TxDOT floats $250 million for bike, pedestrian safety

Rick Kelley, Valley Morning Star, Harlingen, Texas
·1 min read

Dec. 5—TxDOT officials have announced they are making around $250 million available to communities to make travel safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

This federal funding, for which communities will have to apply, will go toward sidewalks, bike lanes, shared-use paths and other projects to enhance walking and biking transportation.

"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," he added.

The number of pedestrians and cyclists killed on Texas highways has been rising for several years, with pedestrian fatalities increasing by 15 percent and cyclist fatalities by 14 percent in 2021 alone.

TxDOT will hold virtual workshops to help municipalities and organizations as they apply for this funding.

For more information about applying, municipal officials can go to the TxDOT website and click on "grants and funding."