Shoal Creek Boulevard in North Austin is a popular residential thoroughfare for cyclists and pedestrians. So the city decided to add curb islands to the road last year in an effort to slow vehicular traffic.
But neighbors complained that the curb islands ended up being a hazard for cyclists and pedestrians because they reduced the bike lane to about three feet.
So Shoal Creek Boulevard is getting another face lift. This time it’s back to the sidewalks.
Neighbor Mary Pinkney Bradford said her father designed Shoal Creek back in the 1940s. Even though the city ripped up part of her yard to install the sidewalks, she's glad the street is becoming safer.
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Shoal Creek sidewalks
The curb islands that created traffic hazards are finally being replaced with sidewalks.
 
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The eight-foot-wide bike lane on Shoal Creek was never meant for walkers and joggers. The new sidewalk will stretch from 38th Street north to Foster, the block south of Anderson Lane.
"It's a great thing. We are going to be able to have a sidewalk and we'll be able to walk up and down the street without worrying about the cars," neighbor Doug Kilday said.
The sidewalk is being built in sections. The city would like to remind everyone be aware of construction crews around the next few months.
Susan Krites jogs in the bike lane on Shoal Creek weekly and said she'll continue to even after the sidewalk opens.
"There are two reasons. One is there are driveways that dip down so you will have to be more conscious of where your foot is stepping. The other is concrete is harder than asphalt. So it's actually worse on your back if you are running," she said.
So whether pedestrians decide to stick with the bike lanes or try the sidewalk, at least there is an option.
