Traffic Laws for Bicyclists in Houston

Cycling is a popular means of transportation for many reasons, including health benefits, gas savings, flat terrain, and extensive trail networks. Unfortunately, crashes involving bikes and vehicles are common and can often be severe.

Understanding traffic laws for bicyclists in Houston is the most effective way to keep yourself safe while out riding in the city. Our experienced bike crash lawyers can provide legal advice and answer any questions you may have after an accident.

What Are the Rules of the Road for Cyclists?

Under Texas Transportation Code § Chapter 551, cyclists have the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators on public roadways, with some specific exceptions and rules. Key traffic rules all Houston bike riders should be aware of and comply with include:

• Adhering to the traffic light system and following road signs
• Yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks
• Traveling with the flow of traffic and never against it
• Riding near the right curb or edge of the road when moving slower than traffic
• Riding in the middle or to the left of the lane when preparing to pass vehicles and making left-hand turns
• Avoiding unsafe conditions, such as debris in the roadway
• Riding no more than two side-by-side and returning to a single lane to avoid impeding traffic
• Using standard hand signals for turns and stops, keeping one hand on the handlebars at all times

Cyclists must also avoid carrying objects that interfere with safe riding and signaling or carrying passengers beyond the bicycle’s design capacity.

Bicycle Equipment

Bicycles must operate safely, including the ability to brake and skid on dry pavement. Anyone riding at night must have a white headlight visible for at least 500 feet, as well as a red taillight visible for at least 300 feet.

City-Specific Ordinances for Bicyclists

Houston also applies its local traffic laws to cyclists, including prohibitions on using sidewalks in business districts. Outside of business districts, they may ride on sidewalks but must yield to pedestrians and use a bell or their voice to signal before passing. Riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet at all times. There are also prohibited roads that ban bicycle riders from entering limited-access or controlled-access highways, except on designated service roads.

Dedicated bike lanes are exclusively for cyclists, and the law prevents motorists from parking in them. A seasoned attorney from our practice can answer all your questions and help you pursue a settlement after an accident caused by a negligent motorist.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

While complying with Houston road safety laws can help keep bicyclists safe, there is no way to control or prevent accidents caused by careless motorists. Causes of crashes commonly include driver errors and infrastructure problems.

A substantial number of collisions occur at intersections, including right-hook and left-hook wrecks, in which motorists turn in front of oncoming bicycles. Failure to give cyclists the right of way and driver distractions are also typical causes of crashes. Our diligent lawyers can guide you through the legal process to pursue the compensation available in your case.

Call Our Houston Attorneys About Cyclist Road Safety Laws

Knowing and adhering to the rules of the road is crucial for cyclists navigating busy streets with vehicles, pedestrians, and other riders. When someone else’s negligence causes you harm, you have every right to pursue compensation for your damages and losses.

Our knowledgeable attorneys can answer all your questions about traffic laws for bicyclists in Houston and provide you with guidance in the aftermath of a collision. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find out more.