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Public and advocates press Mobility Committee to keep protected bike lanes on 6th Street
Summary
Public commenters and Safe Streets Austin urged the Mobility Committee to require protected bike lanes on 6th Street, highlighting safety, connectivity and business benefits; APD said it coordinates with Transportation & Public Works on the 6th Street pilot and will keep the corridor open when safe.
Public comment at the Austin City Council Mobility Committee on Nov. 13 featured strong support for protected bike lanes on East 6th Street, with residents and advocates urging the committee to preserve a physically separated lane in staff proposals.
"I would like to voice my support for a single bike lane on 6th Street between I‑35 and Congress," a public commenter told the committee, calling the staff‑reviewed “alternative design number 2” a compromise that would add roughly 9½ feet of usable space for businesses while providing a distinct lane for cyclists and micromobility users. Adam Greenfield of Safe Streets Austin told the committee, "So we are here to speak strongly in support of protected bike lanes on 6th Street," and argued the corridor is uniquely important because it is the only westbound street connecting I‑35 to Mopac.
Why it matters: 6th Street is a high‑profile corridor used by multiple travel modes; supporters said a protected lane would reduce sidewalk conflicts, help achieve the city’s bike‑plan mode‑shift goals and offer economic benefits to nearby businesses.
Committee and staff response: Chair Paige Ellis signaled appreciation for the remarks and noted the 6th Street pilot is an active point of coordination between Austin Police Department and Transportation & Public Works. Assistant Chief Mike Chancellor said APD works closely with Transportation and Public Works on traffic patterns and on occasions will close portions of the roadway when conditions are unsafe; otherwise APD tries to keep the road open when it can be done safely. He also described geofencing work with ride‑hail companies to move drop‑offs off the corridor to reduce pedestrian exposure.
Background and next steps: Staff is developing proposals for the future of 6th Street; the committee listed a 6th Street pilot update among agenda items the department will report on in December. No formal action was taken on lane design at this meeting.
Ending: Committee members encouraged staff to continue working with merchants and community groups as design work continues, and the item remains scheduled for future briefing and decision discussions.
