Active Transportation
Why Active Transportation Planning Matters
Active transportation is growing in the Alamo Area. Educating the community about the benefits of a transportation system with multimodal options is an integral part of AAMPO’s active transportation planning process. While the region faces challenges of increasing traffic congestion, notable obesity and diabetes rates, and looming air quality problems, active transportation modes like bicycling and walking provide benefits to both human and environmental health as well as the efficiency of the transportation network. Very importantly, pedestrian and bicycle networks that are accessible, direct, and continuous have been shown to be economically beneficial to the neighborhoods around them and improve safety for everyone using the roadway.
Did You Know?
AAMPO has been designated a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Business by the League of American Bicyclists in 2015.
The Benefits of Active Transportation
Active Transportation Program
In support of a multimodal transportation system, the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) has developed the Active Transportation Program. The program recognizes the need to plan for everyone and all modes of travel, whether young or old, motorist or bicyclist, walker or wheelchair user, or transit rider. Goals of AAMPO’s Active Transportation Program are to:
- Educate residents and public officials on the advantages of walking and bicycling as viable modes of transportation.
- Help the community identify infrastructure improve-ments that will encourage walking and cycling.
- Serve as a two-way communication forum between the community, AAMPO, and its transportation partners, municipalities, and local residents.
How to Participate:
If you or your community would like to participate in this program, review our Active Transportation Program Policy and procedure, complete an Active Transportation Program application, and submit it to AAMPO’s Active Transportation Planner, via regular mail, e-mail, fax, or hand delivery.
Download Program ApplicationYour Active Transportation Program can include any combination of the following:
The program design assists neighborhoods in identifying infrastructure improvements to encourage walking and bicycling to restaurants, schools, businesses and parks. The program brings the transportation partner agencies staff and residents together in a workshop environment to discuss transportation issues and concerns in the area that pose a barrier to the community being pedestrian and cycling friendly. Concerns other than transportation are also discussed at workshops, such as safety and code compliance.
Benefits of the Active Transportation Program include an improved quality of life by identifying the barriers. It promotes improved physical fitness and better health for individuals and an increase in social interaction in the community. By educating residents on the system changes that sustain a walking and biking environment they are better able to discuss their neighborhood’s future plans.
Reports summarizing the workshops are provided to elected officials and effected agencies for planning purposes. The reports provide a means to begin dialogue between the residents and community leaders. The MPO hopes to continue the program and believes strongly it supports the planning efforts of partnering agencies and municipalities in the region.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety briefings are available for children and teenagers. The classes last between 30 minutes and 1 ½ hours depending on the needs of the requesting organization. Set up needs are minimal. Participants are given hand-outs to take home and are asked to discuss the class with their parents. The class encourages children to think about safety and to engage parents in a conversation to promote additional safety discussion.
The purpose of a bike rodeo is to support and/or provide bicycle safety information and guidance to children. Helmets will be provided whenever possible if children are without. The participants leave the rodeo with self confidence that comes with practice and with a helmet for safe riding. If Rodeo set up is needed it takes approximately one hour, with the rodeo taking another 1 ½ hours depending on the number and ability of participants. Additionally, the rodeo requires a minimum of 10 volunteers to assist the coordinator. Bicycle Rodeos can be developed by the Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator and can include up to 4 events. It is suggested that bicycle rodeos be supported with a safety class before the rodeo.
Street Skills
New to city bicycling? Returning to bicycling from a long hiatus? Just want to be more in tune with bike progress in the Alamo Area or become more confident riding on streets, in mixed traffic?
AAMPO’s Street Skills class is a free, hour-long program for adults and mature teens who want to understand where bicyclists fit on the street. It covers important street riding information in a classroom-style session. Street Skills class provides real-life examples of city bicycling scenarios and how best to handle them so that you enjoy pleasant, stress-free rides.
Each class participant receives a helmet and bike light set, thanks to funding by the City of San Antonio Public Works Department. Advance registration is requested of all participants; walk-in students are welcome but are not guaranteed a helmet and light set.
Street Skills classes are open to adults and teens who are at least 14 years old. Participants between 14 and 18 years old must attend with a legal guardian.
Click the button below to browse and register for an upcoming Street Skills Class!
AAMPO offers Street Skills classes monthly at our office, providing multiple opportunities to attend a class that fits best with your schedule. For those interested in hosting a class, our team can also bring the program to your community or organization upon request. Just fill out the form below.
Upcoming Street Skills Classes
Resources
Recent Plans & Studies
Bike Share Master Plan (Nov. 2018)
The purpose of this study was to evaluate and make recommendations on the existing Bike Share program within Bexar County and determine the feasibility of implementing a bike share program in New Braunfels, Seguin and Boerne.
Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Planning Study (2016)
The primary purpose of the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Study was to assess current bicycle and pedestrian conditions in the City of Boerne, City of New Braunfels, City of Seguin and make recommendations on future facilities. Work specific to the City of San Antonio was to include recommendations for pedestrian facilities and conduct detailed work within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
Other Plans/Studies
- Bicycle Master Plan (City of San Antonio - San Antonio Bikes)
- Complete Streets Resolution
- Pedestrian Safety Action Plan
Rack Cards & Brochures
Alamo Commutes
Whether you’re relocating, starting a new job, or wanting to change your commute, Alamo Commutes can help rethink your trip to work. Our services are free to residents or employees of Bexar, Comal, and Guadalupe Counties, as well as a portion of Kendall County.
Active Transportation
The Active Transportation Program educates people on the advantages of walking and riding a bicycle as viable modes of transportation, helps identify infrastructure improvements, and allows for two-way communication.
Bike Right
Bicycling is a fun, healthy, and eco-friendly form of transportation. Stay safe while biking by following these safety tips:
Walk Safe
Walking is a fun, healthy, and eco-friendly form of transportation. Stay safe while walking by following these safety tips:
Maps
San Antonio-Bexar County Bike Map - 5th Edition (2016)
This map evaluates roadways within San Antonio and Bexar County on it's "Level of Traffic Stress". Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) is an approach that quantifies how stressful it feels to ride a bike close to cars, buses and other traffic. The Alamo Area MPO and City of San Antonio have worked together on a modified approach to evaluating traffic stress in the MPO’s study area.
Download MapPrevious Versions: 4th Edition (2014) | 3rd Edition (2009) | 2nd Edition (2006) | 1st Edition (2001)