You might not have heard of SB 1993, but it’s the kind of bill that could quietly reshape your city—and not in a good way.
At first glance, SB 1993 sounds like another piece of legislative jargon. But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear: this bill is about control. It’s about locking our cities into a car-centric past and punishing communities that dare to think differently.
🚦 What’s Actually in the Bill?
Senator Bob Hall’s SB 1993 would make it illegal for Texas cities to redesign streets in ways that reduce space for cars. That means:
- No more converting car lanes into protected bike lanes
- No space for bus-only lanes
- No expanding sidewalks or adding pedestrian refuges
And if your city tries to? It risks losing affordable housing funding from the state.
🚲 Why It Matters
Over the past decade, cities across Texas—Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio—have started to rethink their streets. They’ve built better bike infrastructure. They’ve made it safer to cross the road. They’ve created places where walking, biking, and transit are real options.
These changes aren’t just about transportation. They’re about public safety, health, equity, and economic vitality. SB 1993 threatens to undo all of it.
🌿 What It Means for Communities Like Ours
At A Tale of Two Bridges, we’ve been working on the ground to make neighborhoods safer and more connected. We know firsthand what happens when streets are designed for people:
- Local businesses see more foot traffic
- Seniors and kids feel safer moving around
- Communities become places people want to live, work, and play
SB 1993 throws up barriers to that kind of progress. It says cities can’t choose what works best for their residents—and it uses housing funds as a stick to enforce that control.
🗣️ Here’s What You Can Do
This is the moment to speak up. If you care about your neighborhood, your street, your community—this is your fight.
- Call or email your state lawmakers. Tell them to BLOCK SB 1993.
- Spread the word. Share this post, talk to your neighbors, get the conversation going.
- Stay plugged in. Follow A Tale of Two Bridges and other local advocates. We’re keeping tabs on the bill, and we’ll let you know how to make your voice heard.
We don’t need more congestion, fewer options, and top-down rules. We need streets that work for everyone.
Let’s keep pushing for a future where Texas cities are vibrant, walkable, and full of possibility.
🌳 Stay aware. Stay connected. Let’s build better streets—together.
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