Asking for support for bike safety, infrastructure in city's planning

For a decade I have lived east of I-35 in San Marcos. Recently, for health reasons, I have taken to riding a bicycle. At its best, bicycling can be a fun and convenient way to get around. However, trying to get anywhere from my neighborhood via bicycle has proved frustrating and dangerous.

When I started riding, I was excited to see where I could go and what I could accomplish.

Could I run a quick errand by bike or grab a cup of coffee?

Answer: not really. There is one convenience store I can get to safely and quickly, but the list ends there.

I would love to ride into downtown. By car, that trip is 4 miles — totally doable by bike.

However, the safest route I’ve found increases that trip to double the distance, and sends me along McCarty and Hunter roads, with 60 mph speed limits and no physical separation between me and the cars.

My experience isn’t unique and highlights both the lack of retail on the east side and the desperate need for safe bike infrastructure.

The city has done a lot to add bike infrastructure to the west side, and I applaud that. But the growing east side of San Marcos needs more, and quickly.

The upcoming comprehensive plan proposes a promising outline for improved quality of life on the east side, but connectivity across and through the I-35 corridor is desperately needed.

San Marcos has all the elements of a great cycling city: It is the right size and has the right amenities, and with new e-bikes, the hills and heat are not a worry.

All San Martians, of all ages and abilities, deserve access to safe bike and pedestrian infrastructure that connects us to all this wonderful city has to offer.

Lauren Mikiten