It might surprise people outside of Texas to hear about the progress of new, high quality bike infrastructure in the city of Houston.
Emily Nonko details the evolution of bike infrastructure planning, and bike infrastructure project delivery, in Houston.
"[O]ver fifty new miles of bike lanes and trails now grace roadways, or are under construction, across Houston," writes Nonko. "And there are more to come. The city is now implementing an ambitious bike plan that calls for, ultimately, 700 miles of on-street lanes."
Nonko traces the evolution of the city's approach to bike planning back to former Mayor Mayor Annise Parker, who called in 2013 for the city to implement a complete streets policy.
"A year later, construction started on the Bayou Greenways 2020 project, which aims to connect 150 miles of hike-and-bike trails to parks and neighborhoods across the city’s nine major bayous. (In 2012, 68 percent of voters approved a $166 million bond issue to build it — at the time the best performance of any bond issue in city history.)"
A lot has happened since them, including the Planning and Development Department taking a leadership role in place of a transportation department—which the city of Houston lacks.
Read the full story: Houston Powers Ahead on Bike Lanes
Houston Developers Question Mayor’s Stance on Pedestrian Projects
The new mayor’s reversal of road safety projects, some already underway or completed, is raising eyebrows among developers who say residents want walkable, mixed-use streets.
High Hopes for the Future of Biking in Houston
Despite Houston's reputation for sprawl, the city has made impressive efforts to build out its bike infrastructure.
A Thorough, Mixed Review for a New Protected Bike Lane in Seattle
So many highly anticipated bike facilities finally deliver only to fall short of real game changing status. Seattle provides the latest example of the phenomenon in the wild.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Chicago Avenue bridge construction delays enrages city leaders
The bridge has been closed since 2025. The city originally aimed to re-open it in December, and now expects to finish construction in 2027.
NYC bus network redesign speeds up Queens buses
Rush routes have seen a 4.6% speed increase after the redesign.
California High-Speed Rail Authority picks trainset manufacturer
The California High-Speed Rail Authority aims to start servicing passengers by 2033.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority