Austin Bicycling Advocates Seek $150M From City Coffers To Build Safer Paths

AUSTIN, TX -- The Urban Transportation Commission is seeking $150 million from the City of Austin to develop its Bicycle Master Plan aimed at making the roadways safer for bicyclists.

KXAN-TV reports that Bike Austin officials are hoping to use the funds to develop protected bicycle paths to encourage more to cycle. The organization estimates that could remove 20,000 vehicles from traveling into downtown Austin every day, the television station reports.

One area targeted for more bike-friendly access is in in North Austin at North Lamar Boulevard and Rundberg Lane. The intersection is void of sidewalks and also lacks shoulder and bike lanes, the station reports.

District 4 Council Member Greg Casar told the news station that North Austin also happens to be the part of the city that has the most young children, heightening the urgency for safer bike paths.

“This is the place we need active transportation options and safe bike lanes so that families can get to and from errands or to and from schools and not worry about being clipped by a car,” Casar told KXAN.

Bike Austin tells KXAN that making the most affordable means of transportation, walking and biking, safer will help the roughly 40 percent of regular bicycle riders who make less than $25,000 a year.

Another selling point to ditching the car in favor of a bicycle: The considerable savings from fueling costs.