Timothy Chapman
02/06/2023
The Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (RGVMPO) discussed the inclusion of a new hike and bike trail for the UTRGV Edinburg campus during a policy board meeting on Jan. 25.
The RGVMPO, a federally sponsored initiative, collaborates with local governments in the area and the Texas Department of Transportation in order to address the requirements of the region.
According to Executive Director of Parking and Transportation for UTRGV Rodney Gomez, the new trail will not be far away from the center of the campus along the main streets, but rather it will connect with existing sidewalks and add wider bases to provide transportation.
“The trail as it’s designed will basically form a path around the periphery of campus, it’s more like a circuit,” Gomez said. “So you still want to be safe when you’re on the trail, but at least it allows you more of an opportunity to have a dedicated path.”
UTRGV Psychology major America Castillo rides her bike in order to reach her destinations faster, however she has witnessed instances where she’s seen bike riders and pedestrians make evasive maneuvers to not run into each other due to the narrow path of the Edinburg bronc trail.
“It’s hard on them [bike riders] and it’s hard on us. It’s hard on us to know what side to move to, and it’s hard for a person riding a bike to be able to have that split second decision control to move the bike, maneuver it around people,” Castillo said.
Bicycle Pedestrian Program Coordinator for RGVMPO Eva Garcia said the University has high volumes of pedestrians which is why it is important to now build a wider infrastructure.
“What we might end up seeing in their design when they build the infrastructure, is that some sidewalks will be dedicated for pedestrians and then ideally they’ll set aside those wider-shared use paths for the other types of transportation needs,” Garcia said.
Executive Director for RGVMPO Andrew Canon said the trail will have a positive impact on everyone involved.
“With the growth the University is experiencing, to have a trail system like this around the University, is only going to be advantageous for the staff and especially more for the students,” Canon said. “Especially as we all try to promote a healthier lifestyle in the valley, so I think it’s great that they went for it and that we were able to be a small part of that.”
Gomez said the plans for the new bike trail are almost complete with the developments being about 90% done, but the completion date is yet to be announced.
