Keep Austin’s Bike Voices Independent: Save the Bicycle Advisory Council
Keep Austin’s Bike Voices Independent: Save the Bicycle Advisory Council
The Issue
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Austin is on the verge of losing one of its most important community voices for safer, more connected streets: the Bicycle Advisory Council (BAC).
The City Council is considering a proposal to permanently dissolve the BAC by merging it with the Urban Transportation Commission (UTC), a change that would dilute the focused, citizen-led advisory that helps shape Austin’s biking infrastructure.
The BAC has a long history (since the mid 2000s) of citizen-led advisory to the City that has resulted in Austin being a leader among it's peers in cycling infrastructure.
Why Does This Matter?
Proven Track Record: From 2021 to 2022 alone, the BAC issued 18 official recommendations—ranging from improving bicycle parking, banning cars parking in bicycle lanes, and a wide range of design-oriented feedback on projects such as the Airport Blvd corridor bike paths (See Appendix A for more). This was more than 2x the number of reccomendations passed by peer commisions.
Community-Led: The BAC is an all-volunteer council driven by the voices of people who bike in Austin every day. We represented your lived experience as a cyclist!
Efficient & Effective: The BAC operates without excessive City resources or staff. Members are self-elected volunteers. By providing the City with effective feedback the BAC more than pays back the small amount of resources we receive from the city, like a place to meet.
What’s at Stake?
If the BAC is merged into the UTC:
- Cyclists would lose a direct, specialized line of communication with City decision-makers.
- Staff and council members would miss out on crucial, real-world user insights on bike projects.
- Your voice as a cyclist or cycling supporter could be overshadowed by broader transportation issues that are the focus of the UTC’s agenda.
How You Can Help
- Sign This Petition!
- Contact Your Council Member: Let them know you oppose merging the BAC with the UTC. Your personal story of how better bike infrastructure has (or could) impact your life matters.
- Spread the Word: Share this petition on social media, and encourage friends, family, and fellow cyclists to sign.
At a time when Austin aims to reduce car dependence, achieve ambitious climate goals, and meet the goals of $1.34B of voter-approved Mobility Bonds, it is essential cyclists have a seat at the table to guide key designs and decisions!
Thank you for your support,
Alejandro de la Vega
Chair, Bicycle Advisory Council
521
The Issue
Note: no need to donate, just share!
Austin is on the verge of losing one of its most important community voices for safer, more connected streets: the Bicycle Advisory Council (BAC).
The City Council is considering a proposal to permanently dissolve the BAC by merging it with the Urban Transportation Commission (UTC), a change that would dilute the focused, citizen-led advisory that helps shape Austin’s biking infrastructure.
The BAC has a long history (since the mid 2000s) of citizen-led advisory to the City that has resulted in Austin being a leader among it's peers in cycling infrastructure.
Why Does This Matter?
Proven Track Record: From 2021 to 2022 alone, the BAC issued 18 official recommendations—ranging from improving bicycle parking, banning cars parking in bicycle lanes, and a wide range of design-oriented feedback on projects such as the Airport Blvd corridor bike paths (See Appendix A for more). This was more than 2x the number of reccomendations passed by peer commisions.
Community-Led: The BAC is an all-volunteer council driven by the voices of people who bike in Austin every day. We represented your lived experience as a cyclist!
Efficient & Effective: The BAC operates without excessive City resources or staff. Members are self-elected volunteers. By providing the City with effective feedback the BAC more than pays back the small amount of resources we receive from the city, like a place to meet.
What’s at Stake?
If the BAC is merged into the UTC:
- Cyclists would lose a direct, specialized line of communication with City decision-makers.
- Staff and council members would miss out on crucial, real-world user insights on bike projects.
- Your voice as a cyclist or cycling supporter could be overshadowed by broader transportation issues that are the focus of the UTC’s agenda.
How You Can Help
- Sign This Petition!
- Contact Your Council Member: Let them know you oppose merging the BAC with the UTC. Your personal story of how better bike infrastructure has (or could) impact your life matters.
- Spread the Word: Share this petition on social media, and encourage friends, family, and fellow cyclists to sign.
At a time when Austin aims to reduce car dependence, achieve ambitious climate goals, and meet the goals of $1.34B of voter-approved Mobility Bonds, it is essential cyclists have a seat at the table to guide key designs and decisions!
Thank you for your support,
Alejandro de la Vega
Chair, Bicycle Advisory Council
521
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
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Petition created on February 13, 2025