THIS JUST IN: LOBV issues press release on tonight's Nueces Bike Boulevard meeting

Rob D'Amico of the League of Bicycling Voters just sent out a press release regarding tonight's final Nueces Bike Boulevard Meeting, and about the plan in general:

Bicyclists rally to “Build It Right!” for the Nueces Bike Boulevard

City holds final design workshop tonight, releases traffic data

The League of Bicycling Voters (LOBV) is calling on the City of Austin to "Build it Right" when designing the Nueces Bike Boulevard. To help reinforce that message, hundreds of bicyclists will attend the city's final design workshop for the Nueces Bike Boulevard tonight at 6 p.m. at Pease Elementary School at 11th and Rio Grande. The city will present results of its detailed traffic study at that time.

"The final traffic studies are in and confirm that Nueces has the ideal bicycle counts to have a successful bike boulevard, and now we just need to ensure that the best facility is designed to attract new riders," said Rob D'Amico, LOBV president. "Nueces is going to be an important pieces of an overall network of bike corridors and facilities, so we're excited to see it establishing a good foundation for the future projects."

LOBV has drafted a detailed traffic calming plan for Nueces, which uses traffic circles, pinch points, medians and speed cushions, and partial diverters to slow traffic and make bicycling safer and more accessible to new, inexperienced riders. Combined with signage, stenciled streets, public art and other identifiers, the bike boulevard will be promoted as a key corridor for commuters, students and families. "This project is all about creating a safe place for new riders, for families with kids, and everyday commuters to get downtown, to ACC Rio Grande, to major events and to the University," D'Amico said.

LOBV has more than 1,200 signatures on a petition supporting its plan, and the organization intends to rally bicyclists to lobby for its plan when the Nueces Bike Boulevard ultimately goes to City Council for approval.

For more information on LOBV's plan, see http://www.lobv.org

LOBV is a nonprofit advocacy organization promoting better transportation policy decisions, justice for bicyclists and more resources to increase the number of bicyclists in the Austin area.

Thanks for keeping everyone apprised of the situation, Rob. I'm feeling a bit under the weather today but come hell or high water I'll see y'all tonight, 6pm at Pease Elementary School. I may be sitting in the back with one of those sick kid masks on, but I'll be there.