Dallas City Council Approves 2025 Bike Plan, First Update Since 2011
The comprehensive plan aims to expand Dallas's biking network, emphasizing safety, comfort, and maintenance for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Originally developed in 1975, the Dallas Bike Plan serves as the city's roadmap for implementing on-street and off-street bike lanes throughout the metropolitan area. Wednesday's update significantly expands the existing network with a strategic focus on accessibility.
'City Council has made a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change,' District 6 Council Member Omar Narvaez said. 'One of the ways of doing that is to reduce the number of people driving in cars or by themselves.'
The updated plan introduces a phased, flexible approach to project development as funding becomes available. City officials have reported that prioritized routes will target infrastructure gaps identified through extensive community engagement.
Dallas residents emphasized connecting existing network gaps, providing better trail and transit links, and enhancing bicycle access near schools. The plan also prioritizes more connections in the city's denser neighborhoods.
Community input remains central to implementation. In the coming months, city staff will establish a permanent bicycle advisory committee to help advance the plan's objectives.
'We know that getting more people to bike isn't just about building a network,' said Dr. Gus Khankarli, director of the Dallas Transportation and Public Works Department. 'This plan integrates with our multi-modal system and gives us a set of key action items that should be targeted over the next five to ten years by staff in several city departments and in coordination with our advocacy partners.'
The city will continue neighborhood engagement as future bike projects move into development phases.
Dallas currently holds bronze-level certification as a Bicycle Friendly Community from The League of American Bicyclists. Data shows that 40 percent of Dallas bike trips cover three miles or less, a distance cyclists can typically complete in 15 minutes on direct routes.
The complete 2025 Dallas Bike Plan is accessible online at www.dallasbikeplan2025.org.
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