Texas Bicycling News for December 1, 2023
Your faithful Dallas columnist returns with a progress report on issues close to my heart
By Sharon Grigsby | www.dallasnews.com
The latest on safety fixes for trails, the dedication and defacing of Black memorials and a Five Mile Creek start date
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A Dallas Fire-Rescue truck sits on the lake side of the White Rock Lake bike-and-hike trail after it crashed off adjacent Garland Road while on an emergency run during heavy rain April 26.(Elias Valverde II / Staff Photographer)
I’m back.
Working on this newspaper’s “Deadly Fake” fentanyl project was a meaningful run, but I’m glad to return to my regular job as your faithful city columnist.
Let’s start with a quick reminder: I can’t be everywhere, as much as I try. That’s why I’m always interested in hearing from readers, especially when it comes to issues in your neighborhood. All ideas welcome at sgrigsby@dallasnews.com.
For now, let’s get everyone up to date on key developments — steps forward, steps back and, in some cases, no steps at all — on topics I brought to light earlier this year. …
7 projects around greater San Antonio receive part of ‘historic’ TxDOT funding
Mason Hickok | www.ksat.com
The funding aims to provide transportation alternatives, construction to assist pedestrians and bicyclists
Several projects in and around the greater San Antonio area received funding from a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) grant to address pedestrian and bicycle needs.
The “historic” $345 million in grants was approved for 83 total projects around the state geared toward safety enhancements and mobility options, according to a TxDOT news release.
Money from the grant comes as part of the Transportation Alternatives program, which supports local projects across Texas geared toward pedestrian and bicycle amenities.
“This is a major investment in communities across the state that will help make it safer and easier to get around on foot or a bike,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Robert “Robie” Vaughn. “This optionality supports safety, active lifestyles, health and wellness, and can provide alternatives to traveling by vehicle.”
Texas is seeing an upward trend in pedestrian and bicycle-related fatalities. …
Menger Elementary gets a grant for new bikes for students to use during PE
Author: Keshondra Shipp | www.kiiitv.com
The national ‘All Kids Bike Learn-to-Ride’ physical education aims to teach Kindergarten students to ride bikes thanks to a generous donation from HDR engineering
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Students at Moses Menger Elementary School were surprised with bikes as part of a new initiative to get students outside and riding.
The national ‘All Kids Bike Learn-to-Ride’ physical education aims to teach Kindergarten students to ride bikes thanks to a generous donation from engineering firm HDR.
Menger Elementary School staff and HDR representatives got to be a part of the surprise, and introduce the new program to kindergarteners. …
Up in the air: BMX riders in Longview for pre-Olympics event
Author: Les Hassell, Longview News-Journal | www.cbs19.tv
The Freedom Freestyle Series competitions are set Wednesday and Thursday at the complex with a championship event Saturday.
LONGVIEW, Texas — It wasn’t football or barbecue that brought the Olympics to East Texas on Tuesday. It was the world-class facilities at the Dodson Action Sports Complex at Ingram Park.
Professional bicycle motocross riders from around the country are competing this week in Longview in a series of competitions to gain points to possibly even earn spots on Team USA’s men’s and women’s freestyle BMX teams for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The Freedom Freestyle Series competitions are set Wednesday and Thursday at the complex with a championship event Saturday. The three events will begin at 9 a.m. each day and wrap up around 6 p.m.
Katy charity issues plea for help after 75 kids in need left without Christmas gifts
By Claire Goodman | www.houstonchronicle.com
Seventy-five children in the Katy Christian Ministries’ Santa’s Sleigh program are facing a Christmas without gifts after an expected donation fell through four days before the gifts were set to be delivered.
The children come from families with a documented financial need assessed through the charity’s social services program. …
— McKinney Police (@McKinneyPolice) December 1, 2023
This Friday marks a special occasion as the Hill Country Ride for AIDS (HCRA) kicks off the launch week for its Silver Anniversary during the Kind Clinic's Rock The Ribbon event for World AIDS Day.https://t.co/1XWJrkRXzW
— CBS Austin (@cbsaustin) December 1, 2023
Seventy-five children in the Katy Christian Ministries’ Santa’s Sleigh program are facing a Christmas without gifts after an expected donation fell through four days before the gifts were set to be delivered. https://t.co/4sB6VJ5gU0
— Houston Chronicle (@HoustonChron) December 1, 2023
Tour de Southern Walnut Creek December 5 2023 https://t.co/kKFWo68Re2 #Meetup via @Meetup
— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) December 1, 2023
Sunday – Afternoon Social Ride https://t.co/tJVBlbncar #Meetup via @Meetup
— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) December 2, 2023
Beginner/intermediate Saturday Morning MTB Ride – Leon creek
— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) December 2, 2023
https://t.co/ddtNnfoVSq #Meetup via @Meetup
Chainbreaker 10/50 MTB Race (2024 STX MTB Race Series – Race #1)https://t.co/zb7KiUqD78
— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) December 2, 2023
Discovered on @allevents_in
Hill Country Ride for AIDS launches silver anniversary with community celebration at Kind Clinic’s event
by John-Carlos Estrada | cbsaustin.com
AUSTIN, Texas — This Friday marks a special occasion as the Hill Country Ride for AIDS (HCRA) kicks off the launch week for its Silver Anniversary during the Kind Clinic’s Rock The Ribbon event for World AIDS Day.
Serving as the opener for the 24-hour Rock The Ribbon event, HCRA invites the community to join them for an evening of reflection, celebration, and registration for the 25th Anniversary Hill Country Ride for AIDS.
The Hill County Ride for AIDS ride will happen on April 20, 2024, at Krause Springs. …
Senior-Level Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner (Hybrid)
www.ziprecruiter.com
North Central Texas Council of Governments Arlington, TX Full-Time
Are you looking to join an award-winning organization with a culture built on innovation and public service? Are you looking for a position that offers a hybrid work schedule with work from home options? The Transportation Department of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is seeking an individual to assume a leadership role in the management of areas within the Sustainable Development Program primarily focusing on active transportation (bicycle and pedestrian) planning.
This position will be classified as a Senior Transportation Planner and will oversee staff activities and implement programs and projects related to active transportation initiatives for the Dallas-Fort Worth region with a population exceeding 7.5 million. This position is an exciting opportunity to see integrated transportation and land-use planning move from theory to policy to implementation. The …
????????? DEC 2: Join us @Cathedral Rock and OP Schnabel parks for Let’s Ride Leon Creek! The City is activating these two trailheads. Users who visit both locations get a special Bike Network Plan promo item! 8AM-NOON pic.twitter.com/KxFAURrepQ
— COSATransportation (@COSATranspo) December 1, 2023