The newly installed bike lanes in the Heights area of Houston may face removal after Mayor John Whitmire initiated a review of the project. Millions of taxpayer dollars were spent on implementing these lanes, but concerns about their effectiveness and impact have prompted the reconsideration.
The decision to install bike lanes and reduce car traffic lanes along 11th Street was made in 2022 by Mayor Sylvester Turner. Despite receiving an award from the American Public Works Association, Mayor Whitmire has requested the Public Works department to assess the project’s effectiveness, impact, and lessons learned.
Local business owner Jeff Armstrong, whose shop is located on 11th Street, expressed frustration with the traffic congestion caused by the bike lanes. He believes that the decision to install them disregarded the concerns of local residents and businesses.
On the other hand, cyclist Leighton Mitchell raised safety concerns regarding the bike lanes, citing instances of near-accidents due to drivers not being accustomed to the presence of cyclists. While Mitchell acknowledges the need for better design and signage, he opposes the removal of the lanes, fearing it may signal a less cyclist-friendly approach.
Mayor Whitmire’s previous decision to remove barriers on Houston Avenue, citing concerns about firefighter access, has already incurred significant taxpayer costs. The potential removal of the 11th Street bike lanes would mark another project reversal at taxpayer expense during Whitmire’s tenure.
The mayor’s office has not disclosed the potential cost or timeline for changes to 11th Street, and the evaluation process is ongoing. As of now, no final decisions have been made regarding the fate of the bike lanes.
