The speed limit is 35mph but cars have been clocked at 60mph.

No charges so far, I doubt there will be.

As always, remember that bicyclists have to follow the law if they want respect.  (Applies only to bicyclists.)

https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/round- … ng-student

https://www.kxan.com/news/local/round-r … ipal-says/

The Daily Show explores this like only The Daily Show can.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu6ozB7mKDQ

I checked and his case about the robbery was dismissed.

He was sentenced in 2018 to 7 years for the bicyclist assault, but in 2019 he was charged with a traffic collision (which was also dismissed), so I don't know how much, if any, prison time he actually served.  I tried to find when he entered and released prison but couldn't find a database that gives either.

10-15 years ago, advanced safety features didn’t exist

5-10 years ago they existed, but only at the higher trims, or with an add-on ($$$) package

Most safety features are now standard.  Even the lowest Prius trims come with:

• Backup camera
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind spot monitor
• Safe Exit Assist
• Pre-Collision System w/Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Road sign assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Proactive Driving Assist

The only safety feature that's standard on the highest Prius trim (Limited) that’s not on the LE is parking assist, which is arguably not really a safety feature anyway.

Most of these features aren't mandated.  Here are the mandates and when they took effect:

• 2018: backup camera
• 2009-11:  Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• 2005-07:  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• 1998: Airbags
• 1990s-2000s:  Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
• 1960s: seat belts (thank u Ralph Nader)

I am not clear on what the current Texas law is, and whether bikes going over 20 mph are held to a different standard.

Current Texas law is that electric bicycles that fit this definition are pretty much treated the same as meat-powered bicycles.

... and if you don't fit the definition, you've got a moped or a motorcycle, which has a bunch of extra requirements, including insurance and registration.

Texas even has some laws that limit the ability of local governments to further limit them, for example this one that prohibits local governments from prohibiting electric bicycles from improved trails if the trail allows meat-powered bicycles.

As for the electric bikes that can go up to 28 mph (class 3, vs class 1 or 2), the only different standard that they're held to is that they're supposed to have a speedometer.

Pesonally, I think the current Texas laws regarding them are pretty good as-is, and the only change I'd suggest is actual enforcement for bikes that don't fit the definition above -- if the police see something that is going 35+ mph without a steep hill to help, pull them over.  (They could try to measure power and the like with a dynamometer, but just checking speed would be so much easier and simplify any issues regarding "probable cause".)

Of note is that after public outcry about a traffic calming measure that reduced the number of lanes on a roadway, officials restored the traffic lanes.  One of the vociferous opponents of the reduced lanes went on to accidentally kill a pedestrian on that roadway after the removed lanes were restored.

Also of note is a group that (illegally) paints in new crosswalks where they think they should exist.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business … ero-roads/

As in the previous case, the driver is black.  It was forty years ago when I was on the debate team in high school that I learned that black people were more likely to be arrested, charged, and convicted for the same crime.  Seems like not much has changed.

This design is designed for the 1% of the time when there are lots and lots of pedestrians, and ignores the 100% of the time when people want to cycle on the street.

6th street is a very convenient east/west throughway; I really had hopes I could bike it safely with protected lanes.

What a world.

https://www.kxan.com/news/crime/austin- … t-and-run/

“Superstreets” are a key component of all of TxDOT’s alternatives. These frontage road superstreets are presented as a way to give preference to North-South through traffic; increase speed by 40%; and reduce the number of cross-streets. They describe the project in the following document

But this short-term traffic solution impedes East-West connectivity and poses a threat to active commuters and residents. To read more about superstreets, visit the Reconnect Austin blog

Voice your opinion on this issue at several TxDOT open houses this week, occurring from 3-7 pm at the following dates and locations.