In a compromise vote that includes a significant amount of funding for bike, pedestrian and public transit improvements, the Transportation Policy Council (TPC) of the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) approved transit funds for 2011 to 2014. The vote temporarily ended a debate that sparked public attention and magnified a divide between the city's entrenched car culture and a mounting movement of alternative transit advocates.

The TPC passed "Option 3" of a revised $345.6 million transit budget, thus applying a minimum of funding ranges with no delay on already-planned projects. The confirmed option allots 74 percent of funds to "mobility" (expanding and rehabilitating roads and freight rail projects), 15 percent to "alternative modes" ($51.6 million for bike, pedestrian and public transit improvements) and 11 percent to "air quality" (mobile emissions reduction strategies). The option allots no funds for planning and studies.

The turn of events represents a breakthrough of sorts for pedestrian, bike and mass transit advocates who attended the Friday morning meeting at the Greenway Plaza-area H-GAC offices. Although this group advocated for Option 5, recommending that 55% of the $79.8 million in unspent funds be allocated to roadways and 45% be allocated to alternative modes of transit, the passing of Option 3 represents a welcome compromise. Those looking to expand Houston's highway network had favored Option 2, which allocated a scant 11 percent ($37.2 million) to alternative modes.

"For the first time, the citizens of Houston and Galveston have spoken up loud and clearly against the potential cutting of funds," said Aaron Chang, a board member of Bike Houston.

A protest outside the H-GAC headquarters did not materialize, with activists instead choosing to sit in on the morning workshop. "We didn't demonstrate because we thought the time could be better served. We thought it was important to have our presence visible inside the conference room," Chang said.

The organization's proactive use of a public remarks period speaks to the evolution of the grass roots bicycle movement.

"Obviously, we were hoping for a bit more," Chang told CultureMap. "But when you look at today in perspective, and what bike and pedestrian advocates have had to deal with for the past few decades, it's definitely time for celebration. In the past, decisions like this would be made largely away from public view. I think the TPC was used to stamping whatever recommendations they received from the inside. It came as a big surprise during the meetings over the past months when citizens came out and said what they really want."