The Big Loop: Underway and More Important Than Ever
November 1, 2024 | By Shoal Creek Conservancy
Since its founding in 2013, Shoal Creek Conservancy has championed the Shoal Creek Trail, a 10-mile long path that reaches from Lady Bird Lake to just north of US Hwy 183. However, this trail is part of a larger vision: The Big Loop, a community-driven concept for a connected 30-mile all-ages-and-abilities urban trail through central, north and east Austin. The Big Loop was mapped by Shoal Creek Conservancy (click the image at right to enlarge) and incorporated into the City of Austin’s Urban Trails Plan in 2023.
The Big Loop aims to connect multiple iconic Austin trails, including the Shoal Creek Trail, the Lance Armstrong Bikeway, the Red Line Trail and the Northern and Southern Walnut Creek Trails. As of September 2024, all sections of the Big Loop trail connections are in development, whether they are being studied, designed or constructed. The progress of projects in each trail section was presented by the the Sidewalks and Urban Trails Division Manager at the September 2024 Austin City Council Mobility Committee meeting and can be viewed in the link below.
City’s Big Loop Update – Sept 2024
As the City of Austin heads towards its next bond cycle in 2025 and 2026 with a special focus on the environment, it is important to remember what active transportation facilities can do for the community and the urgent need to make changes in our transportation habits.
According to the 2019 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, people walking and biking make up only 5% of crashes but account for 23% of crash-related serious injury or death. The safety of these users, especially as more people opt for alternative modes of transportation, is of paramount concern. The Big Loop can provide safe and comfortable routes around town for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Transportation is also the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the Austin region, according to the City of Austin Office of Sustainability. Safe active transportation facilities are a key factor in reducing transportation emissions, while saving lives at the same time.
Also in its 2019 Strategic Mobility Plan, the City of Austin has set the ambitious goal of achieving a 50/50 transportation mode shift by 2039. That is, 50% of Austin residents commute by transportation modes other than driving in a vehicle alone. This is to be accomplished by increased walking, biking, carpooling, telecommuting and mass-transit use.
Walking and biking on safe, high-quality sidewalks, bikeways and urban trails are critical components of this transportation plan which calls for twice as many people walking and five times as many people biking. Increasing the safety, both actual and perceived, and comfort of these transportation options will increase their use and allow Austinites of all ages and abilities to get around without the use of a car.
As Austin grows and develops, we have a unique opportunity to shape the fabric of our city for the better of our communities and the environment. Our efforts through projects such as the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, the Urban Trails Plan and the Shoal Creek Trail Plan will result in a safer, healthier, happier and more livable city for us all.
The participation of the community and further support of our Urban Trails network will remain crucial as funding opportunities and public input surveys become available. Shoal Creek Conservancy will continue to advocate for these transportation facilities and help the community stay engaged and informed as these connections are further developed. With all segments of The Big Loop critical infrastructure project underway, it continues to move ever closer from vision to reality. For up-to-date information on the progress of The Big Loop, visit our project page at the link below.
Current Big Loop Projects & Progress
