Last night, the Irving City Council joined Plano, Farmers Branch, and Highland Park in voting to hold a public referendum next May on whether to withdraw from the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system.
The council chambers were full — filled with neighbors, riders, cyclists, advocates, and community leaders who came to speak about what DART means to them and to our region.

​Passion, Presence, and PurposeJust like in Plano, DART leadership was present — including the CEO, Board Chair, and several Board members— to answer questions and share the system’s progress. Unlike what one might expect, the format gave them the same two minutes that each of us had. And while that may have limited what they could say, their message was clear: DART wants to work with Irving, not against it.
Speaker after speaker — from students to business leaders to people with disabilities — echoed the same theme:
“Don’t take this to a vote. Don’t turn away. Choose connection.”
The remarks were passionate, informed, and deeply human. No one denied that DART has challenges — but most of us who rely on or advocate for it know that improvement comes from partnership, not separation.

Why This MattersThis vote isn’t just about trains and buses. It’s about how people move through life.
For cyclists, DART means safe first- and last-mile connections.
For people with disabilities, it means independence through paratransit service.
For workers, it means access to jobs that might otherwise be unreachable.
And for all of us, it means a more connected, less congested, more sustainable region.
When cities withdraw, those links begin to unravel — and the people who depend on them are the ones who feel it first.

Where We Go from HereNow, the decision moves to the voters next May. That gives us six months to make sure every person in our region understands what’s at stake.
Over the coming months, BikeDFW and our partners will be working to:

• Share accurate, accessible information about what DART provides — and what leaving would mean.
  
• Reach out to the communities most affected — people with disabilities, students, workers, older adults — and ensure their stories are heard.
  
• Build bridges between advocates, from cyclists to transit riders to environmental and accessibility groups, to stand together for connection.
  

We have a short window — but we have strong voices, deep commitment, and a shared belief that mobility is community.

The Road AheadIf there’s one thing this process has reminded us, it’s that public participation matters. Even when votes don’t go the way we hope, showing up still changes the conversation.
Over the next six months, we’ll need to stay strong, stay positive, and stay focused on facts. The future of DART — and the freedom to move safely and affordably across North Texas — depends on it.

Did You Know?Every weekday, DART provides nearly 150,000 trips across 700 square miles of North Texas — connecting 13 cities through rail, bus, paratransit, and microtransit services.
Each one of those trips represents someone getting to work, to school, to a doctor, or to someone they love.
That’s what connection looks like — and that’s why we’ll keep showing up.

The nominations are in — and now it’s your turn to help celebrate the incredible people, clubs, businesses, and organizations that keep North Texas rolling.

This year’s UPSHIFT Awards shine a light on the heart and soul of our cycling community — the volunteers, advocates, educators, social ride leaders, and partners who make this region safer, stronger, and more connected.

We’re thrilled to share that this year’s program includes 44 nominees across 9 award categories, representing the work, creativity, and compassion of more than 70 people who took the time to nominate their bike heroes.

Find out WHO has been nominated HERE 💙

🗳️ Cast Your Vote!
Voting is now open and runs through November 18 — and we want everyone in the DFW region to join in!

👉 Vote for your favorites here!

Each vote helps recognize the people and groups who have gone above and beyond this year — teaching new riders, building trails, organizing inclusive rides, or simply showing up for their community.

🎉 Celebrate With Us — November 19 at Four Corners Brewing Co.
Join us for the 2025 BikeDFW UPSHIFT Awards Celebration at Four Corners Brewing Co. as we raise a glass to the riders, leaders, and partners who keep North Texas moving forward.
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🍻 Early-bird tickets have been extended through November 10!
🎟️ Get Your Tickets Here

We’ll also take a moment during the celebration to honor the life and legacy of Richard White, a beloved advocate and friend to so many in our cycling community. BikeDFW will be donating $2 of every ticket sold — plus any donations made with ticket purchases — directly to support his family.

🎫 Don’t Forget the Raffle!
Our raffle is overflowing with prizes that reflect the creativity and generosity of the cycling community — including:

🚴‍♀️ A brand-new bike from Bike Mart
🎨 Bike art and neon
📸 Photography by Justin Terveen
🎒 Patagonia bags, bottles, and more

Tickets are just $10 each or 3 for $25, and all proceeds go toward BikeDFW’s education, advocacy, and community programs.
🎫 Buy Raffle Tickets Here

💙 A Word to Our Nominees
To all 44 nominees — congratulations!

Whether this is your first time being recognized or your name has become a familiar one in the DFW cycling community, please know that your nomination is a meaningful reflection of your impact. Each one represents someone who took the time to say “you matter — you’ve made a difference.”

We hope you’ll share your nomination proudly, invite your community to vote, and join us at the celebration as we lift up every person and partner who helps keep our region riding strong.

Together, we’re not just celebrating awards — we’re celebrating all the ways we move North Texas forward.

Thank you for being part of this incredible community. 💙
#RideKind #UPSHIFT2025 #BikeDFW #DFWcycling