area a great place to walk. Taking advantage of the latest research, national guidance, and practice throughout the United States, the PSAP provides a framework for making decisions about facility design and allocating resources necessary to make walking a viable choice for a wide variety of trips. 14

Phone: 210-227-8651 Email: [email protected] Web: www.alamoareampo.org/Bike-Ped

Potential Funding Sources • Surface Transportation Program – Metropolitan Mobility (STP-MM): The STP-MM is the MPO’s discretionary federal funding program. Projects are selected on a competitive basis. Eligible projects typically include improvements to major roads, streets, highways, bicycle and pedestrian facilities and public transportation projects within the MPO study area. This is a reimbursable funding program and all applicable federal rules apply. Projects may be required to meet a minimum construction cost to be eligible for funding consideration. It is necessary for a public agency, such as TxDOT or the City of Castle Hills, to submit the project during a call for projects. Information on the MPO’s future project calls will be posted on the website below.

•

Phone: 210-227-8651 Email: [email protected] Web: www.alamoareampo.org/Plans/TIP

Transportation Alternatives (TA): TA funds projects that improve access for alternative modes, such as walking, biking and transit. Like STP-MM, it is a reimbursable funding program and all applicable federal rules apply. Projects are selected on a competitive basis and may be required to meet a minimum construction cost to be eligible for funding consideration. It is necessary for a public agency, such as TxDOT or the City of New Braunfels, to submit the project during a call for projects, scheduled to begin October 1, 2016. Information on the MPO’s upcoming project call will be posted on the website below. Phone: 210-227-8651 Email: [email protected] Web: www.alamoareampo.org

City of New Braunfels Working for You: The City of New Braunfels lists contact information for all city services on its website at http://www.nbtexas.org/index.aspx?nid=1478. Among the City of New Braunfels staff who attended the workshop were:

City Engineer Garry Ford, P.E.: [email protected] or 830-221-4020 Planner Matthew Simmont: [email protected] or 830-221-4058 Parks & Recreation Dept. Assistant Director Ken Wilson: [email protected] or 830-2214346

Existing Plans

15

•

•

2013 Bond Program: The $86 million program includes projects in four areas: Street Improvements; Drainage & Flood Control Improvements; Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Improvements; and Economic Development. Phone: (830) 221-4020 Web: http://www.nbtexas.org/index.aspx?nid=1569

Pavement Management Program: The Pavement Management Program is based on applying the right treatment to the right roadway at the right time. Roadways are identified by needs ranging from preventive maintenance to rehabilitation or roadway reconstruction. Most maintenance performed on neighborhood streets is budgeted for in the City’s general fund while bond dollars support medium and major street projects. For a list of proposed maintenance projects for FY2016, please see http://www.nbtexas.org/DocumentCenter/View/7279. Streets and Drainage Division Phone: (830) 221-4030 Web: http://www.nbtexas.org/index.aspx?nid=284

Potential Funding Sources • Community Block Development Grant (CDBG) Program: The City uses its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement funds to revitalize neighborhoods, expand affordable housing, provide economic opportunities and improve community facilities and services, primarily aimed and low and moderateincome persons.

•

Community Development - CDBG Program Phone: (830) 221-4080 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nbtexas.org/index.aspx?NID=90

Comprehensive Plan: The City of New Braunfels Comprehensive Plan is scheduled to be updated. For information on how to participate and other updates, as they become available, visit: Web: http://www.nbtexas.org/203/Comprehensive-Plan

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

Potential Funding Sources • District Discretionary Funds: The San Antonio District of TxDOT encompasses 12 counties including and around Comal County. It is one of 25 districts that oversees the construction and maintenance of state roadways. District discretionary funds address miscellaneous projects selected at the district's discretion. Projects must be on the state roadway system. Roadways within the workshop boundary include the SH 36 / N Walnut Avenue and Loop 337. Phone: 210-615-1110 Web: http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/district/san-antonio.html

16

Examples of National and Private Programs •

National Center for Safe Routes to School: Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs use a variety of education, engineering and enforcement strategies that help make routes safer for children to walk and bicycle to school and encouragement strategies to entice more children to walk and bike. The National Center for Safe Routes to School compiles information on program tools, funding, training, and data that can provide communities and schools the background to initiate their own SRTS program. Phone: 866-610-SRTS Web: www.saferoutesinfo.org

17

Next Steps Copies of this report are provided to the elected officials and appropriate departments within the City of New Braunfels, Comal County and TxDOT. This report is also available on the MPO’s website at www.alamoareampo.org. Here are some steps you can take after your community’s Walkable Community Workshop to build interest, momentum and get desirable results:

Share the report: talk to neighbors, community leaders and other stakeholders who could not attend the WCW. Identify community and individual actions that can help move your community in the right direction towards implementation. Use your community’s report as a resource. It includes contact information for agencies and individuals who can help. Take small steps towards accommodating safe walking and biking, such as promoting safe crossing and riding practices. Partner with local groups on events that promote safety and accessibility for nonmotorized transportation. Advocate for necessary policy changes that support safe and walkable communities. Work with the city to include provisions for non-motorized facilities in the transportation element of the Comprehensive Plan. Attend government meetings to express interest in having more walking and bicycle facilities and improvements to existing facilities. Contact your Legislators to address specific non-motorized concerns in your area. Develop support at your neighborhood level with groups such as the PTA to assist in advocacy activities and implementation. Get the media involved in bringing awareness to the problems and highlighting solutions. Be specific about the issues and use a variety of communication strategies.

