Bike boulevard opens in Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) - City officials launched the first bike-dedicated lanes in Austin Monday afternoon as dozens of bikers turned out to celebrate the opening of the two-lane, five-block stretch or road -- marking the first of future designated lanes.

"Over 50 percent of trips in the United States are under two miles," said Martha Roskowski, of The Green Lane Project. "And those are the kind of trips a lot of them could be made by bicycle if they're safe and comfortable places to ride."

While the quarter-mile stretch along Rio Grande Avenue isn't very long, Jackson Archer said it is very useful. Archer works and studies at the University of Texas.

"This is going to be great," said Archer. "I live a little that way, so being able to go this way would be really great, help me get to campus and everything."

The cycle track is part of the national Green Lane Project program, which is intended to reduce car congestion and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Tim Starry is a bicycle enthusiast who said it's about time for a creative solution to traffic.

"There's probably about another 60 percent of people who want to cycle but are afraid of traffic, and these kind of facilities allow them to enjoy cycling and get around town without dealing with the traffic."

The five-block stretch is only the first of several more to open in the coming months.

Next, the lane will travel down to Fourth Street -- and eventually other parts of downtown. But that will likely be next year as Austin continues to look for creative ways to reduce traffic congestion.