Texas Bicycling News Digest April 5th 2019

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Bike sharing spreads, as Houston waits on motorized scooters

Dug Begley | www.houstonchronicle.com

Scooters may be scarce along Houston-area sidewalks and streets, but it has made for a boom time for bike sharing.

Use of Houston B-Cycle, which has grown annually for the past five years, continues to climb as more stations come online and more people, both one-time users and frequent riders, grab a bike and go.

For the first three months of 2019, the number of trips — each time a bicycle …

Two Retired Amigos on Winter Tour

By Douglas Wood | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 41: Fabens to Anthony Monday May 6, 2019, 61 miles (98 km) – Total so far: 2,045 miles (3,291 km) I think I explained yesterday we made a decision to bypass the main area of El Paso using the alternate route taking us northwest. This decision was based on information from cyclists on the Southern Tier west to east, Cathy and Craig Simons 2010 ride blog, and more recently Texans familiar with El Paso. The alternate did add 7-miles to our ride. That was fine with us. Note: It is sad that a city gets a …

Our Parks, Our Future meetings coming up

By mack_turtle | austinmountainbiking.com

from an email I got today:

"Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) staff and consultant team members will guide participants through an open house, providing an opportunity for feedback and discussion on the citywide goals for parks and open space, as well as priorities for specific areas of the city. If you are unable to make it to one of the meetings, PARD will also provide a virtual meeting online and pop-up meetings at other locations around the city. The results from meeting series #2 will directly shape the goals, strategies, and actions of PARD’s Long Range Plan." …

WALNUT CREEK TRAIL SYSTEM

www.austintexas.gov

PLANNED

NORTHERN WALNUT CREEK TRAIL – PHASE 1A This project is a continuation of the Walnut Creek Trail Phase 1 project (5261.001). It will construct a 10′ wide trail with 2′ wide shoulders from Amherst Drive to the northern end point of the Phase 1 trail and the connection to the Mopac Trail currently being built by the Regional Turnpike Authority. Phase 1A has been broken up into two stages to speed up construction and reduce inconvenience to the neighborhood. The southern stage of the project includes the trail from Mopac to the south side of the basebal …

Video: 17-year-old Houston hit-and-run victim still recovering four months after crash

By Charly Edsitty | abc13.com

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — More than four months after an early morning hit-and-run accident, 17-year-old Elijah Chavis is still fighting to recover and remains hopeful the driver will be caught.

"I’m doing the best I can right now and cannot wait to get back up on my feet," Elijah said.

The incident happened early on Nov. 24, 2018, near Kuykendahl Road and Richey Road, which is just up the road from where the teen lives.

He was riding a bicycle when …

Video: Amarillo’s Hike and Bike Master Plan moving forward with updates

By Nicolette Perrone| www.newschannel10.com

AMARILLO, TX (KFDA) – Amarillo’s Hike and Bike Master Plan is moving forward after the City of Amarillo approved updates focusing on making roadways with speed limits greater than 55 mph more bike and pedestrian friendly.

“The implications for a bike on those large infrastructure projects is pretty limited. We want to make sure we’re doing that safely,” said Kyle Schniederjan, Director of Capital Projects for the City of Amarillo. “What this update did is it really specified an …

Tony Diaz ‘ghost bike’ removed from UT campus

By Casey Claiborne | www.fox7austin.com

AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) – UT student James Lentz is President of the Campus Bike Alliance. He and some friends in the Austin cycling community helped put together a "ghost bike" for Tony Diaz after he was killed by a Cap Metro bus in January.

"Got a bike from the Orange Bike Project, they donated an old frame, we spray painted it, we brought it out here and set it up. We had some flowers put …

Virgil’s Ft. Bend Kia Friday Nite Ride

Amber Smolik | www.strava.com

Blue Agave MTB fun ride

Nicole Volek | www.strava.com

Texas Bicycling from Twitter

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Wildflowers With a Side of Dogs Bike Ride

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Warmer weather arrived and I took advantage by biking the “New Caney – Gene Campbell Road” route for 39.13 miles. This boosts April to 123.06 miles towards my 600 mile goal. I started biking at 11:59 AM, earlier than the other rides this week.

Weather during the ride: start 73 (88% humidity), mostly cloudy, wind NE 10 mph. Finish 82 (67% humidity), overcast, wind E 7 mph. I overdressed for the last half of the ride wearing shorts, a thermal long sleeve jersey (the overdressed part), and a short sleeve jersey. Until I warmed up around 4 miles into the ride the long sleeve jersey felt comfortable against the wind but the later half of the ride I was warmer than I prefer.

