The push for better bicycle infrastructure in San Antonio is engaging community members for input on future developments. The San Antonio Transportation Department is urging residents to share their opinions as it seeks to enhance the Alamo City Bicycle Network Plan, which has not seen major updates since 2011. Plans to add 1,600 miles to the existing 500 miles of bike lanes are in motion, aiming to ease traffic congestion and boost safety for those on two wheels, as reported by KENS 5.
In pursuit of making the city more bike-friendly, the department has been collecting data and feedback since 2023. Residents like Muhammad McPherson, who cycles in downtown San Antonio, believe such plans could significantly enhance their cycling experience. "When I leave outside of the city. I don't see the bike lanes and I don't feel too safe. If there were more bike lanes, I would venture out more outside of the city. The more bike lanes, the further I would go out,” McPherson told KENS 5.
This local effort is paralleled by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which is also seeking community feedback on its draft bicycle plan covering San Antonio and surrounding counties. As per details from a KSAT report, the TxDOT plan looks to prioritize bicycling infrastructure on state highways, evaluate needs, and define the roles of different routes in the bicycling network. Members of the public have had access to an interactive online map and draft plan since early July, with TxDOT welcoming comments until August 9 at 11:59 p.m.
"We got over 100 comments on our map, giving insight into where we should plan bike facilities. We also got comments on questions regarding policy that the city should consider, so we're having one more open house to make sure that we cover our bases," revealed Harley Hubbard, San Antonio Bike Network Plan Project Manager, in a statement obtained by KENS 5. This next open house, for those looking to voice their thoughts, is scheduled for today at 2:30 pm at the Southside Lions Club.
Bicycle activists and riders residing near manifested facilities, like Chantal Harrison and David Stolarski, reflect on the changes they've observed. Recounting past experiences with vehicular traffic, Harrison notes the dangers she faced, saying, "Traffic! No safe place to bike. We have bicyclists that have been killed and it's like they just ignore it," in an account to KENS 5. Stolarski, who has had his share of close calls with cars, hopes the community supports the ongoing efforts. "I think we're in on the right direction. I hope the community supports it and keeps pushing for it," he stated. The Transportation Department plans to present the updated bike plan to the city council in January 2025.
