Like other states, Texas allows bicyclists to use the public roadways as long as they follow all the rules required for drivers, such as stopping at stop signs or red lights, signaling turns and using the correct lanes. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) gives specific information in its FAQ page for bicyclists. Here are a few highlights:
- As a rule, bicyclists must follow all the same “rules of the road” as motorists. Exceptions apply when the Texas Transportation Code specifically states that a rule applies differently to bicyclists.
- Bicyclists should ride as close as possible to the right side of the roadway.
- While bicyclists may share the road with cars, they may not try to carry more people than the bicycle has seats to accommodate, carry any object that prevents the bicyclist from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars, or attach the bicycle to a motorized vehicle – for instance, in order to have the vehicle pull the bicycle.
- Bicyclists must use hand signals to tell drivers when and where they plan to turn. Experienced Dallas bicycle accident lawyers strongly recommend that both bicyclists and motorists learn these hand signals and use them whenever turn signals are not available or do not work.
- Bicycles must be equipped with brakes. If a bicyclist plans to ride at night, the bicycle should also have a headlamp and a rear red light or red reflector.
- While state law does not prevent bicyclists from riding on sidewalks, some cities and other localities do. Bicyclists should learn the local rules before heading into a new city or locality.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Dallas, contact Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP today for immediate legal assistance.