The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently announced a $345 million state spending package focusing on building better bike paths and more pedestrian walkways in an effort to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents and collisions involving cyclists.
“People who walk and bike make up about 1 out of every 5 deaths on roadways here in Texas,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Alvin New said in a statement. “These projects will help the state move closer toward the goal of zero deaths by giving people a place to walk and bike separate from traffic.”
Bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects in Fort Worth, TX
TxDOT will spend $345 million on 83 improvement projects designed to make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists, especially “in areas with a high pedestrian crash history.”
“This is a major investment in communities across the state that will help make it safer and easier to get around on foot or a bike,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Robert “Robie” Vaughn said.
In the Fort Worth area, bicycle and pedestrian projects include:
- An active transportation plan in the City of Weatherford, Texas – $966,000.
- The creation of a pedestrian facilities master plan in the City of Keller, TX – $478,400
- An active transportation plan in the City of Colleyville, TX – $118,680
Bicycle accidents soar in Texas
State officials have shifted their focus to enhancing street safety due to a surge in bicycle accidents involving cyclists struck by vehicles in Texas over the past decade. Between 2013 and 2022, the state witnessed a staggering 91.6 percent increase in bicycle accident fatalities.
The numbers rose from 48 deaths in 2013 to 92 fatalities in 2022, based on data compiled by the Texas Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Pedestrian fatalities increase in Texas and Fort Worth
The state's commitment to investing $345 million in road improvement projects is further underscored by the alarming surge in Texas pedestrian fatalities throughout the past decade. Between 2013 and 2022, the state witnessed a 72.9 percent increase in pedestrian deaths.
This upward trend saw the numbers climb from 480 deaths in 2013 to 830 deaths in 2022, as revealed by data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (DOT).
The problem extends to cities like Fort Worth, where pedestrian fatalities surged by 24.4 percent over a five-year span. Specifically, the city experienced a rise from 45 deaths in 2017 to 56 deaths in 2021 in Tarrant County, which encompasses Fort Worth.
What makes claims involving accidents with pedestrians and cyclists so complicated?
Claims involving injured cyclists and pedestrians often turn into complicated legal cases. The potential for serious injuries can lead to significant financial burdens, making it crucial for victims to seek compensation for their expenses.
Ideally, you should be financially compensated for your injury-related expenses. After all, Texas has an at-fault car insurance system. This means the at-fault party (often the insurance company for the driver who hit you) must pay for your accident.
But instead of doing the right thing, insurance companies often do everything they can to pay injury victims as little as possible or nothing at all. This is why you need an aggressive legal team on your side, looking out for your best interests.
An attorney can help you recover compensation for your losses
Our legal team at Coby L. Wooten, Attorney At Law in Forth Worth can help you every step of the way. We know the law. We understand how the legal system works. And we will not rest until justice is served.
Put your trust in a law firm that puts your needs first. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with a Fort Worth pedestrian accident attorney focused on winning your case. We handle injury claims and lawsuits throughout Texas.