'Make your voice heard': Austin to hold virtual meeting on bike trail project for underrepresented communities

Local Government
Adler2
Austin Mayor Steve Adler said citizens can provide valuable feedback at the meeting. | Facebook

The City of Austin will host a public virtual meeting on the ATX Walk Bike Roll project on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m.

City leaders are seeking feedback to help develop renovations on existing sidewalks, trails and bike paths, with the focus centered on what areas of the city need these public improvements the most.

"A great opportunity to make your voice heard and help grow Austin mobility! Mark your calendars for Aug. 11," Austin Mayor Steve Adler said.

The ATX Walk Bike Roll project is focused on equity and inclusion, from the way we reach out to communities to the way we make decisions, according to a city website.

"We know that previous planning efforts have invested more heavily in some parts of Austin and have contributed to challenges communities of color face when it comes to transportation access, health and safety,” the City of Austin states. “Through this effort, we’re working to build partnerships across Austin and create more welcoming places for everyone to walk, bike and roll.”

Every neighborhood deserves accessible transportation options, the Austin Transportation Department said.

“We’ve partnered with Austin Public Works to create ATX Walk Bike Roll, a project to update our sidewalk, urban trails and bikeway plans," the department said.

The city initiated the project with an equity scan where they interviewed local leaders of  historically underrepresented groups and asked questions regarding how can the city can improve outreach and what concerns they have.

“Our Public Outreach Plan strives to engage a racially and economically diverse set of people about the challenges and opportunities facing historically underrepresented groups – specifically, people of color, in conversations around transportation, access to nature and neighborhood connectivity,” the city stated.

The city also reviewed how regional plans and projects have or have not addressed equity. Those interested in attending the event can register here.