In order to have comfortable cycling routes, Tx DOT has to receive comments to that effect.

If you want to comment to Tx DOT regarding their study, I’ve compiled some key points you may want to include; see below.

Comments due either by email (350 word text limit) or postmarked by Wednesday February 8, 2017. See Open House - SH 6 Clay Road Intersection. On any comments, reference Project Number 1685-05-107 “SH 6 Clay Road Intersection”.

It is important to emphasize the pre-existing plans and the benefits. You should make your own comments. FYI, my punchline is going to be that bicycle accommodation should be in the scope of the project to connect with regionally-planned trails, and that the intersection itself should be bypassed. There are solutions to effectively bypass the SH6 and Clay Road intersection with a combination of high-comfort shared on-street routes (such as Jura, Hickory Downs, Cairnway and Scone) along with space for off-street trails controlled by Harris County (Addicks Reservoir leases and the complex between Clay and Pine Forest Lane).

Key points regarding Tx DOT Study as shown at January 24, 2017 open house:

The studies shown at the Open House on January 24, 2017 did not show any bicycle accommodations. The sidewalks are shown as 5’ wide. Bicycle infrastructure standard is a minimum of 8 feet.

Failure to provide safe and effective cycling accommodations on a project at this intersection will create an interruption of infrastructure envisioned by two important plans:

The proposed Houston Bike Plan includes an off-road trail along SH6 ending at Pine Forest and an off-road trail from the east end of the existing Harris County trail on the south side of Clay to complete the connection to Brittmoore.

In this area, the West Houston Trails Master Plan (2011) envisioned the SH6 North Spine Trail and the Clay Road Spine Trail.


Both of these plans cite the community health and wellness advantages of a connected trail system. Specifically involving the intersection of SH6 and Clay, there are significant public services and destinations that can be made more accessible to active transportation, including:

• Numerous shops and services, including the Fiesta grocery store.
• US Post Office at 16015 Cairnway Drive.
• Harris County Courthouse at 16715 Clay Rd.
• Harris County Katherine Tyra Branch Library at 16719 Clay Rd.
• Metro’s Addicks Park and Ride.

There are people using active transportation to these destinations today. Better accommodations will increase the number, with the attendant reduction in emissions and motor vehicle traffic load.

References:
City of Houston, Houston Bike Plan, June 2016, available at Final Report and Maps
Energy Corridor District and National Parks Service, West Houston Trails Master Plan, March 21, 2011, available at West Houston Trails Master Plan - Energy Corridor District - Energy Corridor District