HIKE AND BIKE SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Executive Summary
Executive Summary Outline
Arlington at a Turning Point The Process Vision Statements
Health and Wellness & Alternative Transportation
Assessing Needs and Opportunities
Bike Network Hike Network Hike & Bike Programs
Implementation : Realizing the Vision
Policies / Administrative Action Steps
Additional Resources
Arlington at a Turning Point
The City of Arlington is at a turning point in its history . Arlington has more than 370,000 residents , is the 49th largest city in the United States , and is part of the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States . 1 It is home to the Entertainment District which includes the Cowboys Stadium , Texas Ranger ’ s Ballpark , Six Flags over Texas , Hurricane Harbor , Arlington Convention Center , and the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame . The University of Texas-Arlington is located in Downtown Arlington and has a student population of approximately 33,000 . Even with all these attractions and growth , Arlington still faces challenges , such as improving mobility choices and promoting health and wellness .
Planning today is necessary to meet the community ’ s needs of tomorrow . Hike and bike amenities are an especially important part of this planning effort . They are critical if Arlington wants to offer transportation choices , improve safety , enhance community health and wellness , and improve economic competitiveness . The City can overcome its traditional shortfalls related to hiking and bicycling by developing an integrated , safe , and convenient multi-modal transportation system .
This Hike and Bike System Master Plan represents a strong City commitment to :
• affordable personal mobility ,
• carbon-free transportation , and
• healthy , active lifestyles for Arlington residents .
1 . 2009 Population Estimates . United States Census Bureau , Population Division . 2010- 06-22 .
The primary goal of this Master Plan is to create an integrated , seamless transportation and recreation framework to facilitate hiking and biking as viable transportation alternatives throughout Arlington . The Plan defines an important connection between public health and the diminishing access to outdoor landscapes and provides actionoriented guidance for the development of an interconnected system of greenways , on-road bicycle amenities , and sidewalks .
The Hike and Bike Plan is a comprehensive action plan that contains the findings of a year-long planning process that included input from area residents , City staff , a project Steering Committee , and community groups .
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