Draft:Austin urban trails program

• Comment: Drats should be notable before accepted. The draft is lacking significant coverage in multiple reliable sources. Safari Scribe^{Edits! Talk!} 22:50, 18 August 2024 (UTC)

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The Austin Transportation and Public Works Urban Trails Program is an initiative working to connect all the city’s existing trails and bikeways into one large Austin-wide trail. Urban trails are wide, paved pathways that are generally separated from street traffic. These trails are designed to connect with both sidewalk and bicycle networks, providing a safe and comfortable experience for walkers and cyclists alike. The official website of the City of Austin, Speak Up Austin! says “the Plan envisions a system of urban trails that equitably connects all of Austin so that people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can travel from one end of the city to another in a safe and healthy way. As part of the plan update, the Urban Trails Program is presenting a new proposed urban trail network.”

History The development of urban trails in Austin dates back to the early 2000s when the city began to recognize the potential benefits of a well-connected trail system. Initial efforts focused on creating individual trails and greenways, which gradually evolved into a more comprehensive approach. The adoption of the 2023 Urban Trails Plan marks a significant milestone in this journey, providing a detailed roadmap for the future expansion and improvement of the trail network.

Goals As the Urban Trails Program launches, the City has outlined a list of goals and objectives to keep the project focused. Expansion of Trail Network: The main focus aims to continue expanding the trail network to cover more areas of the city. Future projects will focus on connecting existing trails, filling gaps in the network, and extending trails to underserved communities. Enhanced Connectivity: The program seeks to improve connectivity between trails and other modes of transportation, such as public transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian pathways. This integrated approach will make it easier for people to navigate the city and access key destinations. Sustainable Design: Sustainability is a core principle of the Urban Trails Program. Future projects will incorporate green infrastructure, native landscaping, and environmentally friendly materials to minimize the impact on natural resources and promote ecological health. Community Engagement: The city will continue to engage with the community through surveys, public meetings, and online platforms to gather input and ensure that the trail network meets the evolving needs of residents. Community involvement is essential for the success of the program and helps build a sense of ownership and pride in the trail system. Funding and Partnerships: Securing adequate funding is crucial for the continued development of the Urban Trails Program. The city will explore various funding sources, including federal grants, state programs, and private partnerships, to support trail projects. Collaborating with local organizations, businesses, and community groups will also be key to leveraging resources and expertise.

Community Public opinion shows strong support for the development of urban trails. Many citizens highlight the benefits of improved mobility, enhanced quality of life, and increased opportunities for outdoor recreation. A survey from KVUE also underscored the importance of promoting racial equity through trail development, ensuring that all communities have access to safe and well-maintained trails.

The City of Austin has been welcoming public input on what features are most desired in these trails. A public engagement survey from 2022 lists the following in reference to prioritization:

• Improved access to parks and open spaces
• Improved access to job centers and citywide destinations, such as downtown and universities Improved access to local, nearby destinations, such as corner stores and schools
• Improved connections across major barriers such as highways, railroads, and creeks
• Fills gaps in the urban trail system
• Improved access to transit

Katie Wettick from the Public Works Department also acknowledges some demographics have been overlooked in the past and is using the Urban Trails program “ to rectify that by looking at how we add infrastructure in historically underserved areas.”

Building Trails The Urban Trails program includes several projects and will take the form of 3 tiers. Tier 1 (94 miles) will include the top-priority urban trail projects. These projects are already in the designing phases and are planned to be implemented within the next 20 years based on funding. Tier 2 & 3 (78 miles & 96 miles) will take a more opportunistic approach and be implemented if partnerships and opportunities arise.

Below are the 3 largest projects the city will work on in Tier 1.

1. Walnut Creek Trail: This trail is one of the flagship projects of the Urban Trails Program. It spans multiple neighborhoods in East Austin and provides connections to parks, schools, and other important destinations. The development of the Walnut Creek Trail is being carried out in phases starting in 2023, each phase will connect new sections of the trail together.
2. Shoal Creek Trail: This is the key north-south corridor in Austin. The trail connects downtown Austin with northern neighborhoods, offering a scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists connecting at the Colorado River.
3. Southern Walnut Creek Trail: This trail extends the Walnut Creek Trail network to the southern parts of Austin and towards downtown, providing additional connectivity and access to recreational areas.