Mayor John Whitmire of Houston is taking a hard look at the 11th Street Bikeway project, mere months after its completion, potentially rolling back the bike lanes that have just been laid down. The project, which snagged an award from the American Public Works Association, converted 11th Street in the Heights from a car-centric road into one accommodating cyclists, may already be on the chopping block.
According to KTRK, even though the new design recently won an award, Mayor Whitmire is not sold on the changes. He has asked Public Works to "evaluate the effectiveness, impact, and identify lessons learned on the 11th Street project." Critics have pointed out the increase in traffic congestion, voicing frustrations similar to that of Jeff Armstrong, a local business owner. "The amount of traffic that backs up at Heights Boulevard and Yale is just insane," said Armstrong, expressing his willingness to endure construction yet again if it means the bike lanes would be removed.
Cyclists like Leighton Mitchell have meanwhile lamented the possibility of removing what they see as a step towards a more bike-friendly city. "It seems like maybe this is a move in a direction of being less friendly to cyclists. I think that would be counterproductive," Mitchell told KTRK concerning the bike lanes' potential removal. Houston has already seen barriers removed from Houston Avenue, intended to improve pedestrian safety—a decision that cost around $730,000 of taxpayer money.
Houston Public Media reports the 11th Street project had been part of Houston's commitment to the "Vision Zero" goal. It was designed to make the area safer and support the need for a safe crossing at Nicholson and 11th Street. However, it seems, Whitmire's administration holds concerns regarding emergency response an, possible negative impacts on businesses. Mary Benton, a spokesperson for the mayor, indicated that the 11th Street work is one of several projects under review.
Advocates such as Peter Eccles of LINK Houston and Joe Cutrufo of BikeHouston have praised the redesign for enhancing road safety and providing equitable transportation options. Both suggest the street overhaul has been beneficial for all road users. "Houston has countless streets like 11th, where the (vehicle) speeds are consistently over the limit, with long stretches without a safe place to cross, with minimal facilities for people walking, biking and traveling in ways other than driving," Eccles noted. But with two main proponents of the project no longer with the city, the future of 11th Street's new setup hangs in the balance.
