Proposed budget amendments show the $400,000 intended for Phase 1 of the Dallas Bike Plan would have been given to Dallas Animal Services.

DALLAS — The city of Dallas is set to pass its budget for the new fiscal year, and one of the proposed budget amendments would have defunded the city’s bike plan to expand its spay and neuter program.

According to a document proposing budget amendments for the next fiscal year, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Gay Donnell Willis had proposed reducing funding for Phase 1 of the city’s bike plan by $400,000 and allocating that money to Dallas Animal Services to expand its program, including microchipping and vaccination efforts. 

According to the document, this reallocation would reduce DAS’ shelter intake, as well as strengthen public health and lower operational strain.

But not everyone was happy with the proposal, including the Dallas Bike Coalition, and they made their voices heard at the Sept. 3 Dallas City Council meeting.

Bekah Kornblum, president of the Dallas Bike Coalition, spoke to the City Council during its Sept. 3 meeting about the proposed budget amendment.

“There is so much potential for biking in Dallas when it’s done well,” Kornblum told council members. “North Haven Trail, the Katy Tail, these places are some of the best projects in Dallas and are well used by people biking and walking alike. They provide safe routes to bike in Dallas and on-street bikeways serve as a connection to these trails.”

With continued investment, Kornblum said biking could transform Dallas into a safer, healthier and more vibrant city.

The bike plan was recently passed in May 2025 by the City Council as part of Vision Zero, a plan to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and halve the amount of injuries, which is only two years old.

“These investments will take time to make an impact,” Kornblum said. “Now is not the time to cut them.”

Willis ultimately withdrew the proposed reallocation. A new amendment to increase funding for DAS may be proposed before the fiscal year is over, with some concern raised over a lack of shelter space and spay and neuter services.

The next fiscal year begins Oct. 1.