Cyclists to receive bike lanes on Loop 1604 Access Road in San Antonio

There is some cause for concern over just a 5′ bike lane next to 50mph traffic, and certainly the original 9′ shoulder would have been safer for cyclists. Signage and pavement markings will help alert drivers to cyclists in the new bike lanes. Where conditions do not allow for even 5′ width for bike lanes, shared-use pathways will connect cyclists along this corridor. BikeTexas feels this is a great compromise to fix a dangerous roadway, but we would not be satisfied if not for the long-term solution on the horizon. 

 

Long-term plans for Loop 1604 expansion from IH-35 to Bandera Rd currently include a 15′ shared-use pathway along both sides of 1604. This physical separation from the roadway is the best way to provide safe travel for pedestrians and cyclists of all skill levels along this corridor with such high speed limits. We must also continue to work together to preserve existing shoulders on the access road in addition to shared-use lanes.