The concept of each Build Alternative being evaluated in detail for the Draft EIS is to accommodate multiple modes of travel.  The safety of bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as accessibility to nearby facilities and destinations are important considerations.  Every transportation agency has the responsibility to improve conditions and opportunities for walking and bicycling and to integrate these uses into their transportation systems.   Because of the numerous individual and community benefits that walking and bicycling provide - including health, safety, environmental, transportation, and quality of life - transportation agencies are encouraged to go beyond minimum standards to provide safe and convenient facilities for these modes (USDOT, 2010). 

 
The Alamo Regional Mobility Authority's 2011-2015 Strategic Plan outlines our goal to leave the environment better than it is today and to balance the needs for congestion relief with ways to protect the environment more than it is being protected today.  This goal is carried directly into the Loop 1604 project development process by using a Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) approach in the EIS planning phase, and continuing through design, and ultimately into construction, operations and maintenance should a Build Alternative be selected.  The CSS approach produces a project that not only identifies and addresses key transportation challenges, but also becomes an asset for the surrounding communities and natural environment.  

Based on the CSS approach, members of the Community Advisory Group reviewed and identified opportunities for social and natural connections in their May 3, 2011 meeting.   In small group discussions, participants identified using part of the Loop 1604 right-of-way as a means of connecting the Salado Creek and Leon Creek greenways, both of which already extend almost all of the way to Loop 1604.

Proposed Multi-Use Path Build Alternatives 1, 2, and 3 from Culebra Rd to Blanco Rd

CAG members envisioned a bicycle/pedestrian facility in the right-of-way but separated from the roadway by native shrubs, trees, and vegetation that would serve as a soft barrier.  This concept could also provide a means for managing stormwater runoff through Low Impact Development (LID) techniques that strive to maintain or restore the movement of water through a site as close to pre-developed conditions as possible. 

Click image to view enlarged map of bicycle facilities and destinations

Based on the concept identified by CAG members, the proposed Build Alternatives include a new facility for bicyclists and pedestrians, along with improvements at interchanges and intersections to better facilitate the safe movement of cyclists and pedestrians. The proposed multi-use path would extend from Culebra Road to Blanco Road, a distance of approximately 15.5 miles. The location and distance of this proposed path allow for connections with existing and planned on-street facilities (bike lanes and routes) and off-street trails (greenways and parks with bicycle trails). This path would also serve pedestrian and cyclist frequented destinations like UTSA and provide the needed infrastructure to route pedestrian and cyclist traffic to a future facility that would extend to Government Canyon State Natural Area. Click on image for an enlarged view of the priority segment for Loop 1604 in regards to bicycle use and its relationship to other bicycle facilities and destinations.