CLEAR LAKE PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLIST STUDY

PUBLIC MEETING ONE: ISSUES AND EXISTING CONDITIONS About the Project

Study Area

The Houston Bikeway Program, within the Department of Public Works and Engineering, is partnering with the HoustonGalveston Area Council to conduct a bicyclist-pedestrian study of the Clear Lake Area. The focus of the study is to develop priorities to address the safety and mobility needs of pedestrians and bicyclists within the Clear Lake area of Houston as funding becomes available. The limits of the study area are El Dorado and Space Center Boulevards to the north and northeast, IH45 to the west, and NASA Road One in the South.

introduction

Take the Survey

Its easy, fun and will help determine what kinds of bicycle and pedestrian improvements are made. Use one of the available computers or visit our website at:

Stay Connected

www.walkbikeclearlake.com

Ask questions, provide feedback and gain access to all of our materials! www.walkbikeclearlake.com feedback@walkbikeclearlake.com www.facebook.com/HoustonBikeways www.twitter.com/walkbikecltx

clear lake pedestrian and bicyclist study

WHERE DO WE LIVE, WORK AND PLAY?

How can bicycling make a difference?
59% of the population and 75% of the jobs in our 8 county region are located within a 30 minute bicycle ride of 25 activity centers! Our study area contains two of the centers.

Clear Lake
Source: 2000 US Census, compiled by Houston Tomorrow

Johnson Space Center

introduction
Source: Harris County Appraisal District
0.5 Miles

Schools

Transit

Hospitals public and institutional park and open space industrial utilities vacant or undeveloped

Shopping

Parks

index
single-family residential multi-family residential office retail

clear lake pedestrian and bicyclist study

WHAT ARE OUR GOALS?

Safety To provide safe facilities for walking and biking and improve current areas that have a history of crashes or feel unsafe.

Choice To ensure walking and cycling is a convenient transportation option for a broad set of users and trips.

introduction

Connectivity To eliminate barriers to walking and cycling by creating better connections between where people are and where they want to go.

Opportunities for all To provide walking and biking opportunities with all users in mind including bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

clear lake pedestrian and bicyclist study

WHO BIKES?
Sophia, 8 years old, kid
Sophie learned to bike 4 years ago and loves to bike recreationally with her parents and her friends. Her parents let her bike on the streets in her neighborhood and in the park. Sometimes she bikes to school with other children and a parent.

James, 16 years old, high school student

Although James just got his drivers license, his parents only have 2 cars, and they dont let him use one often. He uses his bike to get to and from his part-time job at the mall, to spend time with his friends and to get to school. He likes the amount of freedom riding his bike gives him.

Jennifer, 28 years old, nurse

Jennifer works at a local hospital. As a nurse, shes concerned about both her health and her pocketbook. At the same time, she also knows what it looks like when a car hits a cyclist. Shed like to ride her bike to work for exercise, but shes a little nervous to try it out for the first time.

Ron, 42 years old, accountant

Ron took up biking in his 30s as a good low impact workout. He spends money on the best equipment and regularly rides 30 miles a day during the week and even longer on weekends. He enjoys taking part in group rides and is a member of the local cycling club.

existing users

% 0 car households

% bike commuters % under 10 minute commute

opportunities

potential users

% under 16 years old

Sources: 2000 US Census Data

clear lake pedestrian and bicyclist study

WHAT ELEMENTS CREATE A GOOD PEDESTRIAN EXPERIENCE?

A combination of elements reinforce an attractive pedestrian experience and support potential development.

opportunities opportunities

clear lake pedestrian and bicyclist study

WHAT MAKES A GOOD BIKING DISTRICT?

offroad trails
Bayous, drainage and utility easements and other green spaces can provide wonderful opportunities for recreation and transportation. In Clear Lake, these opportunities abound.
Boulder, CO

Buffalo Bayou Master Plan

residential streets

Houston, TX

This type of road makes up much of Clear Lake. They are typically low volume, low speed and feel comfortable for many types of users.
Portland, OR

main streets

City of Houston Design Manual

Charlotte, NC

opportunities

This type of road makes up the main commercial backbones of Clear Lake. Speeds are higher and volumes greater. Without facilities, some experienced cyclists will use them, but few beginners.
Tempe, AZ

state highways

City of Houston Design Manual

Los Angeles, CA

State Highway 3 carries a high volume of traffic at very high speed, but it also has a large shoulder. Cyclists may feel comfortable biking next to the road, but crossing is more difficult.
Dallas, TX

City of Houston Design Manual

Bastrop, TX

clear lake pedestrian and bicyclist study

WHAT FACTORS EFFECT WALKING AND BIKING TODAY?

Traffic Volume Traffic Signals

45

45

Source: H-GAC, 2009-2010 Data

0-10k vehicles 10-20k vehicles >20k vehicles

Source: Field Observation

All Way Stop Traffic Signals Pedestrian Crossing

Within the study area traffic volumes increase closer to IH-45, with Bay Area Boulevard and NASA Parkway carrying the most traffic. These high volume thoroughfares provide access to many activity centers but can also serve as barriers to walking and biking. Traffic signals can provide safe places to cross major roadways but are not always located near destinations.

Automobile Crashes

Bike and Ped Crashes

existing

45

45

More Crashes

Less Crashes

Areas with higher concentrations of vehicle crashes can be perceived as unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists. Between 2003 and 2009, automobile crashes have been concentrated along Bay Area Boulevard where high traffic volumes and many driveway openings increase potential conflicts. Pedestrian and bicycle crashes are more concentrated near the CCISD schools, likely due to the high percentage of walking and biking usage in that area.
Sources: 2003-2009 Crash Record Information System, TxDOT

Pedestrian Crash Bicycle Crash

clear lake pedestrian and bicyclist study

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IMPROVEMENTS?

Study Area in Google Earth

Use the computer station to let us know exactly where you have an idea for improvements. It can be: A specific location or destination A gap in the system An activity center A potential route

opportunities

We will produce a map of all the ideas that will be available after the meeting at:

www.walkbikeclearlake.com
clear lake pedestrian and bicyclist study