Houston Cyclists Protest Removal of Heights Boulevard Safety Barriers

Cycling advocates demand stronger protections after the city removes 'armadillos,' citing maintenance concerns, leaving bike lanes unprotected.

The City of Houston removed protective 'armadillos' from the Heights Boulevard bike lane, citing safety and maintenance issues such as exposed bolts and debris buildup.
Cycling advocates, led by BikeHouston, held a protest on March 25, 2025, calling for the installation of stronger physical barriers like concrete curbs to ensure cyclist safety.
The armadillos, installed in 2023, were credited with reducing crashes and improving safety along the bike lane, which is now being used as a detour for the MKT Bridge construction.
Critics argue the removal reflects a broader trend under Mayor John Whitmire's administration to reverse pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure projects.
The city has not confirmed plans to replace the barriers but stated that the bike lane itself will not be removed.