Introduction to the Controversy
The city of Houston is currently reviewing the 1.8-mile, $5.6 million bicycle lanes along Blodgett Street next to Texas Southern University. This review is being led by Houston City Council member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who represents the area. The decision on whether to remove the infrastructure has not been made yet, but Evans-Shabazz has expressed her concerns about the bike lanes, stating that there’s no real reason to keep them in their current position.
Background of the Project
The project was funded by Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis and was completed in 2023. It added protected bike lanes to the section of Blodgett between Ennis Street and Scott Street, reducing vehicular lanes from four to two. The goal of the project was to improve safety and mobility for cyclists and pedestrians in the area. However, Evans-Shabazz has argued that the project lacked sufficient community engagement, which has led to the current review.
Community Engagement and Safety Concerns
Ellis has pointed out that there were nine community meetings in 2018 and 2019 where the broader "Third Ward Mobility Assessment" was presented. He believes that the community was adequately engaged in the process. On the other hand, Evans-Shabazz claims that the community was not properly consulted, and the project was imposed on them. In terms of safety, reports from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) show that the number of crashes along the stretch of Blodgett has significantly decreased since the project was completed.
The City’s Bike Plan and Potential Backpedaling
The Blodgett Street bike lane is part of the city of Houston’s expansive bike plan, which was approved during Mayor Sylvester Turner’s administration. The plan called for the bike lane to be extended from Ennis Street to Scott Street, bordering the TSU campus and connecting to the Columbia Tap Trail. However, under Mayor John Whitmire’s administration, there have been concerns about the bike plan, and some projects have been scrapped. The potential removal of the Blodgett Street bike lane would follow a familiar path, with the city prioritizing vehicular lanes over bike infrastructure.
Reactions from Advocacy Groups and Officials
Joe Cutrufo, executive director of nonprofit advocacy group BikeHouston, has expressed his concerns about the potential removal of the bike lane. He believes that it would be a waste of taxpayer dollars and that the city should prioritize safety and mobility for all users. Commissioner Ellis has also spoken out against the removal, stating that dismantling a recently completed project that has helped reduce crashes is shortsighted and a waste of taxpayer dollars.
Next Steps and Community Input
Evans-Shabazz has announced that a group of community members who want the bike lanes removed will present their views during the city council’s public comment session in the coming weeks. After that, city officials will make a "community-driven" decision about the future of the Blodgett Street bike lanes. The commissioner believes that Harris County should pay for potential construction costs if the bike lanes are removed.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the Blodgett Street bike lane highlights the ongoing debate about the role of bike infrastructure in the city of Houston. While some officials and advocacy groups believe that the bike lanes are essential for safety and mobility, others argue that they are a waste of taxpayer dollars and prioritize vehicular lanes. As the city continues to review the project, it is essential to consider the needs and concerns of all stakeholders, including cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers. Ultimately, the decision on the future of the Blodgett Street bike lane will have significant implications for the city’s transportation policy and its commitment to creating a safe and sustainable mobility system for all users.