I altered the route slightly by riding Eagle Drive to Loop 494 and then north to the street behind Food Town. When I got close to the service road I spotted pretty wildflowers and took these photos. The dogs came to the fence after I stopped to see what I was going to do and when I left the large dog raced along the fence as far as it allowed.

The dogs didn’t bark or make any noise while took the photos. I wondered who is taking care of them since the man who lived at the marine store/shop is in jail for killing a woman in a mobile home to the right of the wildflowers.

Leaving the wildflowers and dogs I rode underneath I-69/US59 by Caney Creek to get back to FM 1485 and go west to Gene Campbell Blvd.

So far the wind hadn’t been a problem and riding west on FM 1485 kept the wind at my back. I improved my average speed along FM 1485 to 14.0 mph and once I turned onto Gene Campbell Blvd. shielded by trees I nudged it up to 14.1 then 14.2 and by the time I got to FM 1314 it was 14.4 mph.

Before I made it to FM 1314 I stopped at the new development, Ports Mill (strange name to me). The streets are expanded and there are numerous new homes but I don’t see many occupied homes. Maybe they are away from where I took these photos of the new community center and pool.

Expecting a headwind while biking SE on FM 1314 I was surprised that I kept my speed at 16 to 18 mph and held my average speed at 14.4 mph. The wind was stronger when I turned right onto Old Sorters Road but not my much. Making my way through Briar Tree and Oakhurst before school et out helped me avoid the traffic. This continued as rode by the school in Kings Manor and Bear Branch too.

Finishing the ride at 2:53 PM was sooner than the other rides this week.

Saturday weather shows a 50% chance of morning rain which might get in the way of biking but I hope not.

SportTracks Bike Ride Summary

SportTracks Bike Ride Summary

Strava Year Progression YTD Miles Graph

After not riding yesterday (Thursday) I fell behind 2016 (-29 miles) but maintained my lead over 2018 (+22 miles). 2017 still continues be ahead of 2019 (-120 miles).

Strava Year Progression YTD Miles Graph

Texas Bicycling News Digest April 4th 2019

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Texas Officials Plan Open House Showcasing Key I-35 Enhancements

By Tony Cantu | www.patch.com

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TEXAS — The Texas Department of Transportation will conduct an open house to discuss proposed mobility and safety improvements at I-35 from SE Inner Loop to RM 1431 southbound.

The gathering is scheduled for Thursday, April 4, at Carver Elementary School Cafeteria, located at 4901 Scenic Lake Dr. in Georgetown. It’s scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to provide an …

… The project will also improve the intersection at I-35 and SE Inner Loop, construct a westbound to southbound continuous flow intersection at Westinghouse Road, improve the existing southbound I-35 frontage road from north of SE Inner Loop to RM 1431, reverse the entrance/exit ramps along the southbound I-35 frontage road between SE Inner Loop and RM 1431, and add bicycle and pedestrian sidewalks and paths.

Seven Million Bucks and Three More Years To Open New Bridge. Maybe.

JIM SCHUTZE | www.dallasobserver.com

The Margaret McDermott Bridge over the Trinity River in downtown Dallas is the city’s ne’er-do-well relative who shows up every year or so for yet another handout. Is it a mercy for us to give her more money, or have we just become codependent?

Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the $115 million hike and bike bridge was scheduled to open two years ago. It remains closed because the engineering firm in charge of construction insists the bridge, …

87-year-old Corpus Christi man debuts new bicycle after his old one is stolen

Brenda Matute | kztv10.com

“Got a beautiful new bicycle and it’s so pretty,” said John Lewis.

Lewis suffers from macular degeneration and his motorized bicycle is his only means of transportation. And after his old bike was stolen,

“I just went into a depression I was just hurt I didn’t know what I was going to do,” said Lewis. “I had to go to the store and couldn’t’ get there.”

So several members of the community rallied together and raised nearly …

New bike safety law in effect May 1

galvestontx.gov

Galveston, TX – April 4, 2019 – A new bike-safety law aimed at making Galveston a safer community for cyclists will go into effect on May 1 and require all people cycling at night to have lights on their bikes.

