Benton Graham | nextcity.org
“It’s painfully obvious that a person driving a two-ton motorized vehicle is capable of so much more damage than someone riding a 30-pound bicycle…it seems like maybe they’ve forgotten that,” one road safety advocate says.
On a July night in downtown Austin, a sedan struck two pedestrians, reportedly leaving both with serious injuries. Video published by Fox 7 Austin shows the pair had used a crosswalk and the traffic signal indicated that they had the right of way.
That’s why it seemed especially strange that, in explaining the causes of pedestrian deaths to the local Fox affiliate, the Texas Department of Transportation spokesperson began by describing irresponsible pedestrian behavior. “Pedestrians not paying attention at intersections, not yielding the right of way to other vehicles, or by crossing streets or highways not at crosswalks,” a state official listed. “Likewise from the driver’s side, driver inattention, drivers failing to yield at crosswalks and intersections and failure to control speed.”
The response from the state agency generated a wave of criticism from road safety advocates about how the state talks about safety. “TXDOT: can you tell us how these pedestrians could have been wiser and thus safer? According to the article, they had the …
wheelbrothers.com
If you’re searching for a comprehensive list of gravel rides in and around Texas, you’ve come to the right place. Click any link on a ride below, and you’ll see: the date, times, address (including a map to get there), ride lengths, course maps, and elevation info. After you’re done with a ride, please take the time and drop us a note on how you liked it! Other riders will want to know!
Posted By: rwturner | www.koxe.com
AUSTIN – As Texas strives to reduce the rising number of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities, TxDOT is making available around $250 million for its 2023 Transportation Alternatives Call for Projects.
The federal funding will go towards sidewalks, bike lanes, shared-use paths and other projects to enhance walking and biking transportation across the state.
“Making it safer and easier to walk and bike is an important part of our mission of ‘Connecting You with Texas,’” TxDOT Transportation Commissioner Robert “Robie” Vaughn said. “I’m thrilled to see this increase in funding that’ll help communities build impactful improvements for its citizens. As a jogger and cyclist myself, I know the value these enhancements can bring to help Texans get to work, run errands, and enjoy the beautiful Texas outdoors.”
TxDOT will hold virtual workshops to …
Joy Sewing | www.houstonchronicle.com
The construction along Blodgett Street in Third Ward isn’t what alarmed Pastor Keith Edwards of Pilgrim Congregational United Church.
Three weeks ago, Edwards, whose church has been in the community for nearly 120 years and on Blodgett since 1973, learned that the construction is part of a plan to add a bike lane to the busy street— as well as expand its sidewalks, repair drainage issues and improve safety and beautification.
No one would argue the need to improve street infrastructure in a community that tends to be a low priority, as communities of color often are. And the bike lane, for some, is a needed amenity that will offer greater access to the Columbia Tap Bike Trail that leads to the Texas Medical Center, Texas Southern University and downtown.
But the bike lane addition has …
Texas Biking from Twitter
New Event Added to Texbiker.net Calendar
