Exciting Developments for Bike Lovers in San Antonio!
San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as two important meetings this week are set to tackle the much-anticipated updates to the city’s Bike Network Plan (BNP). If you’re a fan of cycling or simply want to see improvements in how we get around the city, this is definitely something to pay attention to! The San Antonio Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will kick off the discussions with a thorough briefing on the current status of the Bike Network Plan ahead of a crucial city council approval expected in late January.
What’s on the Agenda?
In addition to the general update, the committee will dive into a fascinating federal grant project spearheaded by the Transportation Department focused on “quick build” installations. This project is a collaborative effort with the Public Works Department and aims to create safer and more efficient roadways with rapid, low-cost improvements. Exciting stuff, right?
During the last public engagement phase, the Transportation Department caught some serious kudos from the Federal Highway Administration, which recognized their efforts with a Safe Streets & Roads for All grant. This grant is a step in the direction of implementing urgent safety measures, not just for cyclists but for pedestrians and drivers too!
Community Voices Matter!
District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur has been listening to her constituents regarding their concerns about bicycle infrastructure. After receiving feedback about their needs, she expressed hope during an earlier committee session: “The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant provides us with a critical opportunity to work toward a safer community.” Her enthusiasm reinforces the importance of public input in shaping city plans.
The current phase of the project, which is all about identifying appropriate locations for quick build installations, will see the city’s Transportation and Public Works Departments working closely together. The plan is to install improvements over the next three months, and then keep an eye on them for up to two years. Your voice and partnership with local research institutions will be key in gathering valuable feedback!
Encouraging Feedback and Next Steps
San Antonio residents turned out last week to support the Bike Network Plan update at a Planning Commission meeting, with many people from the Beacon Hill neighborhood celebrating the approved changes. While the discussions happening today are informational and won’t require a vote, they are expected to spark some lively conversations, especially since it’s been months since the committee last addressed this hot topic.
The Transportation Department wrapped up its public engagement efforts this past summer. They gathered over 3,700 responses across three phases and are using that feedback to finalize their recommendations for the bike network. This plan will essentially guide how trails, bike lanes, and crossings are built in San Antonio, ensuring that they are put where people need them the most!
What’s Next?
Councilwoman Marina Aldrete Gavito highlighted a common sentiment among constituents—that San Antonio has been more about “all talk and very little action” when it comes to bike infrastructure. However, Harley Hubbard, who assists the director of the Transportation Department, reassured everyone that progress is indeed being made. Improvements are underway right now, showing that the city is committed to moving forward.
As we look ahead, a finalized version of the Bike Network Plan is expected in 2025 after it’s presented to the city council. Stay tuned for future updates, because with this bike network plan revving up, San Antonio is gearing up to become even more bike-friendly!
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will convene today, December 17, at 1:30 p.m., and we can’t wait to hear about the exciting developments that come out of this meeting!
