We have often said that BikeTexas supporters are among the best folks on the planet, and we’re proud to know you and partner with you in making our state a marvelous place to bike and walk, now and for Texans still to come. The road is long, but here are some mile markers we’ve passed together:
- In 2021, the Lisa Torry Smith Act became law, increasing penalties for drivers who injure or kill bicyclists or pedestrians in crosswalks. We were proud to join with Ms. Smith’s family and many others to see this bill ultimately signed into law.
- Also in 2021, the legislature expanded the definition of “bicycle” to include tricycles and bicycles with adaptive technology that allow people with disabilities to ride. This law gives those types of bicycles the same rights and responsibilities as other bicycles. We could not be happier that this law codifies more strongly that biking truly is for people of all ages and abilities.
- Because of you, as we’ve gotten more, safer places to ride around the state, with more protected bike lanes and trails, more families have been able to get out and ride. Using bikes for errands and other transportation is becoming a possibility for Texans from small towns to major cities. We’re seeing more bike racks filled with bikes at our schools—a big win for the students who arrive ready to learn, and for their parents who are excited to see their children repeating some of their own cherished childhood memories.
What mile markers lie ahead? The 2023 legislative session is shaping up to be a session when the message, “I bike, and I vote!” will be as crucial as it’s ever been. To get ready for the legislative session, make sure you’re getting BikeTexas emails: Action Alerts can fly thick and fast once we get into crunch time and you don’t want to miss them when it’s time to reach out to your legislators.
If you’re able to travel to Austin, plan to join us for Cyclists in Suits, Texas’ Bike Lobby Day! More details will be available once the session begins, but our bike lobby day is a great opportunity to speak directly to legislative staff and share your concerns about biking and walking in your district.
You can also make a difference when you donate to our legislative fund to help us get ready to take on the session: from recruiting bill sponsors to educating new lawmakers, there’s going to be plenty to do at the capitol starting on day 1.
If you prefer to make a tax-deductible donation before the calendar changes over to 2022, donate to the BikeTexas education fund to get the next generation of Texans safely walking and rolling. (Be sure to choose the tax-deductible option on the donation form.) We wish you a very safe and happy New Year! We’ll see you in 2023.
