"Well this is a first step towards putting in some areas and amenities that will allow the bicycles to move from place to place," said E'Lisa Smetana, Metropolitan Planning organization of Abilene executive director.
It's another benefit to TxDOT service road conversion project. But this time, it helps people who don't drive.
"Cyclists struggle with locally is that getting outside the loop from inside the loop. And when we go through a revamping of highway area like that, including that bike lane, I think that's a very important part. It's a great step that helps cyclists be able to get around town," said Bike Town owner, Jim MacDonald.
And more opportunities for bicycle riders could mean that more bicycle enthusiasts will be hitting the road.
"You know, the more streets we build, the easier it is for cars to get around. And cycling's the same way. You know if you give opportunities for riders to be places they want to be, you'll see cyclists out," Mac Donald explained.
Just like the conversion to one-way streets, adding bike lanes along highway 351 where it meets I-20 will provide more safety for those on the road.
"Giving an opportunity to cyclists for a place for them to get to safely, whether it shopping or just commuting to work, those kinds of things are great places to start," said MacDonald.
And if anything, it at least gets drivers aware that they aren't the only ones on the road.
"One of the things that it does do is increase awareness that bicycles are out there," said Smetana. "So when you're traveling in your vehicle and you realize that there's a bike lane beside you, this gets your awareness that, 'Hey there may be somebody out there other than a vehicle that might be using their bicycle as their means of transportation.'"
It's another benefit to TxDOT service road conversion project. But this time, it helps people who don't drive.
"Cyclists struggle with locally is that getting outside the loop from inside the loop. And when we go through a revamping of highway area like that, including that bike lane, I think that's a very important part. It's a great step that helps cyclists be able to get around town," said Bike Town owner, Jim MacDonald.
And more opportunities for bicycle riders could mean that more bicycle enthusiasts will be hitting the road.
"You know, the more streets we build, the easier it is for cars to get around. And cycling's the same way. You know if you give opportunities for riders to be places they want to be, you'll see cyclists out," Mac Donald explained.
Just like the conversion to one-way streets, adding bike lanes along highway 351 where it meets I-20 will provide more safety for those on the road.
"Giving an opportunity to cyclists for a place for them to get to safely, whether it shopping or just commuting to work, those kinds of things are great places to start," said MacDonald.
And if anything, it at least gets drivers aware that they aren't the only ones on the road.
"One of the things that it does do is increase awareness that bicycles are out there," said Smetana. "So when you're traveling in your vehicle and you realize that there's a bike lane beside you, this gets your awareness that, 'Hey there may be somebody out there other than a vehicle that might be using their bicycle as their means of transportation.'"
