With more than 2.6 million visits a year, the 10-mile Hike & Bike trail is Austin’s most recognized and popular recreational area. However, directly next to this urban path lies Lady Bird Lake which has now been the scene of over a dozen deaths within the last decade. Many of these deaths, including Jason John in February 2023 (see article below), have occurred on the portion of the trail between Rainey St and I-35, a particularly dangerous route due to its proximity to the lake and lack of lighting. It is critical to add lighting and emergency blue lights to this heavily trafficked pathway not only to provide comfort for those who walk or bike after dusk but most importantly to increase safety measures along this route which becomes pitch black at night. Lights can be solar operated and/or motion sensored to mitigate environmental and wildlife concerns but it is most important that history does not repeat itself – what happened to Jason John and those who died along this trail before him should never happen again. Please sign our petition and be a part of the change to bring better safety measures to the people of Austin. Help protect the residents of this beautiful city!

https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/jason-john-missing-lady-bird-lake-body/269-0a300e71-ffca-44ed-9ded-731a39baaa8d

The Trail Conservancy states in the article that they will include safety measures such as proper lighting to this trail. Let's hold them accountable to not only get it done but to prioritize lighting as a critical, phase 1 project in their list of renovations to the Hike & Bike Trail.