SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Irv and Pam Downing ride their bikes every day in the bike lane on Gulf Boulevard.
They are using it for exercise, entertainment and sometimes simply to get to their next destination.
But they have not always had the plastic barriers to keep them safe from traffic.
“It’s a lot safer with the poles separating the traffic from the bike lane,” Pam said.
In March, five pedestrians were struck in a hit-and-run accident. The vehicle was driven by Daisy Joy Decker, of Sugarland, and it happened during Spring Break.
One of the five hit was Los Fresnos resident Maria Selena Patino, 19. She died later from her injuries.
The barriers went up soon after that hit-and-run claimed the life of the young woman.
Decker has since been released from jail on charges of intoxicated manslaughter.
The plastic barriers stretch for nearly three miles between the traffic lanes and pedestrian-bike lane on Gulf Boulevard.
Island residents and visitors peddle along Gulf Boulevard on bikes, and teenagers are seen on rollerblades, skateboards and hover boards.
The bike lane also is a popular daily activity for walkers, runners and surfers making their way to the beach access.
But that has not been a problem for the Downings as they just coast safely around the walkers and runners.
The Downings agreed riding their bikes on the Island improves the quality of life and for the tourists.
“I’m glad the Island has a bike lane,” Pam said.
The bike lane project was substantially completed in March 3, with a final walkthrough done on March 6.
The final payout was April 14. The bike lane delineators were started April 3, and finalized on April 6, at a cost of $33,875.
“The City of South Padre Island is fully committed to improving the safety for our bicyclists and pedestrians and to improving the overall experience of leading an active lifestyle through alternate forms of transportation,” said Darla Jones, SPI assistant city manager.
