Austin, December 29, 2025
Over 50 local businesses in Austin are urging the city to create dedicated bike lanes along Sixth Street to improve safety and accessibility for cyclists. This proposal aims to enhance the area’s pedestrian-friendliness and boost local businesses. The city’s Core Transportation Plan prioritizes the implementation of protected bike lanes, striving to transform Sixth Street into a vibrant, multimodal corridor. Recent safety measures, including concrete barriers, are part of ongoing efforts to support this initiative and foster community engagement.
Austin Businesses Advocate for Bike Lanes on Sixth Street
Austin, Texas – Over 50 local businesses have urged the city to implement dedicated bike lanes along Sixth Street to enhance safety and accessibility for cyclists. This initiative aims to transform the area into a more pedestrian-friendly and vibrant district.
Business Community’s Appeal
In a recent letter to city council members, the business owners highlighted the absence of safe facilities for bicycles and micromobility devices on Sixth Street. They emphasized that the current streetscape lacks pedestrian-friendly features, which has led to the closure of the street to vehicles several nights a week. The proposed bike lanes are part of a broader vision to create a safe, multimodal corridor that includes transit-only lanes, wide sidewalks, and trees, supporting both pedestrian activity and economic vibrancy.
City’s Response and Planning
The city’s Core Transportation Plan identifies Sixth Street as a priority project, aiming to provide protected bicycle and micromobility lanes in both directions along most of the corridor. This plan also includes a transit-only lane between Guadalupe Street and Bowie Street to improve transit speed and reliability. The project envisions transforming the corridor into a safe, multimodal space that accommodates various modes of transportation.
Background Context
Sixth Street is a primary gateway into and out of downtown Austin, serving a significant volume of vehicle traffic. However, it currently lacks dedicated facilities for bicycles and micromobility devices. Parts of Sixth Street are known for their nightlife, but the streetscape is far from pedestrian-friendly, requiring it to be closed to vehicles several nights a week. The proposed bike lanes aim to address these issues by providing safe spaces for cyclists and enhancing the overall pedestrian experience.
Recent Developments
In August 2025, the city installed concrete barriers along Sixth Street as part of an evolving safety experiment. This initiative aims to reduce late-night disturbances and reposition the district as a more welcoming destination during the day and early evenings. The project, funded by Austin Transportation and Public Works, also includes plans for a local artist to paint a mural on the barriers, funded by the Downtown Austin Alliance. The total cost of the project is approximately $150,000.
Looking Ahead
The city’s plans for Sixth Street are part of a broader effort to enhance mobility, safety, and connectivity for all modes of transportation, including driving, walking, biking, and transit. The implementation of protected bike lanes is expected to increase safety, comfort, and predictability for all street users, particularly on busy streets like Sixth Street. As the project progresses, further community engagement and feedback will be essential to ensure the successful transformation of Sixth Street into a vibrant, multimodal corridor.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the proposed bike lanes on Sixth Street?
The proposed bike lanes aim to provide safe facilities for bicycles and micromobility devices, transforming Sixth Street into a more pedestrian-friendly and vibrant district. This initiative is part of a broader vision to create a safe, multimodal corridor that includes transit-only lanes, wide sidewalks, and trees, supporting both pedestrian activity and economic vibrancy.
How does the city’s Core Transportation Plan address Sixth Street?
The city’s Core Transportation Plan identifies Sixth Street as a priority project, aiming to provide protected bicycle and micromobility lanes in both directions along most of the corridor. The plan also includes a transit-only lane between Guadalupe Street and Bowie Street to improve transit speed and reliability, envisioning a transformation of the corridor into a safe, multimodal space that accommodates various modes of transportation.
What recent developments have occurred on Sixth Street?
In August 2025, the city installed concrete barriers along Sixth Street as part of an evolving safety experiment. This initiative aims to reduce late-night disturbances and reposition the district as a more welcoming destination during the day and early evenings. The project, funded by Austin Transportation and Public Works, also includes plans for a local artist to paint a mural on the barriers, funded by the Downtown Austin Alliance. The total cost of the project is approximately $150,000.
How does the city’s Great Streets program relate to Sixth Street?
The Great Streets program aims to enhance downtown Austin by providing pedestrian and bicyclist enhancements such as widened sidewalks, street trees, benches, bike racks, lighting, and trash/recycling receptacles. This program has been implemented along approximately 230 block faces in downtown Austin, including Sixth Street, to create a more pedestrian-focused environment and increase foot traffic, thereby boosting local business viability and attracting more customers to downtown areas.
What are the expected benefits of implementing protected bike lanes on Sixth Street?
The implementation of protected bike lanes is expected to increase safety, comfort, and predictability for all street users, particularly on busy streets like Sixth Street. These lanes will provide safe spaces for cyclists, reduce conflicts between vehicles and bicycles, and encourage more people to choose cycling as a mode of transportation. Additionally, the transformation of Sixth Street into a multimodal corridor is anticipated to support pedestrian activity and economic vibrancy in the area.
Key Features of the Sixth Street Bike Lane Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Protected Bike Lanes | Dedicated lanes for bicycles and micromobility devices along Sixth Street to enhance safety and accessibility. |
| Transit-Only Lane | A designated lane for transit vehicles between Guadalupe Street and Bowie Street to improve transit speed and reliability. |
| Streetscape Enhancements | Widened sidewalks, street trees, benches, bike racks, lighting, and trash/recycling receptacles to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. |
| Concrete Barriers | Installation of barriers along Sixth Street as part of a safety experiment to reduce late-night disturbances and reposition the district as a more welcoming destination during the day and early evenings. |
| Community Engagement | Involvement of local businesses and residents in the planning and implementation process to ensure the initiative meets the needs of the community. |
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