Galveston City Council in January adopted the new regulations at least in part in response to recent deaths from biking collisions. Two cyclists were struck by cars and killed last summer and a video of a cyclist on …

Spoke & Word Newsletter April 2019

BikeHouston.org

Response from the Mayor on Road Safety On March 26, 2019, BikeHouston in partnership with LINK Houston led a coalition of 23 people who ride bikes, walk, take transit, and drive cars to share their stories of loss and concern for road safety with the Mayor and City Council…

Come along for the ride

by Aaron Brand | www.texarkanagazette.com

Starting today at 5:15 p.m. at the Museum of Regional history, downtown Texarkana will host Friday night tours that are part bicycle ride, part history lesson.

Tours organized by the Texarkana Arts & Historic District will continue April 12, 19 and 26, with a new addition this time in free, post-ride appetizers served at Pecan Point Gastropub & Brewery. Tour-goers can bring their own bike or rent one for $5.

Holden Fleming, city planner for …

Podcast – Corsicana Results and Fayetteville Preview

By Paul Negrete | anchor.fm

An episode of Drop Bar, Texas: A cycling podcast

[iframe https://anchor.fm/dropbartexas/embed/episodes/Corsicana-Results-and-Fayetteville-Preview-e3kuus/a-acn7op 400px 102px]

In this episode, I highlight the podiums of the Tour of Corsicana and then preview the Fayetteville Classic.

PLANETARY TUESDAY

MARIA THOMAS | www.strava.com

Thursday with Cyclones

Eduardo Salas (Cyclones) | www.strava.com

Two Retired Amigos on Winter Tour

By Douglas Wood | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 40: San Blanca to Fabens Thursday April 4, 2019, 62 miles (100 km) – Total so far: 1,984 miles (3,193 km) We lodged at the Historic Sierra Blanca Inn last night. It was a very nice owned by Letye and her husband. They recently purchased the Inn and began making improvements. Letye told us she was sad because one of her dogs was ill and died. We expressed our condolences.

The Inn states it provides a Continental Breakfast but we learned it wasn’t available until after 7 a.m. That won’t work for cyclists that get up early and hit the road in the dark. Jim shopped the breakfast offerings and returned with a bag of goodies for the room. Later, a staff …

Little Pleasures and Pains in the Life of a Bicyclist

A DUDE ABIKES | adudeabikes.com

If you ride your bicycle regularly, you may have noticed that lots of little stuff happens that probably doesn’t happen for people dependent on cars to get around. Sometimes it’s big stuff, like you: go on a long ride, compete in a race, get a new bike, set a personal best on that Strava segment. The little stuff that goes on, while not as headline-worthy, is just as interesting, to me at least. There is often more than meets the eye if one is willing to look …

Texas Bicycling from Twitter

https://twitter.com/DPDBikeSgt/status/1113802644106117121

New Events Added to Texbiker.net Calendar

Texas Bicycling News Digest April 3rd 2019

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University of Texas, City of Austin add first official bike lanes to campus road

BY NICOLE STUESSY | www.dailytexanonline.com

Thomas Fawcett, a staff member at the University of Texas, made good use of the new bike lane on Clyde Littlefield Drive Tuesday. The new lanes here may mark the beginning of more widespread implementation across campus in the near future.

After seven years of planning, a project to add the first official dedicated bike lanes on the eastern edge of UT’s campus is underway.

Protected bicycle lanes on Manor Road, from Clyde Littlefield Drive to Dean Keeton Street, have been a long-standing recommendation from the City’s 2014 Bicycle Plan. The City was able to move forward on the project following the 2016 Mobility Bond Program, said Laura Dierenfield, a active transportation program manager within …

Two Retired Amigos on Winter Tour

By Douglas Wood | www.crazyguyonabike.com

Day 39: Van Horn to Sierra Blanca Wednesday April 3, 2019, 32 miles (51 km) – Total so far: 1,922 miles (3,093 km) Mr. Windy was predicted to be significant for our ride today. We pondered and discussed reaching an agreement to rise early and ride down the road to Sierra Blanca before the gusts begin in force about 11 a.m. We purchased provisions at the only Van Horn grocery for breakfast: granola, milk and orange juice. Lights came on at 4:30 a.m. we were out the door at 5 a.m. riding I-10. Yes, I-10 in the dark. It’s part of the Southern Tier route. I-10 has a very nice shoulder and …

![](https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/pics/docs/00/02/16/10/small/j_waPedJQfKcaEHjcGPnXA.jpg?v=1

I’m 4 months in of total 11 cycling USA. West Texas, where to sleep😂? from bicycletouring

Charity bike benefits Planned Parenthood of South Texas

By SUSANNA GROVES | www.brownsvilleherald.com

BROWNSVILLE – On Sunday, 80-year old Gene Novogrodsky, women’s rights champion and activist, will embark on a 90-mile bike ride from his home in Brownsville to Rio Grande City. The ride is to support Planned Parenthood of South Texas (PPST), also celebrating it 80th anniversary this year.

