Cycling in small suburban communities : a case study of Georgetown, TX

Small communities have natural advantages in promoting cycling: Smaller geographic scale, major destinations within biking distances, and relatively low volumes of vehicle traffic. Davis, CA and Boulder, CO are known exemplary cycling-friendly communities in the United States. In Texas, however, cycling in small communities remains rare as a transportation means. This study aimed at understanding the driving factors for cycling in Texas suburban communities. The report presents a case study of Georgetown, a suburban city in the Austin Metropolitan Area in Texas. Georgetown is contemplating a Bike Master Plan to address the growing interest in and concerns over cycling in the community. A survey on cycling in Georgetown was conducted in fall 2016, for which this author was a member of the survey team. The survey included two parts, an online version of questionnaire and an onsite version for environmental audits, covering the following main topics: public opinions on cycling, cycling behavioral characteristics, environmental/infrastructure conditions for cycling. The report analyzes survey results and discusses opportunities and challenges facing Georgetown to cycling. The study findings help inform the Bike Master Plan effort by Georgetown, TX planners. Lessons learned from the Georgetown study are also valuable to the state-wide endeavor to promote cycling, particularly in small communities in Texas.