January 24, 2021
Bicycle use has increased significantly in many cities during the pandemic. Bicycling offers a safer transportation option for those currently avoiding public transit, and bicycling offers a safe way to recreate and exercise outdoors for those wanting to avoid indoor facilities. And, of course, bicycling is one of the best and healthiest ways to get around and NOT generate carbon emissions and auto air pollution.
Houston and Harris County continue to build out more of the region's planned Bike Plan infrastructure. Below are some recent and planned projects that significantly add to the existing network.
Austin Street Corridor Bike Lane:
This new corridor is now open, and features a protected bike lane south from Buffalo Bayou, through Downtown & Midtown, and on to Hermann Park and the Braes Bayou bike trails. Route and details at this link:
Extension of Buffalo Bayou Bike Path through downtown:
The hike & bike trail on the south side of Buffalo Bayou is currently being extended from Allen's Landing east to McKee Street. This trail will connect to the Austin St. Corridor and trails east of downtown. Plan view shown at this link:
Bike Lanes planned for Shepherd/Durham Corridor in the Heights:
The Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority is working on a major redesign for the Shepherd/Durham corridor between I-10 and 610, and it's shaping up to include all-ages-and-abilities rights of way for people on bikes, providing a safe north-south connection in a part of Houston where they are sorely lacking. This project also includes new sidewalks, street trees, and roadway improvements. These new bike lanes will connect to the MKT hike & bike trail.
Full Shepherd/Durham Corridor Project website:
Shepherd Durham Project, Exhibit Boards:
Walk Bike Montrose:
The Montrose TIRZ has been working on a comprehensive neighborhood plan designed to improve pedestrian and bicycle travel and safety. Plans are currently being finalized for re-designing the bike lanes on Commonwealth and Waugh, and construction is expected in the near future.
Walk Bike Montrose presentation & details, Bike Plans on pages 10-13:
Houston’s New Dedicated Bicycle Lane Ordinance
The City of Houston approved a new bike lane ordinance in October, 2020.
The No Parking in Dedicated Bicycle Lane Ordinance prohibits on-street parking of motor vehicles in dedicated bicycle lanes. A dedicated bicycle lane is a portion of the roadway separated from vehicle traffic with striping and/or physical barriers for the exclusive use of bicyclists. The violation has a $100 fine.
There is an option for first time violations to request a waiver, and take a Bicycle Friendly Driver Safety Class and pass the exam. The class is designed to teach the best practices for the road safety of bicyclists and other non-motorists on shared roads.
New Dedicated Bicycle Lane Ordinance Details:
(with frequently asked questions)
Houston’s New Dedicated Bicycle Lane Ordinance: What’s at Stake?
Background about the ordinance from the Bike Houston website: