Bicycle Austin forum

cjeremi42

Member

Registered: 2008-07-28

Posts: 5

Sidewalk on-ramp when bicycle lane ends on Duval

This weekend I noticed something strange where the bike lane ends heading Eastbound on Duval Road (a couple hundred feet before Amherst).  It looks like the City has installed a sidewalk "on ramp".  I am concerned is that a mixed message is being sent.  There is a "Share the Road" sign, but also a sidewalk on ramp?  Does this say, "Share the road with veteran cyclists, but the newbies should get on the sidewalk"?  If I had to wager a guess, a citizen unfamiliar with vehicular cycling principles contacted the city to "fix" the end of the bike lane problem.  I am including photos below and would like to hear your thoughts.

Click for larer pictures:

tomwald

Moderator

From: 78722

Registered: 2008-05-27

Posts: 290

Re: Sidewalk on-ramp when bicycle lane ends on Duval

I didn't make this request to the city, but I actually think it's a good idea.

The "Share the Road" sign make it pretty clear that bicyclists are welcome and legal on the road, while the curb cut allows the bicyclists who choose so to go onto the sidewalk for the duration of what looks like a bridge.

There are different levels and preferences among bicyclists, so while you may not want to get off the street here, there are plenty of bicyclists who would want to.

I hope that the sign will keep motorists informed that you're right to be in the road.  I am curious about follow-up on this.

Tom Wald
Bicycle Advisory Council, member

chuckthomas

Member

From: North Austin (Rundberg)

Registered: 2008-05-27

Posts: 80

Re: Sidewalk on-ramp when bicycle lane ends on Duval

It's all fun and games until a pedistrian gets hit by a cyclist.

cjeremi42

Member

Registered: 2008-07-28

Posts: 5

Re: Sidewalk on-ramp when bicycle lane ends on Duval

It's all fun and games until a pedistrian gets hit by a cyclist.

There are quite a few pedestrian walkers and joggers in this area, and many are "zoned out" listening to their headphones.  They cannot hear my bell, and they don't expect to be passed.

tomwald

Moderator

From: 78722

Registered: 2008-05-27

Posts: 290

Re: Sidewalk on-ramp when bicycle lane ends on Duval

It's all fun and games until a pedistrian gets hit by a cyclist.

Yeah, that's why I use the street on Congress Ave crossing the river rather than the sidewalk.  There are curb cuts for bicyclists to enter the sidewalk over the river, but there is almost certainly going to be a pedestrian there.

damicoaustin

Member

From: Austin, TX

Registered: 2008-05-27

Posts: 143

Website

Re: Sidewalk on-ramp when bicycle lane ends on Duval

I actually use Congress sidewalk....only so I can get a better view of the River! But here, I'd lean toward not doing these kinds of ramps, for exactly the reason first stated. I'd be interested to see what COA bike/ped has to say about it.