Whether you use your bicycle as your primary mode of transportation or enjoy riding as a hobby, understanding the traffic laws for a person operating a bicycle is important. If you are in a bicycle accident, your adherence to the law can help you to seek compensation without sharing partial blame.
Texas bicycle laws keep you safe while riding your bicycle. All persons operating bicycles must abide by the rules just as anyone driving a motor vehicle. Tijerina Legal Group is a personal injury law firm that is committed to providing legal support for bicyclists. In this article, we discuss Texas bicycle laws, any exceptions to the rules for a person operating a bicycle, and ways to avoid a bike accident.
Texas Bicycle Roadway Laws
Texas bicycle laws are a part of the Texas transportation code. The Texas transportation code states that a bicycle is any device with two tandem wheels with at least one of those wheels being more than 14 inches in diameter and propelled by human power.
A person operating a bicycle must conduct themselves accordingly and follow the same rules that apply to any other motor vehicle on the road. While bicycle riding can be a great activity and a way to get around without a car, it is vital that you fully understand the laws involved to protect your safety and your legal rights.
Rules for Bicyclists on the Road are the Same for Drivers of a Motor Vehicle
Bicycle laws cover general and more specified territory. In general, requirements for bicyclists state that you must ride astride and use a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle. Parents with children on bicycles are responsible for ensuring a permanent and regular seat is utilized.
General rules require bicyclists not to carry passengers unless the bike is designed for transporting more than one person. Anyone on roller skates, a sled, a toy vehicle, or any item should not be attached to the rear of the bicycle. No toy vehicle – either with an electric motor or non-motorized vehicle-propelled item – should be attached to any motor vehicle on the roadway.
Additionally, here are a few more rules that apply in terms of road and bicycle laws:
Keep Up with Normal and Reasonable Flow
A person operating a bicycle needs to travel in the same direction as traffic to ride safely.
Stay to the Right Curb or Edge
Along with traveling in the same direction as traffic, bicyclists must stay close to the right curb or edge whenever possible.
Safety Equipment Considerations
Your bicycle must have a brake capable of allowing for a braked wheel skid on dry and clean pavement to be considered properly equipped. In addition to a brake capable of performing a braked wheel skid, all bicyclists must have a front lamp that emits white light at least 500 feet in front and a red reflector on the rear that is visible by all motor vehicle headlamps when riding at night.
Helmets are not mandated by the state but they may be required in certain Texas cities. Even if your city doesn’t require wearing a bicycle helmet, it is strongly encouraged to protect you from serious injuries in a bicycle accident.
Follow Traffic Laws and Rules Set by Local Law Enforcement Agencies
Every person operating a bicycle is required to follow the same rules of the road as motorists, including yielding the right of way. Texas allows bicyclists to ride on sidewalks, though city laws may forbid it, especially in areas where there are many pedestrians. It is always a good idea to check the requirements and safety regulations governing your city to avoid violating any laws.
Bicycle Road Safety Exceptions for a Person Operating a Bicycle
Safely riding your bicycle means staying on the right edge of the roadway. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule:
No Designated Bicycle Lane Adjacent
If you are in an outside lane that is less than 14 feet and doesn’t have a designated bicycle lane adjacent to that lane or there is no way to safely travel side by side with other traffic.
Passing Another Vehicle
You can break the rule if you are passing a vehicle moving in the same direction.
Left Turn Scenarios
If you are making a left turn at an intersection or into a private driveway or road, you do not have to stay on the right side of the road.
Obstructions and Other Concerns
Any condition on the road that prevents you from safely riding next to the right curb or edge of the road means that you can deviate from the right of the roadway. Additionally, if you are riding a bicycle on a one-way road with two or more marked traffic lanes,you may ride as near as possible to the left curb or edge of the road.
Tips for Staying Safe for Any Person Operating a Bicycle
Whether it is or isn’t possible to stay at the edge of the roadway while riding your bicycle, following the right tips can keep you safe. Here are some top tips to travel safely on Texas roads while riding your bike.
Wear the Right Gear
Helmets might not be required but they can protect you from sustaining head trauma. You could lose your balance when approaching a stop sign and fall off your bicycle. Protect your head and make sure that you are visible from a distance, especially at night. Turn on your bicycle light at night so that drivers can notice you in the dark.
Reflective clothing and bright colors can also make you visible from a distance. Dress appropriately to protect yourself.
Know Your Hand Signals
Bicycles don’t have turn signals to alert others of when the rider is turning. Knowing hand signals can prevent catastrophe. Signal a left turn by fully extending your left hand and arm out to your side about 100 feet prior to turning.
For a right turn, extend your right hand and arm horizontally. It’s the same hand and arm signal for a left hand turn on the opposite side. It’s also vital to signal a stop, which can be done by extending the left hand and arm out with your arm bent downward at a 90-degree angle.
Follow the Law
All persons riding a bicycle have a duty to operate these modes of transport in a reasonable, safe, and prudent way. When you take the right precautions to be safe while on your bicycle, such as making sure to ride as near to the curb as possible, you will be more likely to avoid accidents.
What to Do If You’re in a Bike Accident in Texas
While you might do your part to be aware of traffic as you ride and use hand signals to communicate with a driver operating a car, it may not be enough. You could wind up in a serious accident with painful injuries. Knowing what to do can help protect your legal rights in this scenario.
Call the Police
Calling the police will get law enforcement on the accident scene. Officers will assess the situation and may issue citations if they find that the driver of the vehicle violated one of the traffic laws.
Get Medical Care
Even when you are wearing safety gear, it is possible to sustain severe injuries. The adrenaline from the accident may mask your symptoms and without any visible wounds, you may falsely assume you’re fine. Always get prompt medical treatment if you get hit while on your bike and make sure you attend all follow up appointments.
Capture Evidence
All persons riding a bike must try to get evidence when involved in an accident. Photos and videos should show the damage to your bicycle, your injuries, the surroundings, weather, and any unsafe conditions. You should also get the contact information for any witnesses that saw what happened as they can be instrumental in showing that the driver operating the motor vehicle was negligent.
Discuss What Happened with a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Ultimately, even if you perform all the arm signals, follow all the discussed rules, and ride as near to the curb as possible, you may still be blamed for a bicycle wreck. Since you are bound to these rules as much as drivers are bound to rules regarding traffic, it could mean you are assigned partial blame.
Modified comparative negligence in Texas allows you to seek damages for your injuries and financial losses if you are less than 51% at fault. Unfortunately, insurers know this and may either offer you a settlement that is too low to cover your medical bills and lost wages or deny your claim entirely.
The only way to prevent being taken advantage of in these situations is to work with a personal injury lawyer. Tijerina Legal Group knows the rules that apply to cyclists and can help you fight for what is fair.
Most motorists fail to pay attention to those riding bicycles, causing serious accidents. Even if you were wearing neon yellow and your bike had all the proper lighting, you may still face blame. The insurers will have lawyers on their side and you should too, so you can have an advocate that can stand up for you in the face of injustice.
While you heal and recover, an attorney will investigate your bike crash and gather evidence that you may not have been able to get while being rushed to the hospital. They will negotiate on your behalf and prepare for a trial. You don’t have to get a lawyer for a personal injury case but it is strongly recommended as you’ll have someone focused on your best interests.
