Texas Department of Transportation allocates $250M for walking, biking in 2023

Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities have increased on Texas roads in recent years. In an attempt to change this, the Texas Department of Transportation is putting $250 million toward projects for sidewalks, bike lanes and other projects.

According to a news release, the Transportation Alternatives program helps communities plan and build infrastructure to help reduce accidents and deaths involving pedestrians and cyclists.

In Texas, pedestrian deaths increased by 15% in 2021, while the deaths of cyclists increased by 14%, the release said.

Cities, towns and organizations across Texas can apply for project funding, according to the program’s website. The annual call for projects opened Dec. 2, and the preliminary application will be due Jan. 27, 2023.

The program is funded by the Federal Highway Administration, according to TxDOT. Eligible projects include improvements to bike lanes, sidewalks, shared-use paths and other nonmotorized transportation initiatives.

“I’m thrilled to see this increase in funding that’ll help communities build impactful improvements for [their] citizens,” TxDOT Transportation Commissioner Robert Vaughn said in a news release. “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.”

For more information about the 2023 Transportation Alternatives program, visit TxDOT’s website.