The City of Denton is expected to make a big decision that could make streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians. The council will consider a new bike and pedestrian plan on Tuesday.
Bicycling is a mode of transportation for the Briggle family, but Amber Briggle said traveling around Denton on two wheels can be difficult. "There's a lot of work to be done," Briggle said.
She is just one Denton resident pushing for bike-friendly streets.
"If my child lives 3 or 4 blocks from her elementary school, she should be able to bike there or walk there safely," Briggle said. "But, I know plenty of kids who have to drive there because it is unsafe to cross the street."
The city listened to these complaints and amended its mobility plan.
Dalton Gregory is a city council member and avid cyclist. He said the need for a new bike and pedestrian plan has been around for decades. "There's an enormous need. I've been told that there are as many as 10,000 bicycles parked on campus at the University of North Texas."
The new bike plan includes more than 70 miles of bike lanes and sidewalks. Jim Coulter helped develop the plan and said all this comes at a price. The project would cost about $2.5 Million.
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"We've tried this year. The funding is very tight, not only in Denton, but other cities as well," said Coulter. "We were able to get some funding. We are hoping that next year we are able to see roughly a quarter of a million dollar funding and carry that forward for the next 10 years."
Briggle said the changes would be worth it. She wants more families to travel by bike in the future. "I want them because it makes my community safer and stronger."
There will be a public hearing on the plan at Denton City Hall Tuesday night at 6:30.
