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ST. GEORGE — The face of 700 East in St. George — also known as University Avenue — is set to change prior to the next school year thanks to the St. George City Council approving funds for the creation of a two-lane bicycle track along the east side of the street.
The dual bike lanes will run from 600 South to St. George Boulevard, where the path will then extend across the street to connect with the Temple Springs Trail.
The feasibility of the bicycle track was tested in March 2021, when Utah Tech University (then Dixie State University) and the city of St. George held the "Blaze the Bike" event. At the time, it was estimated that up to 80 street-side parking spaces along the eastern side of 700 East would be eliminated if the bike track was made permanent.
Later estimates put the potential loss of parking spaces at around 50.
During a City Council meeting held Feb. 20, the council voted 3-2 to approve funding for the roadside two-lane bike track as well as additional infrastructure changes at the intersections of 300 South and 600 South on 700 East.
"I think it will be fantastic for several reasons," Councilwoman Dannielle Larkin said during the meeting. "It will be fantastic for pedestrians and bikes, but really, it will also create a face for the university, where it's really obvious that you're in a university town."
