Council asks staff to study potential West Main/19th walking-bike lane amid safety and truck-traffic concerns

A council member proposed exploring a dedicated walking and biking lane on West Main that would connect to the existing protected lane on Southwest 13th. The proposal identified an approximately one-mile circuit that would run west on West Main, turn near Rosenberg and loop back at 17th, using existing street lighting and wide street sections to minimize infrastructure costs.

"If you think it's appropriate in the weeks ahead to pursue potentially adding a dedicated lane for walking or biking…we would connect with our current dedicated lane on West Southwest 13th," the council member said, asking staff to have Public Works (Jeff) measure pavement widths and return to the council with feasibility and cost estimates.

Council discussion focused on implementation details and safety. Staff noted striping and signage costs and that some striping work on 13th had been contracted externally. A meeting participant raised concerns about heavy truck traffic near Slumberland, ProForm and Quality Park Lane and the difficulty large trucks present at tight turns; the participant recommended evaluating truck routes and sightlines before committing to a lane.

Council directed staff to: (1) measure roadway widths between Southwest 13th and 19th and compare them with 13th Street’s dimensions; (2) analyze lighting coverage and whether added signage or no-parking zones would be needed; and (3) consult with nearby businesses about routing and truck movements. No design decision was made; council agreed to revisit the item after staff returns with measurements and cost options.