The city of Houston has been awarded $15 million to improve transportation in “disadvantaged areas.” Among the improvements are bikeways in areas with no safe paths for cyclists.
One of the areas in line for improvements was the site of a recent fatal bike accident – evidence perhaps that the project can’t come fast enough.
According to The Examiner, a 34-year-old man on his bicycle failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck by a motor vehicle. The accident happened on Newhoff Street, about two miles from downtown Houston. The driver of the vehicle stayed behind to render aid, and charges will not be filed.
The Houston areas that will receive improvements currently lack bike paths and safe places for cyclists to ride. The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grant will change that.
According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Transportation:
The Houston Regional Multimodal Connections project, with significant support from the business community, will eliminate major gaps in Houston’s bike grid and provide extensive connections to bus and rail transportation, employment centers and residences. It will create bikeways that run parallel to some of the most congested roads in Houston, providing an attractive alternative to sitting in traffic. The bikeways will connect three of Houston’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods, the Northside Village, Fifth Ward and Third Ward, and to downtown, Midtown, Medical Center and other employment centers. The project includes building 7.5 miles of off-street shared-use paths, 2.8 miles of sidewalks, and 7.9 miles of on-street bikeways.
Injured Cyclists May Get Compensation
Bicycle accidents are most common in areas without bike lanes or signs. In such places, cyclists are on their own to navigate traffic and may fall victim to inattentive drivers.
While this most recent accident involved a cyclist who failed to observe the rules of the road, many other bicycle accidents are the fault of motor vehicle drivers. In these cases, cyclists are often entitled to compensation.
Contact Kevin Krist, Houston Accident Attorney
If you are hurt in a bicycle accident in Pasadena, League City or surrounding areas, the Law Office of Kevin Krist may be able to help. You have rights, and when you are hurt, you could be entitled to money for your injuries.
Call Houston accident attorney Kevin Krist today at 281-677-3967 for a free consultation on your case.
