New Bike Trail

Biking through downtown Houston just got easier thanks to new protected green lane

Attention cyclists, the first protected bike trail in Houston is finally here. Mayor Annise Parker and a slew of bike enthusiasts opened what they are calling the city's "first protected two-way cycle track" Thursday as she discussed plans to make Houston a bike-friendly place.

The park connector is located in a busy part of downtown Houston, linking Sam Houston Park to Discovery Green over a three-quarter mile route. The two-way track, on a portion of the street painted bright green, spans 10 blocks on Lamar, offering bike riders a safer and convenient way to get across downtown.

The two-way track, on a portion of the street painted bright green, spans 10 blocks on Lamar, offering bike riders a safer and convenient way to get across downtown.

With the new connection cyclists can access the Buffalo Bayou Trails, connecting into the greater Heights and Northside neighborhoods, and the Colombia Tap Trail, which provides a direct connection into the historic Third Ward and Texas Southern University.

(A description of the project explains that "two-way cycle tracks are separated bicycle lanes that allow bicycle travel in both directions on one side of the road. They are frequently used on one-way streets and provide dedicated, protected space for bicyclists.")

The mayor said she plans to soon unveil a new bike plan that will “analyze and identify the best routes for additional new on-street connections to our off street system, close gaps and create a connected and robust system for residents to enjoy the city, get exercise and stay healthy,” according to prepared remarks.

A number of Houston cyclists attended the press conference and took a ride on the track along with the mayor and her supporters. Also on hand were Bob Eury, executive director of Downtown District, Houston City Council member Robert Gallegos and Michael Payne of BikeHouston, a nonprofit dedicated to making Houston a better city for cyclists. Current and former NFL stars Brandon Brooks, Chester Pitts, and Wade Smith also came out to support the launch.

Mayor Annise Parker bikes on the new two-way bike track at a press conference.

28 Downtown Bicycle Park Connector two-way bike track March 2015 Mayor Annise Parker

Photo by Amar Mohite

Mayor Annise Parker bikes on the new two-way bike track at a press conference.

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Austin restaurant chain bowls over River Oaks and more popular stories

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Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, including restaurant openings and a major acquisition for MFAH. Plus, where to celebrate New Year's Eve in Houston. Catch up on our most popular stories below, then visit this guide to the best Christmas weekend events.

1. Meet the men behind River Oaks' new destination for bowls and broth. On this episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” Honest Mary’s founder Nelson Monteith and COO Andrew Wiseheart joined CultureMap editor Eric Sandler to discuss the Austin-based restaurant that just opened its first Houston location in the River Oaks Shopping Center.

2. Houston's only Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant now open in Bellaire. It didn’t take Sambrooks Hospitality Group long to turn Mandito’s into Candente. First announced in September, the restaurant’s second location officially opened December 22.

3. 25 Houston restaurants celebrating New Year's Eve with caviar, bubbles, and more. Houston restaurants are ringing in the new year with indulgent menus featuring caviar, lobster, and steak, along with plenty of bubbly.

4. Houston museum acquires historic Masonic lodge property for new greenspace. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has acquired a prime parcel to expand its campus in the Museum District.

Holland Lodge masonic building The building at 4911 will be torn down for the new greenspace. Holland Lodge No. 1, A.F. & A.M./Facebook

5. Houston's richest residents, best suburbs, and more top city news in 2025. As 2025 comes to a close, we're looking back at the stories that defined Houston this year. These are the City Life stories that captured Houston's attention.