Improving Bike Safety in San Antonio
Recent incidents in San Antonio have sparked a critical conversation about bike safety in the city. Just two weeks ago, a tragic accident resulted in the death of a 63-year-old woman who was riding her bike on the South Side. Shortly after, another cyclist on the west side was critically injured after being hit by a vehicle at Loop 1604 and Culebra.
Despite investigations showing that the drivers involved were not impaired or distracted, these incidents have prompted cycling advocates like Veronica Salas to urge the city to take action.
“It’s frustrating,” Salas expressed. “It’s hurtful to think that we are just pieces of meat on the street trying to commute.”
San Antonio police reported eight fatal crashes involving cyclists each in 2022 and 2023. So far in 2024, there have already been three such incidents. Joey Pawlik, the executive director of ActivateSA, emphasized the need for a new city bike plan to make significant improvements for bike riders.
“We’ve seen lots of investments, planning, and programs happening in the city lately,” Pawlik stated. “We need better connectivity and comfort for cyclists.”
The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 in San Antonio includes $3.5 million allocated for bike facilities, which has been received with enthusiasm by advocates like Salas.
“It gives me chills to know that we are investing this much money,” Salas remarked. “This is a necessary step to reduce accidents and fatalities among cyclists.”
To find out more about the Bike Network Plan in San Antonio, click here.
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