Court Approves “The Adrian Combs Memorial Highway”

By Gloria Way

  Too often it takes a tragedy to create public awareness of a much-needed change in policy for road safety for all users of our roads and highways. Sadly, Adrian Combs, an avid cyclist and triathlete, son of former commissioner Billy Combs and his wife, Patricia, was needlessly killed in July while cycling on FM 1405. Combs was run over by a truck driver who was driving with a suspended license and had numerous traffic citations. There are no road shoulders or cycle lanes on this stretch of FM 1405 but according to Texas law, “if you are driving,  you stop and yield for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users”. Combs had Texas law on his side as he cycled on FM 1405. Tragically, it didn’t matter.

  Chambers County Commissioners Court passed a resolution last Tuesday to memorialize Adrian Combs and to resolve that the “safety of all road users,, including cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists is a priority for the County, and the memory of Adrian Combs serves as a reminder of adhering to traffic laws, driving responsibly, and respecting all individuals who share our roadways… The designation is intended to celebrate Adrian’s life and bring public awareness to the presence of cyclists traveling our road and foster a culture of mutual respect among all road users.”

  Commissioners Court designated the portion of FM 1405, from State Highway 99 south to the intersection of FM 2354, as “The Adrian Combs Memorial Highway”. Appropriate signage will be installed along this stretch of highway to reflect this designation.