Bicyclists in San Antonio often face infrastructural challenges that hinder safety. One of the primary challenges is the lack of sufficient dedicated and protected bike lanes. Without these, bicyclists often have to share the road with motor vehicles, which can be dangerous. The good news is that new bicycle lanes will be coming to downtown San Antonio. This will hopefully reduce bicycle accidents in the city's center.
Protected bike lanes are typically separated from car lanes by physical barriers. These can include bollards, curbs, planters, or parked cars. This physical division significantly reduces the likelihood of cars drifting into the bike lane and causing collisions with bicyclists.
Where will San Antonia officials introduce new bicycle lanes?
Downtown San Antonio is set to receive a new bike lane, which will enhance the city's bicycle infrastructure. This development comes from a $16 million grant awarded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) under its Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program. This project will create a one-mile stretch of two-way, protected bike lanes from Flores Street to Interstate 37.
The bike lane will traverse through Dolorosa, Market, Alamo, and Commerce streets. It includes improvements such as upgraded traffic signals, new signage, and enhanced safety lighting for bicyclists and pedestrians. This initiative is part of San Antonio's effort to promote safer and more convenient travel for bicyclists in the downtown area.
The project's construction will begin in the 2026 fiscal year. Additionally, plans are underway for an extension of the cycle track westward along Dolorosa Street and Buena Vista Street, from Flores Street to Frio Street. This aims to provide a comprehensive, safe east-west cycling route across downtown San Antonio.
Public Works Director Razi Hosseini expressed gratitude to the U.S. Department of Transportation and TxDOT for their support in adding premium cycling facilities to key downtown streets. "We would like to thank the U.S. Department of Transportation and TxDOT for helping us add world-class bicycle infrastructure along important downtown roadways," he said in a statement.
This project, he noted, is part of the city's broader strategy to utilize federal and state funds for community-enhancing ventures.
How will new bike lanes promote safety?
Drivers often have a difficult time seeing bicyclists, especially if they are texting, speeding, or not paying attention to the road ahead. By having a designated space on the road, protected bike lanes increase the visibility of bicyclists to motorists. This heightened awareness often leads to more cautious driving behavior around cyclists.
Additionally, these new bike lanes will provide a predictable space for bicyclists, away from the flow of motorized traffic. This will also help reduce speed differentiation between bicycles and cars, as well as dooring accidents.
If you were hit by a car while riding a bicycle in San Antonio, contact our attorneys for legal help
Bicyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in San Antonio. They don't have the protection of a vehicular frame, seatbelt, or airbags. While bike helmets can help reduce the likelihood of a severe brain injury, bicyclists are at risk of being seriously injured in a crash with a motor vehicle because they absorb the brunt of the impact.
Bicycle accidents can result in extensive medical bills and several months of recovery. If you were injured in a San Antonio bicycle accident, you can't count on the insurance companies to fully compensate you for your losses. They are more concerned with protecting their bottom line than paying crash victims what they deserve. That's where the experienced bicycle accident attorneys at The Herrera Law Firm come in.
We know how to investigate bicycle accidents, build strong cases, and deal with insurance companies. Find out how we can help by contacting us online and scheduling a free consultation.
