The Austin Transportation Department has begun assigning parking enforcement officers to ticket and tow vehicles illegally parked in designated bike-only lanes.
The department said in an announcement that it plans to expand enforcement in the coming months to improve safety for all travelers.
Director Robert Spillar said, “Parking in a bike-only lane compels cyclists to enter general travel lanes, which greatly increases the chances of a deadly or serious crash. Keeping our bike lanes clear makes our streets safer for both cyclists and motorists alike.”
The city department is encouraging citizens to report violations via the city’s 3-1-1 mobile app. The Transportation Department’s Parking Division will then dispatch officers in response to these tips to issue citations and tow illegally parked vehicles.
The effort is also about the convenience of cyclists, according to Jeff Lewis, Transportation Safety Officer. “Providing bicyclists with clear lanes of travel improves predictability and order on our transportation network, which makes our streets safer for everyone regardless of their mobility preference.”
Fines for obstructing a bike-only lane can be up to $300 and the cost to redeem a towed vehicle the same day of impoundment is around $193.
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