Harris County Precinct 3 recently released a comprehensive plan to improve existing parks and trails as well as the development of new ones over the next several years in the Cypress, Spring, Humble and Crosby areas.
“I think [the plan] shows that there's going to be massive improvements in infrastructure,” Donnelly said. “I think anything that's going to get people out to physically exercise is a good thing.”
The background
A group of friends launched the NWCC in 1986, and over the years it grew to about 800 members. While membership dropped off during the COVID-19 pandemic, the group still has about 475 members today. More than half of the members are over the age of 50, and the male-to-female ratio is about 2 to 1, Donnelly said.
In addition to larger organized rides, such as the weekly Saturday morning ride that starts at Zube Park in Hockley, Donnelly said NWCC members utilize neighborhood trails in their own communities.
The group has also partnered with local schools and organizations, and plans to give away $28,000 to charitable efforts this year, Donnelly said.
Keep in mind
Despite Houstonians’ reliance on motor vehicles, Donnelly said there are some “really good trails” in the area. However, because of the large number of vehicles on the road, safety can be a challenge for local cyclists, so the NWCC emphasizes the importance of safety before every group ride.
“We operate in a state that is not cycling-friendly and in a city that is rated particularly unfriendly to cyclists,” Donnelly said. “One of the things I hoped for when I agreed to be the president was to get through my two years as president without a death in the club because we've had way too many.”
Texas ranked as the 32nd most bike-friendly state in 2022, according to the League of American Bicyclists. The ranking is based on infrastructure, education, traffic practices, policies and planning.
Learn more about cycling safety at www.bikeleague.org.
