San Antonio's Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has unveiled a comprehensive bike network plan aimed at enhancing cycling safety and accessibility throughout the city. The plan, discussed during the December 17, 2024, meeting, outlines various types of bike facilities tailored to different roadway contexts, ensuring that cyclists can navigate safely alongside motor vehicles.

Key features of the proposed plan include traditional bike lanes, shared-use paths, and innovative bike boulevards designed for low-speed neighborhood streets. These boulevards will incorporate traffic calming measures such as speed humps and median islands to create safer environments for both cyclists and motorists. The plan emphasizes the importance of protective barriers in on-street bike lanes, which can be constructed from durable materials or more flexible options, enhancing safety against vehicle traffic.

The committee also highlighted the need for effective intersection designs to facilitate safe crossings for cyclists, particularly at major intersections. Special considerations for unique roadway circumstances, such as right turn slip lanes and ADA-compliant parking, were also addressed. The plan aims to mitigate potential hazards, such as bus stops that intersect with bike lanes, by recommending floating bus stop islands to separate cyclists from bus passenger loading areas.

In total, the bike network plan proposes approximately 890 miles of bike facilities, including a primary network of direct bikeways connecting key destinations, a neighborhood network for alternate routes, and visionary facilities that tackle more challenging connections. This ambitious initiative not only aims to improve cycling infrastructure but also includes a preliminary analysis of the network's feasibility, setting the stage for future developments in San Antonio's transportation landscape.

As the city moves forward with this plan, residents can anticipate a more integrated and safer biking experience, promoting healthier transportation options and enhancing overall community connectivity.