Midtown is becoming more bike-friendly

It seems everywhere you look these days there are improvements underway to make it safer and more comfortable to zoom around town on a bicycle. Houston is quickly becoming known as a bike-friendly city, and Midtown Houston is playing a role in the transformation. 

“Our goal is to create safe and equitable corridors to accommodate multimodal transportation needs,” said Midtown Redevelopment Authority (MRA) Director of Engineering and Construction Marlon Marshall.  “We want Midtown to be welcoming and safe regardless of whether you choose to travel by two wheels, four wheels, or on foot. These projects will help improve mobility and provide a safer and more comfortable environment for cyclists in Midtown.”

Tuam Street bike lane

MRA, the Midtown Management District, City of Houston, and Harris County Precinct One are partnering to implement and pay for Houston Bike Plan recommendations along Tuam Street. The improvements, part of a city water line replacement project slated to begin construction later this year, will include striped bike lanes and safety enhancements at intersections on Tuam Street from Main Street to Caroline Street.

The project also includes improved signage, pavement markings, intersection curb extensions, and other safety features along Tuam Street, east of Austin Street, and bike lane improvements on Holman Street between Louisiana and Smith Streets.

Caroline Street bike lane

One of the finishing touches for the Caroline Street reconstruction project is the addition of a high-comfort bike lane that provides separation between cyclists and cars to maximize safety for everyone. The pavement markings, signals, and signage will be in compliance with the National Association of City Transportation Officials Urban Bikeway Design Standards. With the completion of this project, there will be a better connection to the Gray Street and Holman Street bikeways. 

Glover Park bicycle improvements

Because of its location along the Austin Street bike corridor, Elizabeth Glover Park provides a good location for the addition of amenities to support bicyclists. This summer, Midtown plans to install bike racks and a free bicycle fix-it station with all the tools necessary to perform basic repairs and maintenance.

With these bike-friendly projects, it will be convenient for Midtown residents to ride their bikes to see a performance at Ensemble Theater, take a class at Houston Community College Central Campus, or enjoy a night out at one of the neighborhood’s many restaurants.