Buff Speak Podcast
Listen to the Buff Speak podcast: https://buffspeak.wtamu.edu/podcast/s3ep12taking-it-to-the-streets/
In a recent episode of the Buff Speak podcast, Dr. Nick Gerlich sat down with Chris Pittman, founder and director of Panhandle Active Transportation and Health (PATH), to discuss how the Texas Panhandle can reclaim its streets for people—not just cars. Their conversation, ranging from personal anecdotes to policy aspirations, paints a compelling vision for healthier, more connected communities in Amarillo, Canyon, and beyond.
The Roots of PATH: A Personal and Community Need
Chris Pittman’s story is familiar to many: a childhood spent biking everywhere, a sense of freedom and autonomy that today’s youth rarely experience. “I don’t remember a time in my life I did not own a bicycle,” Chris said. But when he moved to the Texas Panhandle, he realized biking wasn’t just inconvenient—it was often unsafe. Even short trips to school or the store felt risky, especially for his young son.
This realization sparked PATH’s founding in October 2024. What began as conversations with local cyclists and business owners quickly evolved into a grassroots movement inspired by the national Strong Towns initiative. A shared core belief is that the “indicator species” of a healthy community is not the number of cars on the road, but the number of people walking and cycling.
The Car-Centric Legacy—and Its Costs
The United States is more car-dependent than ever, with nearly 300 million registered vehicles. While cars provide convenience, this dominance has come at a cost. Streets built for speed and throughput leave little room for those on foot or bike. “We let our technology drive us, rather than letting society determine how we use technology,” Pittman reflected.
The design of our towns has made walking and biking not just inconvenient, but sometimes dangerous. Even in small, inviting towns like Canyon, retrofitting sidewalks and safe crossings is a costly challenge. The smallest infrastructure project can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, straining city budgets.
Why Walkability and Bikeability Matter
Health Benefits:
Physical inactivity is a major contributor to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases—conditions that are especially prevalent in the Panhandle. According to the CDC, 40% of Americans are obese, and sedentary lifestyles are a leading factor. Regular walking and cycling don’t just help with weight management; they’re linked to higher cancer survival rates and improved cardiovascular health. Mental health also benefits: walking or biking can reduce stress, boost mood, and foster creativity.
Social and Community Benefits:
When people walk or bike, they interact with neighbors, support local businesses, and build a sense of community. “When we’re in cars, we’re separated by glass and metal. On bike or on foot, we’re part of the community,” Chris explained. Studies show that walkable neighborhoods are more socially connected and resilient.
Economic Impact:
There’s a misconception that only drivers fuel local economies. In reality, people who walk or bike to shops and restaurants spend more per month than drivers, especially at local businesses. Making streets more walkable and bikeable can revitalize downtowns and increase retail sales. For cities, focusing on “human-sized” infrastructure can also mean less money spent on road maintenance and more invested in community amenities.
PATH’s Approach: Small Steps, Big Change
PATH’s philosophy, borrowed from Strong Towns, is to “find the next smallest thing” that can make streets safer and more inviting. Instead of waiting for multi-million dollar projects, PATH advocates for quick, low-cost interventions: painted bike lanes, plastic bollards, temporary traffic calming, and community events that put people back on the streets.
Recent wins include city proclamations for Bike Month in both Amarillo and Canyon, participation in parades and community rides, and growing partnerships with local government. PATH’s monthly rides, open to all ages and abilities, are designed to normalize biking and walking as everyday activities—not just recreation for the athletic or adventurous.
The Challenge of Perception
A recurring theme in the conversation was the cultural shift needed to support active transportation. In many places, seeing someone walking or biking is so unusual that drivers may have the urge to ask if they need help. Sometimes, as Chris recounted, people even call the police, assuming something must be wrong.
Changing this mindset is central to PATH’s mission. The more people who are visible on foot or bike, the safer and more accepted it becomes. This “N+1” effect—each new walker or cyclist makes it safer for the next—can transform communities over time.
Rethinking Street Design
Much of the discussion focused on how street design influences behavior. Wide, straight lanes encourage speeding, while narrower lanes and traffic-calming features slow cars and make streets safer for everyone. Pittman pointed out that many local streets are built to freeway standards, with 12-foot lanes and wide medians. Simply narrowing lanes to 10 feet can free up space for bike lanes or wider sidewalks and naturally reduce speeds.
PATH is not anti-car. Instead, the group advocates for “modal freedom”—the ability to choose the best way to get around, whether by car, bike, foot, or public transit. The goal is to make all these options safe and convenient, not to force anyone out of their car.
Overcoming Financial and Political Hurdles
One of PATH’s strengths is its non-confrontational, inclusive approach. Rather than demanding expensive, disruptive changes, PATH works with city officials and residents to identify practical, affordable solutions. This includes inviting city leaders to join community rides and demonstrating how even small changes can have a big impact.
PATH also challenges the myth that only drivers “pay for the roads.” In reality, only about a quarter of state and local road funding comes from gas taxes; the rest comes from general taxes paid by everyone. Meanwhile, car-centric infrastructure imposes hidden costs on cities, from maintenance to public health.
Lessons from Elsewhere
The discussion touched on international examples, from Amsterdam’s transformation into a cycling capital to Paris’s recent push for walkable, people-first streets. These cities show that change is possible, even in places once dominated by cars. The key is sustained advocacy, political will, and a willingness to rethink priorities.
The Vision for the Panhandle
PATH envisions a Texas Panhandle where anyone can walk or bike out their front door without fear or inconvenience. Where children can bike to school, seniors can walk to the store, and families can enjoy their neighborhoods at a human pace. Achieving this vision will require ongoing education, incremental infrastructure improvements, and a shift in how communities define progress.
Chris summed it up: “When my wife feels comfortable biking with me to the grocery store—and prefers it over driving—I’ll know we’re on the right track.”
How to Get Involved
PATH invites everyone—residents, business owners, city leaders—to join the movement. Attend a ride, advocate for safer streets, or simply choose to walk or bike for your next short trip. Every person on foot or bike helps build a safer, healthier, and more vibrant community.
Listen to the full podcast for more stories, insights, and inspiration—and consider how you can help make your community a place where people come first.