Austin now ticketing, towing vehicles parked in bike-only lanes

AUSTIN, Texas - Parking enforcement officers will be ticketing and towing vehicles illegally parked in designated bike-only lanes, with the City planning to expand enforcement in the coming months.

Austinites will also be able to use a new reporting tool in the City's 3-1-1 mobile app to quickly and easily report vehicles blocking bike lanes. Residents can call 3-1-1 or use the app to report cars parked in designated bike lanes.

Enforcement officers will then be dispatched to reported violations and issue citations and tow illegally parked vehicles.

Since October 2019, the city has cited more than 70 drivers and towed 17 cars for parking in bike lanes.

"Parking in a bike-only lane compels cyclists to enter general travel lanes, which greatly increases the chances of a deadly or serious crash," said Robert Spillar, P.E., director for Austin Transportation. "Keeping our bike lanes clear makes our streets safer for both cyclists and motorists alike."

According to a release from Austin Transportation, the move to dedicate parking officers to bike lane enforcement is aligned with Vision Zero, which seeks to achieve zero traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on Austin roadways. 

"This increased enforcement will allow bicyclists of all ages and abilities to enjoy our city's bike network with less risk of being hit by a driver," said Lewis Leff, Transportation Safety Officer for Austin Transportation. "Providing bicyclists with clear lanes of travel also improves predictability and order on our transportation network, which makes our streets safer for everyone regardless of their mobility preference."  

Fines can be up to $300 and the cost to redeem a towed vehicle the same day of impoundment is around $193, says Austin Transportation.

To learn more about the Austin Bicycle Program, visit here and Vision Zero here.