Wilbur Smith and Associates, under contract with the Corpus Christi Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), prepared the Corpus Christi MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.  On October 21, 2004, the MPO Technical Advisory Committee recommended approval of the plan.  On November 4, 2004, the MPO Policy Committee accepted the plan and directed MPO staff to work with local agencies to implement the plan.

The City adopted the Oso Parkway Plan in 1993, which includes a recreational hike and bike trail system along the Oso Creek and a network of trails to the creek.  In addition, the City Council adopted the Park, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan in 2002, which indicated that a trail system was the third highest ranked recreational facility need by Corpus Christi residents.  The Plan recommended a trail system with 75 miles of trails which might take from 20 to 30 years to implement.  The proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is consistent with both of these Comprehensive Plan elements.

On March 8, 2005, the MPO and the City met with local bikers to present the draft plan and to invite their input.  Approximately 20 bikers participated in the meeting and promised to provide written comments on the plan. 

The Plan was reviewed and recommended for approval by the Transportation Advisory Committee on January 24, 2005 and the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee on February 9, 2005.  Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on April 20^th that was well attended by about 70 bicyclists who provided supporting comments on the need for a plan.  On May 17, 2005, City Council conducted a public hearing on the plan and passed resolution # 026267 adopting the Corpus Christi MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan as a guide to the Comprehensive Plan. 

Corpus Christi MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

PLAN SUMMARY

Goal Summary:

• Promote bicycle use and safety through a comprehensive system of bikeways, support faculties, and programs.
• Promote pedestrian safety and mobility through provision sidewalks, crosswalk design, signalization, and enhancing attractiveness of pedestrian facilities.
• Increase awareness and acceptance by local policy makers, planners, engineers, and motorists of walking and bicycling as viable modes of transportation.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Design Summary:

• Bicycle and Pedestrian facilities should meet the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
• Bicycle Facility Types are defined in the plan.  These facility types include: Bicycle Route (shared lane on-street/signage), Bicycle Lanes (striped lane on-street/signage), and Bicycle Path (bicycle trail off-street/signage).
• Sidewalk facilities.