The City of Austin is seeking public input on ways to improve its walking and biking routes.
On Jan. 18, Austin Public Works and the Austin Transportation Department launched the ATX Walk Bike Roll Public Input Map whereby residents of the city will be allowed to provide their feedback on how the walking and biking routes in the city can be improved.
"We have a unified plan and serve as one network. It just seemed so natural to come together. Also, nice to go into the public and ask them what they need," said Katie Wettick.
Using this mapping tool, the public will now be able to point out exactly where they want new bikeways, improved street crossings and urban trail routes. They will also be able to pinpoint any barriers that need to be addressed.
"Together we can bring the safety and connectivity that everybody deserves," said Laura Dierenfield with the Austin Transportation Department. "It's very interactive. You can also upvote where you can say, 'Hey, this person found the one I was thinking about.'"
The tool targets a diverse range of communities, especially those who are usually left out whenever it comes to affordable and accessible transportation.
"Our big push is really trying to get a lot of public input and get public input from a diverse audience. Our goal is, we don't want to hear from the same people we're always hearing from," Wettick said.
Austin officials say changes are needed to be made to the Urban Trails Program to keep in step with the city's rapid growth.
The Urban Trails Plan is one of three separate plans that form the ATXWBR project.
The updates for ATXWBR will take two whole years to reach completion. The project is currently in Phase 2 and is estimated to be completed in early 2023.