With the scenic Lady Bird Lake trail looping through the heart of downtown and the tranquil Veloway winding through Hill Country landscapes, Austin offers some of the most beautiful urban biking trails in the nation with plans of expanding the trailing biking network.
Austin's Biking Infrastructure
Austin has emerged as a leader among U.S. cities with the beautiful scenic biking trails that locals and visitors alike can enjoy. The city has begun expanding its bicycle infrastructure in recent years.
2014: Austin adopts an ambitious plan to build the 400-mile "All Ages and Abilities" (AAA) Network
2021: Austin completes 215 miles of the "AAA" Network, over halfway to the original goal.
2023: Austin's vision increases to over 1,200 miles of bike facilities with an estimated $1.15 billion in costs.
2024 & on: Major infrastructure projects include adding protected bike lanes on key corridors like Airport Blvd, Slaughter Lane, and extending Braker Lane.
What is the "All Ages and Abilities" Network?
The All Ages and Abilities (AAA) Bicycle Priority Network is a planned network of bicycle infrastructure that is designed to be safe, comfortable, and accessible for cyclists of all ages and abilities, including children, seniors, and less confident riders.
Key Features: Energy-efficient upgrades, Water conservation initiatives, Smart home technologies, and Tax incentives and supportive policies
Top Recreational Biking Trails
Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail: A 10-mile trail that loops around Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, offering scenic waterfront views and an urban path perfect for leisurely cycling.
Southern Walnut Creek Trail Spanning over 7 miles through east Austin neighborhoods, this fully paved trail is designed for uninterrupted recreational cycling.
Veloway at Circle C Ranch The 3.1 mile Veloway is a one-way paved loop dedicated solely to cyclists and inline skaters, with no pedestrian traffic allowed.
Brushy Creek Regional Trail This 6.75 mile trail alternates between paved and hard-packed dirt sections, with the option to take side trails for some light mountain biking.
McKinney Falls State Park Trails The 2.8 mile Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail offers an easy, hard-packed dirt path for recreational riding through the scenic state park.
Mueller Lake Park Trail This trail loops around the small lake in the urban park providing a relaxing paved path for recreational cycling, with playgrounds and open spaces along the way.
Future Plans
Once the All Ages Abilities Bicycle Priority Network is complete, it is projected to enable a 16x increase in the number of residents able to bike to transit stations compared to today.
Austin aims to raise the percentage of residents biking to work from 1.3% currently to 4% by 2039 by providing an integrated "mobility web" of cycling routes, trails, and improved transit access.
The city's goal is to become an elite cycling city on par with places like Portland and Seattle, requiring sustained funding and commitment over the next few decades to accomplish this vision.
With scenic routes and winding trails, Austin offers some of the most beautiful biking trails in the nation. The city has emerged as a national leader in expanding bicycle infrastructure through the city's ambitious plan to build out a 1,200-mile All Ages and Abilities Network over the next decade. The overarching vision is to dramatically increase cycling rates and transform Austin into an elite bike-friendly city on par with Portland and Seattle.
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Cheers,
Jen & the team
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