Dallas Bike Lane Infrastructure Overhaul
There are many shared paths extending throughout West Dallas, most of which are readily accessible to cyclists and to pedestrians. What seems to be lacking are shared bike lanes on the public roads, and perhaps more notably, there are no buffered bike lanes to allow cyclists to actively navigate their way through West Dallas.
What is the Dallas Bike Lane Infrastructure Overhaul
The original plan was introduced a decade ago but failed to muster the necessary votes to pass. Since then, the number of trails and other outdoor areas for cyclists have increased, but commuting with bicycles has reduced some twenty percent according to local government estimates.
It is noted that the reason for the biking plan of 2011 was because it simply was not safe to bike through Dallas. Supporters of the proposed revisions to the original Bike Lane Infrastructure reasonably claim that this is still a challenge that presents avoidable hazards to both cyclists and to motor vehicle operators.
The current efforts may be led by Gresham Smith who have an extensive history of public works projects within the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area. If they are to take on the project however, the plan will definitely need to be both revised and updated to reflect the current needs of the Dallas area, and ideally, with a special focus on the many more scenic locations throughout West Dallas.
An existing bike lane over the Margret Hunt Hill Bridge.
The Importance of Bike Lanes
Ask any motor vehicle driver what they think about bikers once they have been cut off, and been forced to slam on their brakes. Ask any cyclist what they think about the motor vehicles constantly failing to notice the bike riders. Odder still are the people who are active operators of both, and they will gladly regale you with tales of the incompetence of the drivers of both bicycles and motor vehicles.
Bike lanes allow for existing roadways to preserve at least a minimal separation for the safe operation of bicycles and motor vehicles along the same roadways. The bike lanes are ideal solutions, especially in heavily trafficked commercial neighborhoods filled with shops, restaurants, and other venues people may enjoy on their outings.
While residential areas may not be as heavily trafficked as streets in commercial and industrial areas, there is still a pressing need for bike lanes. This is especially true around school zones and other areas where younger, more easily distracted cyclists are prone to be riding during rush hour traffic.
What’s going on in West Dallas?
We’re adamant about advocating for our neighborhood including project Protect PD 714. The West Dallas Neighborhood Coalition advocates for walkable retail corridors as well as expanded bike lanes and other social initiatives.
What Are the Types of Bike Lanes in Dallas?
Bike Lanes – “A bike lane is a portion of the roadway designated by striping, signing, and/or pavement markings for the use of bicyclists and have a width of five feet. Bicycle lanes include a bicycle pavement marking with an arrow to indicate that bicyclists should ride in the same direction as adjacent motor vehicle traffic.”
Buffered Bike Lanes – “A buffered bike lane is separated from a travel lane or parking lane by a space of two or more feet (up to five feet). It is always a one way lane and is buffered by cross-hatched pavement markings. If it is used, a sign will be posted exclusively for bicyclists. All other guidelines and considerations that apply to bike lanes are applicable to buffered bike lanes.”
Protected Bike Lanes or Cycle Tracks – “A cycle track is a portion of a right-of-way contiguous with the traveled way, which has been designated by pavement markings and, signs will be used exclusive to bicyclists. Cycle tracks are typically one-way at a higher elevation than the adjacent roadway, and are separated from the vehicle lane by a physical barrier or buffer such as a curb, planting strip, or parked cars.”
Green Lanes – “Contrasting green color pavement is used to highlight areas with potential bicycle-vehicle conflicts, such as intersections or merge areas where turning vehicles cross through bike lanes. Color is applied to sections of bike lanes that were previously delineated by dotted white lines.”
Bike Share in Dallas, Texas
What is the Real Cost of Bike Lanes in West Dallas
The inclusion of Bike Lanes, including the addition of “Green Lanes” could easily be implemented in current road projects constantly underway throughout Dallas. However, such an ad hoc approach may ultimately prove to be more detrimental than it is beneficial. This would lead to a series of unconnected and inconsistent bike lanes leading to increased confusion without offering viable, long-term solutions.
A more well-coordinated approach to the introduction of bike lanes would allow for a consistent and organized approach that would benefit both the cyclists and the motorists throughout Dallas. Ideally, these bike lanes would be especially prevalent in school zones, and popular commercial districts. They should also be planned so as to link the many parks and shared trails where bikers and pedestrians alike can enjoy a more relaxed, natural environment.
What Are The Benefits of Bike Lanes
A countless number of studies have been conducted regarding the implementation and use of bike lanes. Major universities, city planning agencies, scientific researchers, and even organizations such as the American Automobile Association or AAA, and the American Association of Retired Persons or AARP have conducted similar studies.
The results of virtually all of these studies indicate that the presence and use of bike lanes provide benefits to everybody who is using the roads. Vehicles accidents are reduced, whether between motor vehicles or vehicles and bicycles. As accident rates are reduced, insurance rates tend to decrease, resulting in added savings.
The use of bicycles tends to increase with the implementation of a comprehensive bike lane mapping its way through the city. This results in less congested roadways, decreases in vehicle emissions, and safer roads for everyone. It also tends to result in a better median quality of health among local residents, again, reducing health costs and subsequently local insurance rates.
Granted, the introduction of a comprehensive bicycle infrastructure is not a guarantee that everybody is going to suddenly get out, jump on their bikes, and be safer and healthier. However, for those people that do have such a desire, it would certainly make this option much more practical than it is at present.
These same extended bike paths would further provide safer, more direct access to children trying to get to school, and for individuals spending the day shopping or enjoying a more culinary retreat at the many commercial centers in West Dallas. Bike paths are unquestionably worth the cost, even before factoring in the many potential savings for the local residents.