{"id":58135,"date":"2021-12-30T00:06:28","date_gmt":"2021-12-30T06:06:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.texbiker.net\/blog\/?p=58135"},"modified":"2021-12-30T00:06:30","modified_gmt":"2021-12-30T06:06:30","slug":"texas-biking-news-december-29th-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.texbiker.net\/blog\/2021\/12\/30\/texas-biking-news-december-29th-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas Biking News December 29th 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are e-bikes actually allowed on trails in Houston and Harris County?<\/a><\/h2>\n

Jay R. Jordan | www.mysanantonio.com<\/h4>\n

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Some paths are lined with signs banning ‘motor vehicles,’ so we asked the city if this included motorized e-bikes.<\/p>\n

A pesky question probably asked by someone lucky enough to have been gifted a new set of wheels this holiday season: Are e-bikes actually allowed on Houston and Harris County’s trails and bike lanes?<\/p>\n

The answer is a resounding yes, according to David Fields, Houston’s chief transportation planner. That’s despite some signage banning motorized vehicles on certain trails that could cause confusion. As one of Houston’s newest e-bike riders myself, I kept questioning whether or not the line reading "no motor vehicle" listed on a sign posted near the …<\/p>\n

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New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day events planned across East Texas<\/a><\/h2>\n

By Yoleyne Romero | www.news-journal.com<\/h4>\n

… Wooley G’s Bike & Fitness in Longview has set a Resolution Run and Bike Ride on New Year’s Day. The run will start at 8 a.m. and has no set distance or time frame. According to the event’s Facebook page, "the goal is to get out and start the year off moving." The annual run will be followed by a potluck. The bike ride is set to start at 10 a.m., while the bike route along with other details are yet to be announced. Check Facebook for updates. …<\/p>\n

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Construction underway on Phase 2 improvements to Parkfield Drive in North Austin<\/a><\/h2>\n

By Amy Denney | communityimpact.com<\/h4>\n

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Construction began in November on the second phase of improvements to Parkfield Drive between Payton Gin Road and Mearns Meadow Boulevard as part of the Safe Routes to School projects near Wooldridge Elementary School.<\/p>\n

Work includes adding a protected bike lane, building 1 mile of new sidewalks, repairing 1.4 miles of sidewalks, completing 14 pedestrian crossing improvements, and improving two intersections on Payton Gin at Ohlen Road and at Parkfield.<\/p>\n

Phase 1 work began in May and included other bicycle and pedestrian safety work.<\/p>\n

Timeline: May 2021-fall 2022<\/p>\n

Cost: $2.8 million<\/p>\n

Funding source: 2016 and 2018 mobility bonds<\/p>\n

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Texas Bicycle Accident Statistics<\/h2>\n

Ramsey Law Group by Ashley Stewart<\/h4>\n

The following is the most recent data released by the Texas Department of Public Transportation on bicycle fatalities, injuries, and accidents in the state.<\/p>\n

There were a total of 2,170 bicycle accidents reported in 2020 across Texas.\n\nIn 2020, there were 80 fatal bicycle accidents in Texas - a 15% increase from 2019.\n\nThe total suspected bicycle accident with serious injuries accounted for 285.\n\nThere were 915 reported non-incapacitating bike accident injuries in 2020.\n\nAccording to the most recent data released by the NHTSA, there were a total of 846 bicycle fatalities across the US.\n\nAccording to data collected between 2010- 2016, not wearing a helmet is shown to increase the risk of fatality in a bike crash.\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
High-risk Counties for Bicycle Accidents and Fatalities<\/p>\n
Harris County\n\nTravis County\n\nDallas County\n\nBexar County\n\nTarrant County\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
Bicycle Friendly Cities in Texas<\/p>\n
Austin\n\nHouston\n\nSan Antonio\n\nThe Woodlands\n\nEl Paso\n\nHollywood Park\n\nPlano\n\nTyler\n\nWichita Falls\n\nHarlingen\n\nFredericksburg\n\nSan Marcos\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
Steps To Take If You\u2019re Involved in a Bike Accident in Texas<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, no matter how much caution you take on the roads, a bicycle accident can still occur. The following are steps to take if you or a loved one has been involved in a bike accident on our Texas roads.<\/p>\n
Wait for law enforcement and first responders to arrive. If you are injured - seek medical attention immediately. Document any injuries you sustain in the accident.\n\nAlways refrain from negotiating with the other driver or any passengers involved in the accident. Never admit or discuss who is at fault.\n\nObtain as much driver information as you can. This includes a photo of their driver\u2019s license, address, phone number, license plate number, make and model of their car, and the driver\u2019s insurance policy number.\n\nIf there were any witnesses at the scene it\u2019s important you collect as much information as you can from them as well.\n\nMake sure the police are giving a fair and accurate report of the incident.\n\nDo not rely solely on a police report. Document every bit of information you can.\n\nEvidence preservation is a key component of retaining fair compensation after a bike accident.\n\nNever negotiate with the insurance companies - they generally do not have your best interest in mind.\n\nSeek legal advice and contact an attorney who specializes in Texas bike accidents.\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
Ramsey Law Group<\/a> is a personal injury law firm that serves cyclists across Texas.<\/p>\n
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      SCA Rides on Hiatus: Austin Stage 4<\/a> from      socialcyclingaustin<\/a>    <\/blockquote>