According to Stephanie Dominguez, community engagement manager for PPST, “‘Gene’s Ride’ highlights …

Video: City council approves TxDOT’s new sidewalk projects

By Stefante Randall | www.ktre.com

UFKIN, TX (KTRE) -J.P Calloway lives near the intersection of Denman Avenue and Chestnut Street and has concerns with the lack of sidewalks.

“I noticed that a lot of people are walking on the street and you have to move over because obviously you don’t want to hit them and people that are riding their bicycles or in danger like I do when I ride around the neighborhood. I have to take the back route instead of the shortest route,” said Calloway. …

2019 Pace Bend Race and Rain

By ARR | austinmountainbiking.com

As of right now, and we know it can change, Saturday and Sunday races are a go. The heaviest rains appear to be in the AM on Saturday, with rainfall totals dropping off in the afternoon. However, If thunderstorms are in the area then the kids races may get delayed or cancelled.

Sunday’s weather looks perfect. The trail should be is in great shape and actually needs a little rain, very dry and dusty right now.

The Austin Ridge Riders Needs your HELP!

By ARR | austinmountainbiking.com

Pace Bend race is this weekend. We really need some more Course marshals for the Sunday race.

PLEASE sign up to volunteer as a course marshal and ARR will provide:

FREE Breakfast! FREE Lunch! FREE Race Shirt! FREE SCHWAG!!!!!

https://www.bikereg.com/pbr-volunteers

Tour of Corsicana – Crit • Mar 23 2019

www.road-results.com

Categories » Junior 10-14 » Junior 15-18 » Men Cat 3 » Men Cat 4 » Men Cat 5 » Men Master 35+ Cat 4/5 » Men Master 40+ Cat 1/2/3/4 » Men Master 50+ Cat 1/2/3/4 » Men P/1/2 » Women Cat 3/4/5 » Women P/1/2/3/4

Tour of Corsicana – TT • Mar 23 2019

www.road-results.com

Categories » Junior 10-14 » Junior 15-18 Cat 3/4/5 » Men Cat 3 » Men Cat 4 » Men Cat 5 » Men Master 35+ Cat 4/5 » Men Master 40+ Cat 1/2/3/4 » Men Master 50+ Cat 1/2/3/4 » Men P/1/2 » Women Cat 1/2/3/4 » Women Cat 3/4/5

Tour of Corsicana – GC • Mar 24 2019

www.road-results.com

Categories » Junior 10-14 » Junior 15-18 » Men Cat 3 » Men Cat 4 » Men Cat 5 » Men Master 35+ Cat 4/5 » Men Master 40+ Cat 1/2/3/4 » Men Master 50+ Cat 1/2/3/4 » Men P/1/2 » Women Cat 3/4/5 » Women P/1/2/3/4

Tour of Corsicana – RR • Mar 24 2019

www.road-results.com

Categories » Junior 10-14 » Junior 15-18 » Men Cat 3 » Men Cat 4 » Men Cat 5 » Men Master 35+ Cat 4/5 » Men Master 40+ Cat 1/2/3/4 » Men Master 50+ Cat 1/2/3/4 » Men P/1/2 » Women Cat 3/4/5 » Women P/1/2/3/4

‘Hard Hats for Little Heads’ Program Stopping in FW, Dallas to Donate Bike Helmets

By Taylor Boser | www.nbcdfw.com

More than 1,800 bicycle helmets will be given to Texas children during the month of April.

For Child Safety Month, the Texas Medical Association’s (TMA) Hard Hats for Little Heads program is helping to protect kids from head injuries through donating helmets and educating children and parents on …

Video: Local Team Encourages Cycling for Sport

By: Meredith Avery | www.myhighplains.com

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – A competitive cycling team in Amarillo is showing High Plains teenagers the benefits of racing for sport.

The Yellow Jackets were started in Amarillo a few years ago, and since has formed a Board of Directors, and has more than 27 racing members, and more than 30 members altogether.

Teammates range in age from …

Texas Bicycling from Twitter

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New Event Added to Texbiker.net Calendar