Tucson Unveils Plans for Safe Bike Lane Transformation on 6th Avenue

The city of Tucson is preparing to construct a protected bike lane along 6th Avenue, stretching from Speedway to 7th Street. Officials are currently soliciting public feedback on the proposed design of this important infrastructure project.

The bike lane will be designed with parking protection from Speedway to 5th Street, with a row of parked cars serving as a buffer between cyclists and vehicular traffic. The segment between 5th and 7th Streets will feature double-buffering, incorporating two gaps of two to three feet to create additional space between bicycles, parking lanes, and traffic.

This section of 6th Avenue has been designated as a “priority corridor” by city planners due to the absence of designated bike lanes. While some road markings indicate that car drivers should share the space with cyclists, a more robust solution is being implemented.

This initiative is part of Prop. 407’s Tucson Delivers Strong Connections program, a substantial $225 million bond package approved by voters in 2018 aimed at enhancing the city’s roads and overall infrastructure.

Emily Yetman, the executive director of Living Streets Alliance, a local advocacy group, stresses the importance of physical barriers in protecting cyclists. “Paint-only bike lanes do nothing to protect cyclists from cars,” she remarked. Yetman argues for the necessity of robust protective measures, like flex posts or concrete barriers, especially on roads where vehicles frequently exceed 30 miles per hour. Her insights highlight the critical safety implications of design in urban cycling.

Statistics reveal the ongoing risks cyclists face; last year, Tucson reported seven fatalities involving bicycles within city limits, according to data from the Tucson Police Department.

Residents interested in learning more about the bike lane design and providing feedback are encouraged to attend the following events:

Cyclovia Tucson
Sunday, April 6, 2025
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Himmel Park, 1000 N. Tucson Blvd.

Pizza Party at Catalina Park
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Catalina Park, 941 N. 4th Ave.