Texas Bicycle Laws

August 11, 2015

Before you hop on your bicycle for a morning or afternoon ride, review the laws for riding in Texas. Riding on Texas roads is much different than off-road riding. Understanding the laws will help you ride confidently in traffic and keep you and other drivers on the road safe.

Some of the laws from the Texas Transportation Code you must obey every time you take your bike out on the street include:

Bicyclists have the same duties and freedoms as motorists (551.101). Bicyclists have to follow the same road rules as all other vehicles on the road. You must stop, yield, and follow traffic patterns in the same way other vehicles do. The only difference between bicycles and motor vehicles is that motor vehicles must always yield to bicycle traffic when necessary.

Keep one hand on the handlebars at all times (551.102c). Two hands provide the most stability, but signaling on a bicycle requires motioning with one hand. Technically, bicyclists taking a break from the handlebars while pedaling can be ticketed for doing so. If you need a break, pull over to the side of the road for a minute to rest.

Use appropriate signaling (545.107). Use the common signaling methods with the left hand extended out to the left for left turns, up at a 90 degree angle from the elbow for right turns and down at a 90 degree angle for stopping or decelerating.

Reflectors/lights at night (551.104b). Every bicycle operating on the road must have a white light on the front and a red reflector or red light on the back.

Riding in lanes of traffic (551.103/551.103c). You may ride alongside another bicyclist in a lane as long as the practice does not interfere with the flow of surrounding traffic. Ride as safely to the curb as possible, but take the lane if needed to maintain safe riding practices.

Riding on sidewalks (545.302). According to state law, bicyclists can ride, stop, or park on a sidewalk as long as the activity does not interfere with pedestrians or other traffic nearby. However, local ordinances may differ from state law. Contact your local law enforcement agency for more information about local bicycling laws.

Obstructing bike lanes. No one can legally place recycling bins, trash bins, or other obstacles in bike lanes. The act is considered a Class B misdemeanor under state law. Obstruct, in this sense, means anything that creates unreasonable or hazardous conditions for passage or makes a bike lane impassible.

Riding on interstate highways (545.065). While the state transportation commission retains the right to prohibit passage under certain circumstances, they currently have no limitations in place for riding on highways.

Riding in a traffic lane when a bike lane is available. Bicyclists in Texas are not required to use the bike lane, provided that they follow all the rules of the road that apply to motorized vehicles. However, bicyclists are required to ride as close to the right of the lane as practical. You should ride in the bike lane if possible and practical.

Wearing a helmet. Texas does not have a statewide helmet law for bicyclists. Certain jurisdictions, including the cities of Houston, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth, do impose helmet laws for persons under a certain age.

Since local laws may vary somewhat from the state laws, remember to ask about any specific statutes and requirements for bicycle riders before getting on the road. Use common sense, and always keep an eye out for hazards like distracted drivers. Defensive driving and awareness may help you avoid a dangerous accident while sharing the roadways with motorists.

The post Texas Bicycle Laws appeared first on GES Injury Attorneys.

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