Texas is one of our country’s biggest states, and they do nothing in a small way. San Antonio, the seventh largest city in the United States, proved that again when it undertook a bike lane project for its Avenue B and North Alamo Street.

While the project experienced some delays and design changes, the city wrapped it all up in time for Christmas with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 5. Councilwoman Dr. Sukh Kaur of District 1; Razi Hosseini, professional engineer (P.E.) and registered professional land surveyor (R.P.L.S.), San Antonio public works director; and Catherine Hernandez, transportation interim director, came together in proud celebration of a job well done. Other improvements were made by changing Avenue B from two-way to one-way southbound traffic, which created a protected bike lane, as well as wider sidewalks, on-street parking, landscaping and lighting.

How did this begin? Voter-approved funds during the 2017 bond, intending a reimagined Broadway corridor with curbs, sidewalks, trees and other amenities. In 2019, the city council agreed to use $6 million in special area tax revenues to fund the protected lanes instead of having them on a 1-mile portion of Broadway. Construction began in August 2021.

Nadia Canales, senior public information officer at the city of San Antonio, explained, “The city was awarded the funds in 2019 and held a handful of public meetings in 2019 and 2020. Additionally, public engagement has been combined with the nearby Broadway project, which includes meeting with stakeholders every two weeks for the past year.”

Canales continued, “As the city designed the nearby Lower Broadway (Houston to IH-35 project), we knew how important bike lanes were to the community, so we worked with the biking community to develop the Avenue B/North Alamo bike route solution. It provides safe bike connectivity in this corridor and allows for wide sidewalks and trees along Broadway.”

Sundt and AECOM designed and engineered the lanes, and the city of San Antonio’s public works department managed the project admirably. Construction began in August 2021 and was completed in November 2023. As with any extensive project, there were some bumps in the road. One problem was simple and easily remedied once Mother Nature cooperated. The lanes had been meant to open in early March, but they couldn’t be completed due to frequent rain all spring. Once that had stopped, the re-striping of new lanes could commence and the project rolled ahead. Another issue? The original design incorporated planters between the bike lanes and traffic lanes to protect the bicyclists, which proved to be inconvenient for business deliveries. New dividers and bollards were ordered to replace the planters.

In terms of bikeable cities, San Antonio ranks 152 among 163 large U.S. cities. The city updated its master plan for improved bike infrastructure and even created and launched a survey for the community, requesting their input on thoughts and ideas for making biking safer and identifying areas where better facilities, such as more bike lanes, were needed.

Canales, when asked how successful the lanes have been since completion, said, “Anecdotally, this project has been used and enjoyed by bicyclists, senior citizens on tricycles, unicyclists and skateboarders.” Canales added, “This cycle track connects people from home to work, from the River Walk to Downtown, from store to restaurant. It connects to our growing network of Downtown bike lanes and to the trails along the Mission reach portion of the San Antonio River.”

The Lower Broadway Corridor Project is still in the works. According to San Antonio’s official website, it will include “improvements such as roadway reconstruction, curbs, sidewalks, driveway approaches, underground drainage, ADA wheelchair ramps, pedestrian lighting and amenities, landscaping and utility upgrades. Substantial completion for this project will be summer 2024.”

While many cycle year-round, for all kinds of reasons — environmental, financial and health, just to name a few — we will see many more once the spring approaches. It’s a simple pleasure that everyone in the family can enjoy. Many cities are going to be considering bike lanes. Research continues to show that bike lanes create consistent traffic flow, with no slowdowns because of getting caught behind a bicycle; additionally, there’s no need to speed around a bike or wonder if you can pass the biker within your lane.

It seems likely that bike lanes would encourage those who wouldn’t otherwise try biking along the roads. Data also shows lower fatality rates for all road users, not just cyclists, when protected lanes are in use. School zones can be much safer. Cities are more congested, and costs of vehicles, fuels, and insurance are continuing to grow as well. Whether you choose to ride a bike or drive a car, it certainly makes good sense to create all the safety on the roads that’s possible.

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