Testimony on the Dallas Bike Plan to Dallas City Council

Environment Texas City Hall Advocate Ian Seamans delivered the following testimony to the Dallas City Council today:

“Good morning, Mayor and Councilmembers. My name is Ian Seamans and I am the Dallas City Hall Advocate for Environment Texas — a nonprofit that works for clean air, clean water, open spaces, and a livable climate for all Texans.

The Dallas Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan, or CECAP, has the important goal of reducing the city’s greenhouse gas emissions 43% below 2015 levels by 2030. According to the city’s latest greenhouse gas inventory six years ago, transportation is the sector responsible for the largest share of emissions, at 39%.

Additionally, the city is in severe nonattainment status for ground level ozone, which is also primarily caused by emissions from transportation.

By creating a more bikable, walkable, and livable city where people have the freedom to leave their car at home, the city can take real strides towards reducing our planet-warming emissions and cleaning up our air.

The Dallas Bike Plan is actionable, achievable, and brings accountability with a standing bicycle advisory committee. As a founding member of the City of Richardson’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, I can say with confidence that the passage of a plan like this can be transformative to the way a city thinks about transportation.

However, passing this plan is not enough. If we are going to meet our goals and create the city we would like to be, Council needs to remain committed to investing in our bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure come budget season. Investments in this infrastructure pays dividends in reducing pollution, helping residents lead a healthier life, and by costing less than infrastructure built for cars.

As an initial step towards a cleaner, greener, more bikable Dallas, I urge you to support the Dallas Bike Plan. Thank you.”