Austin cyclist Bryan Kight’s harrowing crash and recovery highlights the safety risks pedestrians and cyclists face in Texas.
AUSTIN, Texas — A new safety campaign from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is drawing attention to the growing risks pedestrians and cyclists face on roadways across Texas.
With caution signs lining streets throughout Austin, the city may appear to be a safe and welcoming place to bike or walk. But for some residents, that sense of security can quickly disappear.
One of them is Austin cyclist Bryan Kight, who is sharing his story after a devastating crash in 2024 forced him to relearn how to walk.
Kight said he was riding in a bike lane at the intersection of Deen Avenue and Georgian Drive when he was struck by a vehicle.
“I saw somebody coming … she had her blinker on and I was trying to make eye contact with her to make sure that she saw me,” Kight recalled.
Moments later, everything changed.
“In that split second, I remember thinking there’s no way this is happening,” Kight said. “Then, I landed on the ground and knew something serious was going on. I actually had to call 911 myself.”
According to TxDOT, most crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists in 2024 occurred in urban areas — including cities like Austin. The agency said one in five traffic deaths in Texas involves a pedestrian or cyclist.
“In 2024, 772 pedestrians and 80 bicyclists were killed on Texas roadways,” said Monica O’Kane, a branch supervisor with TxDOT’s Behavioral Traffic Safety program.
Kight survived the crash but faced a long and painful recovery. He said his femur was broken in half — one of the most difficult bones in the body to heal — leaving him reliant on a walker for months.
“I couldn’t really rely on my left leg for anything,” Kight said. “If sharing what happened to me helps drivers understand the danger of not paying attention or failing to yield, then it’s worth it.”
TxDOT officials said safety is a shared responsibility. While drivers are urged to stay alert and yield to pedestrians and cyclists, riders are also reminded to follow all traffic signs and signals.
The agency also warns that nighttime is especially dangerous. In 2024, about 77% of pedestrian deaths and 64% of cyclist fatalities happened after dark.
Kight said he considers himself lucky — and hopes his experience serves as a reminder that a moment of inattention on the road can have life-altering consequences.