New Bike Lane Projects Planned for Increased Safety in San Antonio
By Amanda Henderson, Photojournalist: Kourtney Ford
Construction in Sight
San Antonio residents can expect to see more bike lanes dotting their city in the near future. With multiple proposals in the pipeline, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is working towards making the city’s roads safer for its growing community of cyclists.
The most recent project set to kick-off within a month from now is coming to District Nine on the city’s north side – the Sonterra Road Extension. Approved and ready-to-go, the construction will bring a new four-lane roadway and extended sidewalk, both including bike lanes, confirmed District Nine Councilman John Courage. “In less than nine months, they hope that this road will be birthed,” he shared.
Cyclists Need for Safety
The introduction of bike lanes in the city has always stemmed from the question of how they can be safely installed. Some of the longer-standing roads pose a challenge in widening or redesigning to accommodate bike lanes. Given the potential risks, the proposition of these lanes sees a mixed reception amongst local residents, many of who are yet to comment publicly.
Cyclists David Trevino and Matthew Martinez emphasized on the pressing need for these new lanes. “I can’t get from here to a trailhead a mile that way without endangering my life,” shared Trevino, with Martinez echoing similar sentiments about the risks of cycling on the current roads.
Texas Cyclist Fatality Stats
According to TxDOT, cyclist deaths in Texas saw a 28% increase from 2018 to 2022. This alarming rise in fatalities confirms the urgent necessity for comprehensive safety measures in San Antonio and across the state. With their district bicycle plans, TxDOT aims at developing strategies for safer cycling routes throughout Texas.
Hope for Safer Roads
Both Trevino and Martinez expressed their hopes for the proposed bicycle infrastructure in their city. Martinez appreciated the downtown bike lanes’ design, particularly the big speed bump type bumps that separate the driving lanes from the cycling lanes. “That has definitely made an impact down there and needs to be spread everywhere else,” he said.
Trevino acknowledged that he mostly stuck to close bike trails to stay safe, expressing hope that improved cycling infrastructure might persuade him to venture onto main roads.
As these new bike lane projects gain traction in San Antonio, it’s encouraging to see steps being taken towards enhancing urban transportation systems for the benefit of cyclists and maintaining the safety of all road users.
