As pedestrian and bicyclist deaths continue to rise in Texas, newly awarded funding will help Texans get safer access to schools, work, public transit and community destinations around the state.

During its October 28 meeting, the Texas Transportation Commission approved more than $55 million for 41 projects across the state that will build sidewalks, shared use paths, bike lanes, pedestrian bridges and other safety features for people who walk and ride bicycles for transportation. This comes after 2020 saw a 9% increase in pedestrian deaths along with more than a 20% increase in bicyclist fatalities.

In the Brownwood TXDOT District, these projects include approximately 1.5 miles of 5-foot-wide sidewalks along various streets connecting to US 67/Early Blvd including Orchard Dr., Oak Dr., Longhorn Dr., McCullough Dr. and Industrial Ln.

Additionally, the project will provide lighting, pedestrian signals, curb ramps and crosswalks to improve pedestrian access.

Last year, 731 people died in pedestrian-related crashes, an increase of 9% from 2019.

Crashes involving bicyclists claimed the lives of 82 people, up from 68 deaths the previous year.