Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodation Policies in Dallas-Fort Worth
Pedestrians and cyclists injured in a traffic collision are protected under Texas law. You have a right to pursue a claim for compensation to voer your medical bills, loss of income, and any other debts you might have because of your accident. For more information, contact a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer at 817-294-1900.
On March 15 the US Department of Transportation presented a policy statement supporting the development of fully integrated transportation networks across the country. This would include considering walking and biking as equals with all other forms of transportation.
They are charging local communities to go beyond minimum standards in making pedestrian and bicycle transportation networks safe, attractive, sustainable, and accessible.
Here are a few of the key points that the DOT encourages communities to adhere to when developing new transportation networks for pedestrians and bikers:
Ensuring that there are transportation choices for people of all ages and abilities, especially children:
Pedestrian and bicycle facilities should meet accessibility requirements and provide safe, convenient, and interconnected transportation networks. For example, children should have safe and convenient options for walking or bicycling to school and parks. People who cannot or prefer not to drive should have safe and efficient transportation choices.
Going beyond minimum design standards:
Transportation agencies are encouraged, when possible, to avoid designing walking and bicycling facilities to the minimum standards. For example, shared-use paths that have been designed to minimum width requirements will need retrofits as more people use them. It is more effective to plan for increased usage than to retrofit an older facility. Planning projects for the long-term should anticipate likely future demand for bicycling and walking facilities and not preclude the provision of future improvements.
Integrating bicycle and pedestrian accommodation on new, rehabilitated, and limited-access bridges: DOT encourages bicycle and pedestrian accommodation on bridge projects including facilities on limited-access bridges with connections to streets or paths.
Improving non-motorized facilities during maintenance projects: Many transportation agencies spend most of their transportation funding on maintenance rather than on constructing new facilities. Transportation agencies should find ways to make facility improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists during resurfacing and other maintenance projects.
For a free, no obligation consultation on your personal bicyle or pedestrian accident, please contact the Anderson Law Firm toll free at 800-354-6275. Mark Anderson is a board certified personal injury attorney who has been helping injured pedestrians and bicylists across the North Texas area since 1991. Call locally in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-237-8000.
Mark Anderson has been practicing personal injury law since 1991 and is recognised as one of the best attorneys in his field.
Mark is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization – a distinction held by fewer than 2% of Texas lawyers. He was selected as a life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum as recognition for his success in recovering compensation for his clients. He has been honored with the prestigious AV Rating by the Martindale Hubbard System and has been rated 10/10 (the highest level possible) by the AVVO Rating System which ranks attorneys based on experience, conduct and industry recognition. Mark was selected as a Top Personal Injury Attorney by Fort Worth Magazine in 2009 and 2010.
For more information about Mark, see his biography.
