The Texas Transportation Commission has approved nearly $285 million in federal funds for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects across the state. The funding, totaling more than $284.8 million, will support 73 projects that include building sidewalks, shared use paths, dedicated bicycle lanes, and pedestrian bridges. It will also help communities develop active transportation plans to create connected networks for non-motorized travel.
"This significant investment will make it safer and more enjoyable for people to walk and bike in their communities while improving access across the state," said Texas Transportation Commissioner Robert “Robie” Vaughn. "By expanding transportation options, we can build more connected communities and a more connected Texas, while enhancing the quality of life for everyone."
The approved projects feature new and upgraded sidewalks, shared use paths for biking and walking, on-street bicycle lanes, 15 planning studies, and safety enhancements such as school zone upgrades, pedestrian crossings, and lighting improvements.
Although crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists represent a small portion of overall traffic incidents in Texas, they account for one in five traffic fatalities. All selected projects aim to improve safety conditions for people who walk or use bicycles or wheelchairs. Of these projects, 27 are focused on areas identified as potential risks in the Texas Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. Another 29 projects are designed to provide safer routes for children traveling to schools by foot or by bike.
Funding comes from the federal Transportation Alternatives program following a competitive selection process involving cities and counties statewide.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) manages an extensive network of highways, traffic signals, and general aviation airports throughout the state. TxDOT operates under the governance of the Texas Transportation Commission which appoints its executive director. According to its official mission statement on the TxDOT website, the agency supports economic activity by maintaining infrastructure that links urban and rural areas across Texas while fostering community connectivity. TxDOT’s multimodal network handles about 556.9 million vehicle-miles traveled daily.
More details about these newly funded pedestrian and bicycle projects can be found at TxDOT’s official website.
