TITLE
title
Discussion of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)
body
BRIEF OVERVIEW
The Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) has been a long-standing committee of the MPO Board since its original inception when Hernando County MPO was apportioned in 1992. Although it is not required of the MPO to have a bicycle/pedestrian committee by statute, as is the Technical Advisory Committee and the Citizens Advisory Committee, its purpose has served to provide a forum of public participation by individuals interested and passionate about bicycling and pedestrian modal activities and help to develop plans and programs. The BPAC has served the Hernando-Citrus MPO well in developing its strategies and plans for the communities.
The current committee is composed of nine voting members, each holding one vote, representing:
• City of Brooksville
• City of Crystal River
• City of Inverness
• Hernando County Parks and Recreation
• Citrus County Parks and Recreation
• Four Citizen-at-Large Representatives appointed by the MPO Board (two from Hernando County and two from Citrus County)
Over time, bicycle and pedestrian networks throughout the region have expanded, and additional private-sector bicycle and pedestrian groups have formed. Meanwhile, BPAC membership has declined to four active members. Recruitment efforts for vacant positions have been unsuccessful, and the committee has struggled to achieve quorum to conduct business and vote on action items.
During the April 23, 2026, joint meeting of the CAC and BPAC, both committees reached consensus to modify the CAC structure to include Bicycle/Pedestrian representation and to transition current BPAC members into the CAC. Implementing this change will require updates to the MPO’s Public Participation Plan (PPP) and the CAC Bylaws. These proposed revisions are anticipated to be presented to the MPO Board at its August or September 2026 meetings.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
LEGAL NOTE
Pursuant to Chapter 339.175, Florida Statutes, the Hernando-Citrus MPO Board has the authority to take the recommended action.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the Hernando-Citrus MPO Board support MPO staff efforts to proceed with restructuring the committees allowing for BPAC members to serve on the CAC, preparing the necessary updates to the MPO’s Public Participation Plan, and updating CAC Bylaws.