Cycling South Lamar

Can we talk about biking South Lamar for a moment? Or, the serious stress that it can induce? For bits, there are narrow bike lanes, for scarier stretches, there are none. Yet, cars (including myself when I’m driving), whiz by at 45 mph, when the lanes are not jammed for a bus, or to turn into Alamo Drafthouse, or for the random accident.

Starting at the beautiful and useful pedestrian bridge that runs parallel to Lamar while crossing the Colorado River, we head south onto South Lamar, a section without bike lanes. At least cycling south from the bridge, there are three lanes, the furthest right of which turns into a right turn lane. This is the safest lane for cycling south to Barton Springs. After crossing Barton Springs and passing the car wash, a bike lane begins just at the bus stop. Why do bike lanes start after the corner of intersection (see also West 6th Street just west of Lamar)?

The bike lane along South Lamar heading south goes at least to Barton Skyway, as we were able to take it there and cross over Lamar into the shopping center with AO5 Gallery. However, there are narrow sections, especially along the area by Alamo Drafthouse, not to mention busses zooming by and random cars trying to catch a quick space between cars to turn left across two lanes of oncoming traffic. We made the ride to the Gallery just fine and then I was almost hit in the parking lot by a car not paying attention. But, I digress. Biking to the Gallery definitely made parking easier! We were the only two bikes at the bike rack nearest AO5.

Leaving the AO5 Gallery, we were able to catch the bike Lane just in front of Kerbey Lane Cafe and head back north. All was smooth sailing until just before the intersection with Mary/Heather, where there is an unobtrusive sign that simply says “Bike Lane Ends”. Sure, there are faded bike symbols painted on the right lane of traffic, but, does any vehicle see them in the dark? Is my back blinking red light even bright enough in the dark as we all cruise down the winding turns back to Barton Springs Road? Plus, I’m swerving further into the lane to avoid potholes and storm drains while cars are trying to get around me. It is harrowing to say the least.

After Barton Springs Road, there is once again a third lane on the right, that is a right turn lane only onto Riverside (except for bikes). We all know those people who try to zoom around in that lane to try to slip back into the middle lane before the light. Is that you? Once across Riverside, though, we are back to the safety of the pedestrian bridge. Now, if we could only get people to pay attention to where they and their pets are walking, scooting, cycling, and taking photos on that bridge…