Township approves Lake Woodlands bike‑lane study, to coordinate with county

The Woodlands Township Board voted to approve a task order with Health Associates Inc. to study intersection‑by‑intersection improvements intended to give bicyclists a consistent, safer route along Lake Woodlands.

Chris Nunes presented the scope as an exploratory study from North Shore Park to Kirkendall that will identify locations where shoulders can be re‑lined or otherwise modified so cyclists do not need to stray into vehicular lanes. Nunes cautioned the original 2002/2017 bike‑pedestrian master plan called for consistent corridors, not necessarily fully separated 10‑foot bike lanes, and said the study will look to use existing infrastructure where feasible. "I wanna be very cautious on that word 'bike lanes'," Nunes said, clarifying the work is first to define consistent bike paths and intersection treatments.

Directors discussed emailed suggestions from Bike The Woodlands (CT Gooding) and asked that those recommendations be incorporated into the study; Nunes said the task order allows for bundling such input and the township will coordinate with Montgomery County (precinct 3) and Commissioner Wheeler, noting final construction or shoulder work is the county’s decision.

Motion and votes: Director Snyder moved to approve the Health Associates task order; Vice Chairman Craig Eisler seconded. The motion carried (aye).

Next steps: If the study recommends changes, staff will present findings and potential construction options to the county and the board for any required approvals and funding decisions.