Texas Bicycle Laws

In Texas, bicycles are treated the same way as motorized vehicles. This means bicyclists are subject to many of the same traffic laws and roadway rules as motor vehicle drivers. For example, cyclists are required to stop at stop signs and traffic lights, yield when required, and take reasonable care to avoid acts that may cause injury.

The Texas Transportation Code mandates the following for all bicycle use throughout the entire state of Texas:

1. Bicyclists must ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway and move in the same direction as traffic unless certain circumstances like passing, turning, or some other condition prevents it
2. Bicyclists must use arm signals when turning
3. A person operating a bicycle may not use it to carry an object that prevents the person from operating the bike with at least one hand on the handlebars
4. A bicycle must be equipped with brakes capable of making a braked wheel skid on dry, level clean pavement
5. Bicyclists may not ride at night unless the bike has a white light on the front and a red reflector or red light on the rear

Bicycle accidents can be caused by several factors, including potholes, defective bicycle parts, and poor weather. However, most bicycle accidents are caused by some form of negligence, either on behalf of the bicyclist or another driver.

The most common examples of biker or driver negligence include:

1. Pulling out of an intersection in front of a vehicle on a bicycle
2. Driving distracted
3. Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol
4. Running a red light or ignoring a stop sign
5. Failing to yield at an intersection
6. Passing on the right
7. Riding in a vehicle’s blind spot or failing to check blind sports when changing lanes

Following laws applicable to a bicyclist in Texas can reduce your risks of getting into a serious accident. Because of the lack of protection surrounding bicyclists, bicycle accidents tend to be more severe than car accidents and often yield serious injuries to more than one area of the body.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a bicycle accident, contact an experienced attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or 1800-8709584 for your free consultation. The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner is the longest-standing personal injury firm in Texas, and our attorneys are standing by to assist with your claim.