Poll:
Do you support turning Nueces Street into a bike boulevard?
The City of Austin is moving forward with plans to turn Nueces Street in downtown Austin into a bicycle boulevard.
According to city staff, plans which will be released in full Tuesday afternoon. The bicycle boulevard would stretch from MLK Jr. Blvd to 3rd Street.
Bicycle boulevards are historically a stretch of road intended to boost bicycling behavior. They’re designed to create a safer environment for bicyclists whether they're experienced or not.
It often includes installing traffic calming devices such as speed bumps to slow vehicles and divert them altogether from the road.
However, creating this type of road on a major downtown street isn't sitting well with everyone. Numerous businesses in the area have posted signs of protest . They argue it will hurt them by turning vehicles away. Bicyclists who support the boulevard believe it may actually help as downtown expands.
“Their primary concern is again that they need to preserve auto capacity -- meaning more space for automobiles as the downtown develops,” said Rob D’Amico, President of the League of Bicycle Voters. “We think that if downtown does develop to the intensity that they're talking about that this is the perfect place for a bike boulevard. If you're looking at getting people down to Seaholm, to the new library, to museums, shopping, destinations, Lady Bird Lake -- if you want to do it by car you can still do it, but you have to have the expectations that there will be a lot of bikes there and that you'll be moving slower.”
However, even D’Amico, who supports the bicycle boulevard, says he’s concerned with the city staff’s plan.
D’Amico and the League of Bicycle Voters say the city isn't doing enough to turn Nueces Street into a true bicycle boulevard.
They want the city to do more. Both sides will still have time to argue for more or less change. Nothing is official, and any plans will still require additional approval.
The idea to construct a bicycle boulevard is part of a citywide plan designed to improve Austin's network of bike lanes and trails.
Money for the construction would come from transportation bonds. Voters approved those bonds in 2000.
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