Texas lawmakers are pushing a measure that would bar cities from narrowing roadways to create wider sidewalks or protected lanes for bicyclists and buses .
The bill, authored by Houston state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, is meant to stop counties and cities from implementing “vehicle bans, street closures, or congestion pricing,” according to his statement of intent .
Critics warn the bill could grind to a halt projects across the state that local leaders say are needed to reduce traffic congestion and promote safety as pedestrian deaths have skyrocketed in recent years…