2020: Year in Review

Reflecting over this past year, it would be an understatement to say that it has been anything but a difficult and unusual one. In spite of global challenges, we have seen some great accomplishments throughout our community and around the world. Closer to home, safe social distancing precautions meant that Bike The Woodlands Coalition was unable to host our annual in-person community meeting, sponsor group rides, or organize community events. However, more people were out on their bikes than ever, and we wanted to find ways to support riders of all experience levels. As a result, our focus shifted to alternative activities that we could keep us meaningfully connected while we were socially distant.

We shared helpful maps and resources for local rides. We successfully hosted a virtual annual community meeting with follow-up events. We adopted a section of pathway on Gosling Road and committed to quarterly litter pick-up events on the pathway from Flintridge to Creekside, and we met with The Woodlands Arts Council and are supporting their efforts to replace standard bike racks with artistic variations. Most importantly, we have re-engaged The Woodlands Township in regular meetings to drive progress on the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan. A number of projects are now being discussed and are in the planning stage. The most promising project is a pathway connecting Harper’s Landing to the rest of The Woodlands. 

In 2021, we plan to participate in community events when they are available and safe. In the past we have been involved in The Woodlands Marathon, The Woodforest bank TRI, IRONMAN Texas, Bike Month, The Woodlands Fourth of July Parade, and more. In partnership with The Woodlands Township, we have started planning for this year’s Bike Month in May. This year's event will still look a little different because of COVID, and it will feature a mix of virtual and self-guided activities and limited group activities developed with safety measures in place. When it's safe to gather again, we hope to sponsor a variety of community bike rides for adults and families. We also plan to host quarterly litter pick-up events, typically during the last month of each quarter, and we're hoping to promote a bicycle repair and recycling program in the months ahead. Watch our social media and this newsletter for updates.

If you are not a member, we would like to invite you to join Bike The Woodlands Coalition to show your support for bicycling riding in The Woodlands area. To join, go to http://donorbox.org/btwc. Plus, you can find more ways to get involved on our website at https://www.bikethewoodlands.org/get-involved. 

Thank you for your support! And thank you for helping us build a better community through bicycling.