LOBV calls on cyclists to support improvements to South Congress

The City of Austin’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program is considering improvements in bicycle infrastructure on South Congress between downtown and Oltorf including bike lanes and back in parking spaces (similar to those installed on Dean Keaton). Last week, the Bicycle Advisory Council passed a resolution in support of this action calling for the following:

• a continuous uphill southbound bike lane on South Congress from Riverside to Oltorf
• northbound bike lanes south of Annie and north of Academy (with parallel parking in place of the proposed design that has no bike lane with sharrows and reverse-angle parking between Annie and Academy)
• support of reverse-angle parking

The League of Bicycling Voters is asking all supporters of cycling to contact the Austin City Council and express your support for the BAC resolution. Some opposition from local businesses has arisen so it is important that everyone’s voice be heard. The linked LOBV page has individual councilmember e-mail addresses but you can also contact all the City Council members at once using the group contact form here: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/groupemail.htm

Those who want to use the phone instead can call each of the Council Members here:

• Mayor Lee Leffingwell- (512) 974-2250
• Place 1 Councilmember Chris Riley- (512) 974-2260
• Place 2 Councilmember Mike Martinez- (512) 974-2264
• Place 3 Councilmember Randi Shade- (512) 974-2255
• Place 4 Councilmember Laura Morrison- (512) 974-2258
• Place 5 Councilmember Bill Spelman- (512) 974-2256
• Place 6 Councilmember Sheryl Cole- (512) 974-2266