Houston, Tx
‘It’s just got to stop’ | Heights residents say 11th Street bike lanes will push traffic into neighborhoods
Residents concern lowered car lanes will trigger visitors congestion, pushing drivers into surrounding neighborhoods.
HOUSTON — Many neighbors within the Heights mentioned they consider the town’s plans for extra bike lanes on main streets might be a catastrophe.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner mentioned on Tuesday he needs to take a more in-depth look earlier than one specific venture strikes ahead.
In accordance with Rice College’s Kinder Institute, trails and bike lanes are necessary. Researchers assert that “extra mobility choices contribute to a more healthy inhabitants and economic system.”
Houston is near assembly its objective of developing no less than 500 miles of trails and bike lanes by 2025. There are solely 64 miles left. However the 1.5-mile stretch of deliberate bike lanes slated for the Heights is inflicting controversy.
“Once you discuss to folks, they don’t even know in regards to the plan,” Heights resident Stacey Seals mentioned.
The Houston Bike Plan’s eleventh Road Bikeway Proposal will cut back the variety of car lanes, from 4 lanes to 2. Designated bike lanes might be created to run alongside the visitors lanes.
“I don’t see any rationale for taking a significant thoroughfare and placing in bike lanes,” licensed skilled engineer and resident Jerry Gauze mentioned.
The group of Heights neighbors has been petitioning metropolis leaders to re-think the plan.
“It may possibly endanger us if we lower it down to 1 lane and push the visitors into the neighborhoods,” Houston Metropolis Council Member Michael Kubosh mentioned.
Seals mentioned a resident was lately killed in a neighborhood whereas strolling his canine by a reckless driver.
“The youngsters that must stroll the streets with out sidewalks to highschool, moms which can be strolling with their infants and their canines. It’s simply received to cease,” Seals mentioned.
On Tuesday, the group took the problem to Metropolis Corridor.
Council Member Abbie Kamin mentioned her constituents need the bike lanes on eleventh avenue.
“(There may be) a big majority of assist for this locally,” Kamin mentioned.
Turner, who alone has the authority to approve modifications to the plans, known as for a 30-day maintain on the venture to judge the considerations.
“Let me take possession and let me check out it,” Turner mentioned.