The Lance Armstrong Bikeway was named for the former professional cyclist who won seven consecutive Tours de France before admitting to doping and having those titles stripped. Regardless of what you think about the man, this cross-town bicycle route takes visitors right through downtown, where they can visit Armstrong's local bike shop, zip up to the Texas Capitol, and take in an array of downtown shops and restaurants. Tack on the Southern Walnut Creek Trail for an additional bike-friendly cruise along a shady, separated from traffic corridor.
Start your tour at Deep Eddy Pool, 401 Deep Eddy Avenue. The route alternates between on-road striping and separated concrete paths. Head east on Lake Austin Boulevard, following the path toward downtown, where it becomes a separated sidewalk on the north side of Cesar Chavez Street. The route jogs up to Second Street. Make a quick detour to Mellow Johnny’s, Armstrong’s local bike shop at 400 Nueces Street. Continue east across Congress Avenue, detouring up Congress Avenue to see the Texas Capitol if you have time, then continue east on the trail toward Interstate 35.
You’ll cross the interstate on Third Street, but the route jogs up to Fourth Street within a few blocks. Follow it east on Fourth and then Fifth Streets, but veer off the route at Springdale Road. Pedal a few blocks north to Bolm Road, which will take you east across Airport Boulevard to Govalle Park, where you can take another dip in the pool if it’s hot.
Here you’ll find the trailhead for the Southern Walnut Creek Trail, a sparkling ribbon of pathway that serves up miles of separated-from-the-road pedaling bliss between Govalle Park, 5200 Bolm Road, and Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park, 6614 Blue Bluff Road. The trail dips, curves and weaves along Boggy Creek and Walnut Creek, crossing five bridges and four bike underpasses along the way. Short spurs connect it to the East Communities Branch of the YMCA, the Austin Tennis Center and Davis White Northeast District Park.
At its eastern end, near the intersection of Johnny Morris Road and Daffan Lane, the trail flows into the first phase of another bike path, the Austin to Manor Trail. That adds 2.5 more miles to the route, extending it first along a wide sidewalk and then along an old railroad corridor through Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park. The trail now ends at Lindell Lane, but planners hope eventually to tack on another 2.5 miles, taking it to Ben Fischer Park in Manor.
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Modern full-service hotel with bars and restaurant located in heart of Second Street entertainment district.
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New downtown hotel and convention center.
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Home-grown bike shop located in Hyde Park area.
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Downtown bike shop with service department and rentals.
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Lance Armstrong¿s downtown bike shop, featuring bikes, gear, a coffee shop and training center.
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Display gardens and education center that highlight Lady Bird Johnson¿s influence on the environment.
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