The Texas Department of Transportation is asking Rio Grande Valley residents to help identify problem areas for people walking and biking in their communities.

TxDOT launched an online survey and interactive map earlier this month so people can share the challenges they face getting around on foot or by bike.

"We're looking for any challenges you may have moving around your community and any opportunities that you can think of that would improve safety and connectivity," TxDOT spokesperson Ray Pedraza said. "We also want feedback on the criteria we're using to prioritize which corridors should have those enhancements."

The feedback will help TxDOT better understand current and future walking and biking needs across the area.

"This is a planning tool, so this helps us collect data on where future infrastructure should be planned for and eventually funded," Pedraza said.

For Jesus Mendiola, owner of Trek Bicycle in Mission, the issues are personal. He rides around the Valley four to five days a week and says the roads have plenty of room for improvement.

"We don't have enough bike lanes," Mendiola said.

He says one of the biggest challenges is finding a bike lane that actually connects to other routes. Some lanes start and end without linking to anything, forcing cyclists onto busier roads.

"Shary Road has a bike lane, marked as a bike lane, that starts on the expressway north to 496 and that's it," Mendiola said. "So I have asked friends of mine, 'how do I get there? Do I get my wife to drop me off in a helicopter on the expressway so I can ride my bicycle north on that shoulder?" 

Mendiola says the survey is a chance for everyday road users to speak up.

"We are parents, we are sisters, we are brothers, people that live, work and pay taxes in our community," Mendiola said. "So, we just mean well."

A summary of the feedback is expected to be presented in the summer. The survey is open until July 10, 2026.

Click here to access the survey.

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