# 10 Important Bicycle Laws in Texas | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Bicyclists Are Bound By the Same Laws That Govern Vehicular Traffic 2. Travel in the Same Direction as Traffic and Ride to the Right 3. When You Can Ride Two Abreast 4. Nighttime Riders Require Special Equipment 5. Sidewalks and Bike Lanes 6. Hand Signals Are Required 7. One Rider Per Bike 8. Helmets Suggested, But Not Always Required 9. Electric Bikes Are Allowed 10. Hands-on the Handlebars 11. Call a Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers Today ![Houston Texas Lawyer](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/10-Important-Bicycle-Laws-in-Texas-300x177.jpg) It is important for bicyclists to know the[law](https://www.biketexas.org/historic-bicycle-tourism-trails/texas-bicycle-laws/). State laws regarding cyclists vary, so it is important to know the laws where you live and ride. Texas has a number of [laws concerning bicyclists](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/all-the-bicycle-laws-you-need-to-know-in-houston/).  The [Texas Transportation Code](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?link=TN), Chapters [551](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/TN/htm/TN.551.htm) and [545](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm), has a number of sections that pertain to bicycles. Here are 10 of the most important laws to know when riding a [bicycle in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/texas/bicycle-accident-lawyer/). ## Bicyclists Are Bound By the Same Laws That Govern Vehicular Traffic Bicycles are considered to be vehicles under the law and as such, bicyclists are bound by the same laws that govern vehicular traffic. That means that a cyclist must stop at all stop signs and [stop lights](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/red-and-yellow-light/). Failure to do so can mean a traffic ticket. “Idaho” stops, where a cyclist [treats a stop sign as a yield sign](https://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/is-it-safer-for-bicyclists-to-yield-rather-than-stop-at-intersections/), are not allowed in Texas. (Tex. Transp. Code Ann. §551.101) For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Travel in the Same Direction as Traffic and Ride to the Right Since a bike is a vehicle, it must travel in the same direction as the traffic in that lane. A cyclist is required to ride to the right, near the curb. There are exceptions to this general rule. A cyclist may ride in the vehicular lane needed for safety.  Additionally, a cyclist may ride in the lane when the cyclist is passing another vehicle as long as the vehicle is moving in the same direction. This must be done from the left and in a safe manner. (Tex. Transp. Code Ann. §545.053) A cyclist may also move into the lane to turn in preparation to make a [left-hand turn](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/left-turn/).   Sometimes a rider must move into the lane to avoid obstacles such as parked or moving objects, [pedestrians](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/pedestrian-accident-lawyer/), debris, and the like. This is permissible under Texas law. A cyclist is also allowed to ride in the lane when the lane is narrow and there is insufficient room for a vehicle and bike to travel safely side by side on the roadway. ## When You Can Ride Two Abreast This is allowed as long as it is safe to do so and does not impede vehicular traffic. Cyclists may not ride more than two abreast unless the road is designated exclusively for  bicycle use. ([Tex. Transp. Code Ann. §551.103c](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.551.htm)) [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Nighttime Riders Require Special Equipment It is prohibited to ride a bicycle at night unless the bicycle is equipped with both a headlamp and either a red reflector or red lamp.  The lamp’s light must be visible for at least 500 feet in front of the bike. If the bike has a rear red reflector, that reflector must be visible for 300 feet behind the bike.  If a red lamp is used instead, it must be visible for at least 500 feet behind the bike. (Tex. Transp. Code Ann. §551.104b) Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Sidewalks and Bike Lanes Texas has no laws either requiring or prohibiting a cyclist from [riding in either a bike lane or the sidewalk](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/should-you-ride-your-bike-on-the-sidewalk/). The only law that Texas has regarding where to ride the law that requires a cyclist to ride to the right of vehicular traffic, traveling in the same direction as that traffic. Local city laws may prohibit riding on a sidewalk. This is especially true in high pedestrian areas. ## Hand Signals Are Required [Texas](https://www.texas.gov) law requires a bicyclist to use standard hand signals for stops, left turns, and right turns. These signals are as follows: To stop: The left arm and hand points downward, To turn left: Point the left arm and hand out to the left horizontally, To turn right: Either point the left arm and hand upward or point the right arm and hand out to the right horizontally. (Tex. Transp. Code Ann. §545.107) ## One Rider Per Bike Texas law prohibits having more than one rider per saddle seat. That means that riders may not share their bike with another rider riding on the handlebars or on any other part of the bike. (Tex. Transp. Code Ann. §551.102a) ## Helmets Suggested, But Not Always Required Helmets, while always a good idea, are not required by law in Texas. However, municipalities may require helmets even if state law does not. So, one should check local laws on this issue. ## Electric Bikes Are Allowed Electric bikes are allowed on the roadway and must adhere to the other rules that pertain to cyclists. However, any electric bike may not travel more than 20 mph by virtue of the motor alone or weigh more than 100 lbs. (Tex. Transp. Code Ann. §541.201) ## Hands-on the Handlebars Texas[law](https://www.bikedfw.org/texas-bicycle-law.html) requires that a cyclist have at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. That means that a cyclist may not carry anything in their hands while riding that interferes with their ability to do so. (Tex. Transp. Code Ann. §551.102c) ## Call a Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers Today This list is not exhaustive, but it does cover the basics. Should you have more questions, or have concerns regarding a [bicycle accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/bicycle-accident-lawyer/), make sure to bring your questions or concerns to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Texas. Bicycle laws change over time. Make sure to stay current on the [laws](https://transport.tamu.edu/Alternative/bicycles/statelaw.aspx) and on your responsibilities as a rider. For more information, [contact](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/contact-us/) the [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/) bicycle law firm of [Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/) by calling [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000).  Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Bicycle Accidents Blog Posts: [![Suffering a Ruptured Spleen in a Bike Accident Is Serious](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Suffering-a-Ruptured-Spleen-in-a-Bike-Accident-Is-Serious-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/suffering-a-ruptured-spleen-in-a-bike-accident-is-serious/) [Suffering a Ruptured Spleen in a Bike Accident Is Serious](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/suffering-a-ruptured-spleen-in-a-bike-accident-is-serious/) Many individuals use bicycles as a form of transportation or for recreation or exercise. Unfortunately, there are [![The Most Common Bike Accident Injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Most-Common-Bike-Accident-Injuries-300x202.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-most-common-bike-accident-injuries/) [The Most Common Bike Accident Injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-most-common-bike-accident-injuries/) When you head out to the park or opt to cycle for your morning commute, the last thing you expect is for a reckless [![Houston Texas Lawyer](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Bike-wheels-close-up-image-on-asphalt-sunset-road-648774090_1335x789-1-300x177.jpeg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/all-the-bicycle-laws-you-need-to-know-in-houston/) [All the Bicycle Laws You Need to Know in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/all-the-bicycle-laws-you-need-to-know-in-houston/) In 2016, Houston recorded seven pedal cyclist fatalities. The state of Texas had the third-highest number of pedal [![Houston Takes Steps Toward Improving Dangerous Bike Intersections](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-takes-steps-toward-improving-dangerous-bike-intersections/) [Houston Takes Steps Toward Improving Dangerous Bike Intersections](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/houston-takes-steps-toward-improving-dangerous-bike-intersections/) While bicycling offers many benefits, it’s not without risks. In car accidents, a bicyclist has much less protection --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-important-bicycle-laws-in-texas/