Paved bike trail along MoPac north of Barton Springs Road

Every now and then, I come across what can only be called gifts to cyclists from some unknown city employee. Or, at least my assumption is that city employees planned and constructed this commuter bike path.

There’s a wide, paved bridge underneath MoPac crossing the Colorado River. It’s used by pedestrians, cyclists and now scooters. If you arrive on a school morning, there’s also teenagers slouching their way to Austin High.

However, did you know that if instead of turning left (east) at the south end of the bridge, you continue straight and cross Stratford Drive, there is a paved bike path? For years, I had seen a little sidewalk winding up under MoPac and then into the trees, never paying attention to it or even curious as to where it went.

However, as a new bike commuter, searching Google maps for the fastest way to work, this “trail” popped up. I thought that I’d try it out at least once. (Google often recommends bike routes that my road bike cannot always navigate, especially the gravel on the Town Lake Trail).

After winding underneath Mopac and then turning south, I was safely riding a barrier and some grass away from the MoPac traffic zooming north! The paved bike path ended at Barton Springs Road. However, cyclists can turn right there on the shoulder of Barton Springs Road, which is a designated bike lane, at least to Rollingwood Drive. Alternatively, there is a cycling sidewalk in the median of Barton Springs Road as a safe stopping place to wait for a gap in the two lanes of traffic.

Do note, though, that there is no light or zebra stripe on Barton Springs Road from where this path exits, to the bike median or to the other shoulder. While I often wait little time heading south in the mornings, in the evenings, it’s too long of a wait for me to attempt crossing Barton Springs Road to catch the trail back north.

This little stretch of pavement between Stratford and Barton Springs Road saves all of us cyclists a lot of time. Plus, it’s safely away from traffic. In addition, during wildflower season, the bright colors are a relaxing escape after spending the rest of the commute worrying about traffic.

Many thanks to all of the people who helped make this bike path possible!