Over the next two years, the City of San Antonio and a consulting firm it hired will be working on updating its master plan for improved bike infrastructure — which is more than a decade out of date.
On Monday, the city launched a community survey to hear from residents about what it’s like for bicyclists in San Antonio, what frustrations they have and possible solutions.
“By embracing bikes in our transportation system, the city can improve air quality and roadway safety, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance the overall quality of life for its residents,” City Manager Erik Walsh stated.
The survey results will be used to inform the city’s new Bike Network Plan, “an initiative to improve bicycle infrastructure, promote safer biking conditions, and support a more connected San Antonio,” according to a news release.
Ultimately, if approved by City Council, the plan can be used to guide future budget and bond discussions surrounding bike and street infrastructure, which has been severely lacking in San Antonio historically.
San Antonio scored 45 out of 100 on Walk Score’s bike-ability metric, meaning the city has minimal bike infrastructure, and it’s the 16th most deadly U.S. city for bicyclists, according to an analysis of U.S. Department of Transportation Fatality Analysis Reporting System data by CarInsurance.org.
Annual budget funding for bike facilities has increased slightly over the years, landing at $1 million in the 2023 budget. The city contracted Reynolds, Smith & Hills, a consulting firm based in Florida, for $2.7 million to develop the plan over two years.
Beyond the survey, residents also can send the city feedback or ideas about bike infrastructure as well as sign up for future community meeting updates at www.sabikenetwork.com.
