This article is over 6 years old

Transportation

Houston’s Newest Bike Trail Has A Unique Feature

Along with walkers and cyclists, the path will also accommodate golf carts. Those vehicles will have their own designated lane.

Share

Listen

To embed this piece of audio in your site, please use this code:

<iframe src="https://embed.hpm.io/191186/191185" style="height: 115px; width: 100%;"></iframe>
X

  • Cyclists try out the new Brays Bayou path near the University of Houston.
    Cyclists try out the new Brays Bayou path near the University of Houston.
  • Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner says the Brays Bayou path is part of a bigger effort to create alternative transportation corridors.
    Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner says the Brays Bayou path is part of a bigger effort to create alternative transportation corridors.
  • Dignitaries gathered for the ribbon-cutting for new Brays Bayou path near the University of Houston.
    Dignitaries gathered for the ribbon-cutting for new Brays Bayou path near the University of Houston.
  • The new Brays Bayou path will also accommodate golf carts that are traveling between the UH campus and the school's Energy Research Park.
    The new Brays Bayou path will also accommodate golf carts that are traveling between the UH campus and the school's Energy Research Park.
  • Dignitaries got a golf cart tour of the new Brays Bayou path.
    Dignitaries got a golf cart tour of the new Brays Bayou path.
  • Golf cart lane on the Brays Bayou path near the University of Houston.
    Golf cart lane on the Brays Bayou path near the University of Houston.
  • University of Houston Chancellor Dr. Renu Khator tours the new golf cart trail.
    University of Houston Chancellor Dr. Renu Khator tours the new golf cart trail.
  • Brays Bayou near the University of Houston. The green space along the bayou is currently undergoing restoration.
    Brays Bayou near the University of Houston. The green space along the bayou is currently undergoing restoration.
  • A connector will be built to link the Brays Bayou path with the University of Houston's Energy Research Park.
    A connector will be built to link the Brays Bayou path with the University of Houston's Energy Research Park.
  • Brays Bayou path features an awning where it crosses under the railroad tracks. That's to protect walkers and cyclists from falling debris.
    Brays Bayou path features an awning where it crosses under the railroad tracks. That's to protect walkers and cyclists from falling debris.
  • Path runs along a wooded section of Brays Bayou.
    Path runs along a wooded section of Brays Bayou.
  • Brays Bayou path under Spur 5.
    Brays Bayou path under Spur 5.
  • Brays Bayou path has one lane for golf carts and another for walkers and cyclists.
    Brays Bayou path has one lane for golf carts and another for walkers and cyclists.
  • New Brays Bayou path runs between Martin Luther King and Old Spanish Trail on the southeast side.
    New Brays Bayou path runs between Martin Luther King and Old Spanish Trail on the southeast side.

The new path is part of the Bayou Greenways 2020 project, an effort to create continuous green space along Houston's waterways. It runs along Brays Bayou for about a mile and a half, between Martin Luther King Boulevard and Old Spanish Trail. Walkers and cyclists can use the path to connect to other parts of the trail system.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner says the path isn't just for UH students, but part of a bigger effort to create alternative transportation corridors.

"This is part of the vision we have for Houston's future," says Turner. "Of developing access to neighborhood parks and trail systems for all Houstonians."

As for what's unique about the trail — it also has a lane for golf carts. Those carts will travel from the University of Houston's main campus to the school's Energy Research Park.

Chip Place with the Houston Parks Board says that aspect of the project helped them get a federal grant.

"The TIGER grants and the federal grants really like to serve multiple purposes," explains Place. "It connects the university but it also connects communities."

Work will now start on another project, a bridge that connects the path to MacGregor Park south of campus.

Gail Delaughter

Gail Delaughter

News Anchor

From early-morning interviews with commuters to walks through muddy construction sites, Gail covers all aspects of getting around Houston. That includes walking, driving, cycling, taking the bus, and occasionally flying. Before she became transportation reporter in 2011, Gail hosted weekend programs for Houston Public Media. She's also covered courts in...

More Information