In coordination with the 2045 Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (RGVMPO) Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), the RGVMPO Active Transportation Plan (ATP) facilitates the creation of a regional approach to active transportation in the Rio Grande Valley while recognizing the unique community identities throughout the region. The purpose of this plan is to provide RGVMPO staff and local planning partners with a guide and source of information to continue to grow a supportive culture of walking and biking, and to expand the regional network of active transportation facilities.

The RGVMPO ATP identifies five critical success areas that contain supporting initiatives that contribute to successful implementation of this plan’s key principles and goals. The RGVMPO ATP is being implemented through the following initiatives (categorized into one of the five success areas) currently underway:

PLANNING & DESIGN INITIATIVES

• RGV Active Transportation Facility Inventory
• RGV Bicycle & Pedestrian Counter Data Program

POLICY & PROGRAM INTIATIVES

• RGV Complete Streets 
• RGVMPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

EDUCATION & ENCOURAGEMENT INITIATIVES

• RGV BCycle (bikeshare program)
• RGV Traffic Safety Initiative (media awareness campaign)

SAFETY INITIATIVES

• RGV Traffic Safety Initiative (law enforcement trainings)
• RGV Vision Zero 

The Rio Grande Valley grapples with the challenges of high rates of chronic health concerns, pollution, and economic hardship compared to other Texas and US regions due in part to the over reliance on automobiles and disparities in socioeconomic status. Although no one action can combat these stressors simultaneously, an approach to mitigating such issues can be through encouraging active transportation, which builds healthy communities and promotes physical activity—while supporting the economy and environment. Although, most Texans rely on automobiles to get to work, run their errands and travel around town, more and more residents have been discovering active modes of transportation as communities invest in sidewalks, bike lanes, and Hike & Bike trails.

Active transportation is a sustainable transportation option and includes walking or bicycling for our daily commutes. While walking and bicycling are typically considered when discussing active transportation, it can also include any form of non-motorized, human-generated mode of transportation such as skateboarding, kayaking, and rollerblading. Taking advantage of active forms of transportation can improve community health and wellness, while reducing travel costs and expanding transportation networks to residents who do not own a vehicle.