Waco, TX – The recently completed bicycle lanes on Estates Drive in Woodway have sparked both praise and concern from local residents and city officials. As part of the Shared Path Project, approved by the Woodway City Council in December 2023, the renovations transformed one lane of Estates Drive into a dedicated biking and walking path, while another lane was reconfigured as a turning lane.
Mark Remson, president of the Waco Bicycle Club, expressed strong support for the new lanes. Having used them several times, he emphasized the enhanced safety they provide for cyclists and pedestrians. “I’ve walked up and down them a few times and definitely had a lot more feeling of safety,” said Remson. “Before we would’ve bicycled down the side of the road. Having a dedicated lane with markers and separation from the cars makes it definitely safer—safer for kids on bicycles and safer for everybody walking.”
Remson’s comments reflect the positive feedback from those who believe the project is a step forward for both cyclist and pedestrian infrastructure in Woodway. Many residents appreciate the added convenience and safety the lanes offer, particularly in connecting cyclists to different areas of the town.
However, the project has not been universally supported. Woodway City Councilmembers Davis Russell and Davis Keyston expressed reservations about the bike lanes, citing limited use of the new paths. Russell, in particular, questioned the $500,000 investment in the lanes, suggesting that the funds could have been better spent on expanding sidewalks between surrounding neighborhoods. “That same money could’ve been spent on a sidewalk from Fairway to Acorn. That would’ve gotten the walkers and bikers where they could use that area and got them into the quiet neighborhood without affecting the traffic,” Russell argued.
While the new lanes have reduced Estates Drive from four lanes to two, Remson and other bike lane supporters contend that the benefits outweigh any potential increase in traffic congestion. “I think it’s definitely safer. It’s a dedicated space, and it helps ensure a better experience for cyclists,” Remson added.
As Woodway residents continue to weigh the impact of the new lanes, the debate over how best to balance bike and pedestrian infrastructure with traffic management remains a central issue for the community. The city council is expected to continue discussions on how future projects can address these concerns while improving safety and accessibility for all residents.
