PRESENTER: Presenter
Garry Ford, Transportation and Construction Services Director
Elizabeth Dupont, Transportation Planner
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SUBJECT: Title
Discuss and consider the approval of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Plan.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Construction Services
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Bicycle & Pedestrian Network Plan is the City of New Braunfels’ plan to integrate walking and biking into the existing transportation network and improve multimodal connectivity. The Plan builds on the success of previous multimodal improvements and sets priorities for future bicycle and pedestrian mobility planning, projects, and programs. The Enhanced Connectivity goal, objectives, and performance measures in the City of New Braunfels Strategic Plan identify community priorities addressed in the plan, including creating a sidewalk inventory, assessing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, and increasing bikeway, trail, and sidewalk miles within the city. Additionally, the Economic Mobility and Community Well-Being goals identify walkability and multimodal safety and connectivity as community priorities. The most effective way to capture this data and identify projects that promote these priorities is to create the Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Plan. It was developed to complement and support the existing Hike and Bike Plan adopted in 2019 and to provide a stronger focus on project development.
Walking and biking are essential to a healthy, connected, and vibrant community. In New Braunfels, many residents want safer and more convenient ways to walk and bike within the transportation network and cross major barriers like IH-35, rail lines, and the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers. As such, this plan will help the city:
• Improve safety and comfort for people walking and biking
• Expand access to schools, parks, and key destinations
• Support healthy and active lifestyles
• Connect neighborhoods with trails and greenways
• Build a stronger economy through tourism and local business activity
The Bicycle & Pedestrian Network Plan also helps prioritize projects and pursue funding. As an adopted plan, it will guide the City in applying for state and federal grants, forming partnerships, and directing local investments.
City staff and planning consultant Kimley-Horn began developing the Bicycle & Pedestrian Network Plan in July 2025. Community involvement was a large part of the process and included both online and in-person events. Two online surveys were conducted from September 15 to November 15, 2025, and March 16 to May 7, 2026, to gather feedback on where residents wanted new facilities and where they had safety concerns, and to prioritize the projects they wanted done most. The team also held three pop-up events at city events and two public open houses. Across all events, the team had approximately 1,600 interactions, including about 850 in-person, 468 online map comments, and 218 online survey responses.
Based on the safety and demand analysis of the existing system and the community input received during the outreach periods, we identified several recommended projects for inclusion in the plan. They address gaps and safety concerns residents want addressed, and they broaden the coverage of our pedestrian and cycling networks. There are thirteen projects on City facilities and eight on Texas Department of Transportation facilities. The plan also recommends six crossing improvements to connect the network across high-traffic roadways and rail lines, as well as four strategic trail connections that support both transportation connectivity and recreation.
The final draft of the Bicycle & Pedestrian Network Plan is posted on the city’s website (newbraunfels.gov/bikeplan <https://newbraunfels.gov/bikeplan>). The website also includes plan updates, staff contact information, and outreach events.
ISSUE:
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
YES Economic Mobility YES Enhanced Connectivity N/A Community Identity
N/A Organizational Excellence YES Community Well-Being
Economic Mobility
Objective 3. In partnership with the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC) and New Braunfels Utilities, develop a cohesive framework for economic development incentives that encourage a built environment that results in enhanced walkability, mixed housing types, and the co-location of commercial and residential uses.
Enhanced Connectivity
Objective 1. Identify and establish planning, capital, and operating funding to support and maintain a well-connected transportation network serving pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, children, older individuals, individuals with disabilities, motorists, and freight vehicles.
Objective 3. Implement improved local and regional public transportation services to connect the community to employment, education, healthcare, recreational and other destinations.
Objective 4. Collaborate with governmental partners to improve transportation access and connections throughout the region.
Objective 5. Develop a sidewalk inventory and process to assess pedestrian connectivity and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility and establish priorities for funding, constructing and maintaining pedestrian improvements.
Objective 6. Inform residents and visitors of transportation options on the City’s website and social media platforms, including transit services, sidewalks, trails, and bikeways.
Community Well-Being
Objective 3. Create a future bond proposition and pursue other funding sources to support quality of life investments, specifically focused in the underserved areas of New Braunfels, including those identified in the 2025 Parks Master Plan.
Objective 4. Develop capital and staffing investments that improve safety, reduce heat islands, and encourage transportation modes that support healthier lifestyles and exercise such as biking, walking and running.
Objective 5. Look for opportunities to reconnect the community by mitigating highways, waterways and other transportation facilities that create barriers to community connectivity.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Bicycle & Pedestrian Network Plan will identify and support future funding opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Staff will identify and secure future funding for additional planning, design, and construction as available.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the Bicycle & Pedestrian Network Plan.