From staff reports

 

Bicycle and pedestrian facilities that offer safe, accessible, continuous and direct pathways are most ideal and can take some of the burdens of off the roadway network, according to Jefferson-Orange-Hardin Regional Transportation Study Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2045 released July 2019.

While TxDOT has plans for adding pedestrian/bike trails in Orange along MacArthur Drive, it is not anticipated to start construction as yet.

Construction is expected to begin within four years for the $272,7760 project from .2 miles west of 16th Street to 28th Street for installing sidewalks.

The South East Texas Hike & Bike Coalition (SETHBC) was organized for the purpose of supporting the creation of recreational and alternative transportation trails throughout Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin Counties. The Coalition works with and encourages local and county governments to designate shared roads and to create dedicated paths that will appeal to users of bicycles and other alternative forms of transportation.

The City of Orange also has sidewalk provisions stated in its subdivision regulations that require sidewalks on both sides of the street in new areas.

In Fall 2018, the Transportation and Environmental Resources Division developed the draft Southeast Texas Hike and Bike Plan 2037. This plan serves as a “road map” for local governments in the JOHRTS region adopting hike and bike ordinances and/or hike and bike facilities in the future. It will also be of assistance to local governments when applying for hike and bike-related grants.  

By looking into present existing conditions, the plan identifies the most suitable bicycle-friendly routes in the region and aims to connect major employment centers, schools, and recreational areas through bicycle facilities for recreational and commuter travel by 2037 and prescribes design recommendations and action steps for implementation.