Planning for the future is a dynamic process, and planning for an environment that encourages safe and active transportation ensures a healthy, safe and vibrant community. MPO Contact Information:

Linda Alvarado-Vela, AICP Planning/Public Involvement Program Manager Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization 825 S. St. Mary’s Street San Antonio, TX 78205 Phone: 210-227-8651 Fax: 210-227-9321 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.alamoareampo.org 18

Appendix A – Blazosky, Allison. “Walkable Community Workshop” 2016 Presentation

19

8/2/2016

Welcome!     

Introductions Presentation Mapping exercise in small groups: Share the feedback of our small groups Next steps

WALKABLE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP Lakeview & California Neighborhood | May10, 2015

Walkable communities are places where most local trips can be made without a car. Sometimes we refer to walkable as pedestrian-friendly because it means our surroundings are friendly to the presence of people and not just cars.

Why Walkability Matters The walkability of our community influences our health, air quality, traffic congestion and safety

(above) Photo by David Kozlowski; (below) photo by Javion Ray

In 1969, almost half of 5- to 18-year-olds walked to school. Today, 13% do.

Communities that are more walkable see fewer and less severe crashes

Source: Sticky Solutions. Houston/Harris County Community Transformation Initiative

1

8/2/2016

Communities that are more walkable see fewer and less severe crashes

Principles of Walkability

Street connectivity can encourage or discourage transportation choices

Aesthetic improvements make the street a more comfortable and pleasant environment

Safety is improved by infrastructure and programs that slow vehicle speeds and increase how visible and predictable pedestrians and bicyclists are to drivers

In neighborhoods or streets with low speeds, sharrow pavement markings can be appropriate

b a a) Walking school bus b) Mini traffic circle c) Curb extension

c Image: Point Pleasant Beach. NJ photo simulation; Parsons Brinckerhoff

2

8/2/2016

When space is tight, a bike lane can provide a separate space for (slower) uphill riding while the lane can be shared on downhill stretches

In rural settings, shoulders and paths offer a pleasant network. Lighted, signed crossings aid safety where paths cross streets

Image: Point Pleasant Image: Beach. Menomonee NJ photo simulation; Falls, WI;Parsons Google Brinckerhoff Streetview

Image: http://bangordailynews.com

Road diets or rightsizing the street converts part of the street from a through lane to some other use

Planning for Walkability

Image: Portland Bureau of Transportation

Planning for transportation must be cooperative because no single agency has responsibility for the construction, operation, or maintenance of the entire transportation system.

What is community planning and how does this workshop fit into it?

Image: nbtexas.org

All over the country, Planning and Community Development departments help guide growth and development within a city and its ETJ Planning helps communities envision their future. It helps them find the right balance of new development and essential services, environmental protection, and innovative change. - American Planning Association

Greater Bexar County Council of Cities

The MPO plans for transportation projects that give communities travel options including roads, transit, bike lanes and sidewalks. MPOs make areas eligible to receive federal and state funds for projects.

3

8/2/2016

How does a community put plans into action?

How does a community put plans into action?

Projects change the built environment

Programs educate and encourage. They can focus on changing behavior, building awareness or skills, or just be about socializing with neighbors

a a) Walking school bus and remote school bus drop off b) Farmer’s markets

b

City of New Braunfels

How does a community put plans into action?



Policies rewrite the rules so that desired changes become the norm

 

a a) Complete Streets policy b

Next Steps





Committed to improving pedestrian safety for all residents and visitors through sound engineering, education and enforcement Sidewalks are required with new development Lack of sidewalks in many areas of the city Retrofitting pedestrian improvements in established neighborhoods and on older streets is challenging Actively looking for funding opportunities

b) Safe passing law

Go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NewBraunfelsCityBudget

What’s Nearby Mapping Exercise

4

8/2/2016

You can cover a lot of ground in a few minutes by foot or by bike! But, are these modes as convenient and enjoyable as they could be?

20 minutes on foot

Loop 337 (looking NE toward River Road)

10 minutes on a bike

Images: https://www.walkscore.com/score/326-lakeview-terrace-new-braunfels-tx-78130

Ohio Ave (looking east w/ back to NBHS)

Lakeview Blvd (looking SW toward California)

Map challenges and opportunities  

Move to a table with a map and markers As a group, identify on the map any areas that make it particularly challenging or pleasant to walk or ride a bike. 





Be specific about your comment(s) at these locations. Write why:  i.e. Cars take this corner really fast – hard to walk across the street

Next Steps The Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Study shows that 9 in 10 survey respondents in New Braunfels want to walk and bike more and to drive less

Decide on the top three bike and pedestrian connections your table would like to see made Share with the room

5

8/2/2016

Next Steps 



Questions?

The MPO will compile your feedback into a report for the City of New Braunfels, Comal County and community leaders The City is currently evaluating future Capital Projects and beginning a Comprehensive Plan

Photo from http://blog.mysanantonio.com/downtown/

Americans are eating more calories and are less physically active today than a generation ago

Communities that are more walkable see fewer and less severe crashes

Speed reduction has a dramatic impact on pedestrian fatalities Complete Streets encourage safer behavior

Safety in numbers: more people walking and biking reduce the risk per trip Source: Sticky Solutions. Houston/Harris County Community Transformation Initiative

Land use is one of the key ingredients of walkability. It is the term that describes what kind of purpose a piece of land has

Traffic circles on local streets can achieve target speeds of 15-25 mph

Image: MIG

6

8/2/2016

Neighborhood Greenways are residential streets with low volumes of auto traffic and low speeds where bicycles and pedestrians are given priority with speed bumps and traffic diverters to reduce auto cut-through and speeds

Image: Portland Bureau of Transportation

7