Cyclists lined up for the ribbon cutting. On left in purple, Dallas County Commissioner Maureen Dickey; center in TI jersey, TIer Craig Herteg, on right in chartreuse vest, TIer Paul Hakes. Click here to watch the video.

TI and several other organizations recently celebrated the opening of the final section of the Cottonwood Trail, which connects miles of walking and bike trails between Plano and South Dallas.

The trail provides a safe means for employees to commute on foot or by bicycle and connect with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) rail and bus system.

Former City Council member Mary Poss said TI played a "huge part" in making the continuous trail system in North Texas a reality.

"TI's vision planted the seed that has led to 35 miles of contiguous trails around Dallas, which will eventually connect to statewide and national trail systems," Poss said during the Cottonwood Trail ribbon cutting ceremony on May 20 which was Bike to Work Day (see related story).

The ceremony was held at the Forest Lane DART station, where the trail provides a connection to the light rail system. Poss recognized several current and former TIers who have played key roles in taking the trail from vision to reality, including: Tara Dooley of Worldwide Facilities; Gray Mayes of Government Relations and retirees Liz Moyer and Gerald Borders.

Ezra Penermon, director of TI Community Relations, echoed Poss' sentiments, saying: "Today marks the culmination of the hard work of many partners — city, county, TI, other businesses, and neighbors. This was just an idea a few years ago, but we are celebrating the reality today. We hope that this trail will help to grow the number of TIers who bike to work."

Dallas County Commissioner Maurine Dickey was a key driver in ensuring that the trail was financed and completed. She supports the use of the trails as an alternative to driving.

"This is transportation that goes places, not just a trail for Saturday morning bike rides," said Dickey, who arrived at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on her bicycle via the new trail.

The trail has the potential to take cars off the road, reducing congestion and pollution, she said.

DART CEO Gary Thomas agreed, saying: "We now have a rail-to-trail connection which gives people choices to walk, ride their bikes, or connect to the train to get to different places around town."

Councilman Jerry Allen predicted an increase in use of the trail.

"Having trail access and bike lockers at the train station and allowing bikes on trains opens up more opportunities for people to use the trail," he said.