# All the Bicycle Laws You Need to Know in Houston | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Obeying Roadway Rules and Traffic Signals 2. Bicyclist Rights in Houston 3. Riding on Sidewalks 4. Helmet and Equipment Laws 5. Contact the Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![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) In 2016, [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/) recorded seven pedal cyclist fatalities. The state of [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/) had the third-highest number of pedal cyclist fatalities in the country the same year, with 65 deaths. As a Houston bicyclist, it is important to know your rights and all applicable bicycle laws in your municipality. Otherwise, you could end up in a serious bicycle accident – one you become liable for because you were breaking a roadway rule. Were you recently hit or injured while riding your bike? If so, speak to a [Houston bike accident lawyer](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/bicycle-accident-lawyer/) to find out if you have a case. ## Obeying Roadway Rules and Traffic Signals Bicycles are equivalent to vehicles in the state of Texas. This means bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws, roadway rules, and signals as motor vehicle drivers. It is illegal to pass through a stop sign without stopping on a bicycle, for example, or to ignore pedestrian right-of-way at intersections. Operating a bicycle comes with the same responsibilities as other vehicles. Parents may not knowingly allow their children to violate the rules while biking. As a bicyclist, however, you also have the same rights as other types of roadway users. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Bicyclist Rights in Houston Vehicles must [yield the right-of-way](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-does-yielding-the-right-of-way-mean/) to bicyclists as they would other vehicles. At a four-way intersection, for example, a vehicle must yield the right-of-way to a bicycle that arrived first. If the vehicle arrived first, however, the bicyclist must yield the right-of-way. Bikers have a right to ride in the roadway in most situations in Houston unless a bicycle path is available. Vehicle drivers must keep at least three feet of distance between them and a bicyclist at all times. Bicyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic on the road, and should keep as far to the right side of the road as possible. The only time it is permissible for a bicyclist to leave the right side of the road is when passing a vehicle, turning left, or avoiding an obstacle in the road. Bicyclists may ride two abreast of one another in the roadway, but must stay within one lane and cannot impede traffic.** ** ## Riding on Sidewalks It is against the law to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk within a business district, according to [Sec. 45-302](https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH45TR_ARTXIIBI) of the Houston Code of Ordinances. This means bicyclists in downtown Houston must stay on the roads, except where bicycle paths are available. Where bicyclists can ride on sidewalks in Texas, they must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. They must also give an audible signal, such as a honk or ringing of a bell when overtaking and passing pedestrians on sidewalks. Traffic engineers have the right to put signs in business districts prohibiting bicyclists from riding on sidewalks. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Helmet and Equipment Laws Texas does not have a universal bicycle helmet law requiring helmet use for adults. In Houston, however, children under the age of 18 must wear approved bicycle helmets at all times, as riders or passengers. Helmets must meet the standards under federal organizations such as Snell or the [Department of Transportation](https://www.transportation.gov/) (DOT). They must also fit correctly on the child’s head. It is against the law for a parent to knowingly allow a child under the age of 14 to ride a bicycle without a helmet. Children do not have to wear helmets if riding on private land or roadways. All bicyclists must ensure their vehicles possess a front white light visible from at least 500 feet in front of the bicycle, as well as a red rear reflector that is visible from 50 to 300 feet to the rear of the bicycle (or a red light visible from 500 feet). All bicycles must have brakes capable of stopping the bicycle on clean, level, and dry pavement. Riding a bicycle without the proper safety equipment is against the law. If you get into a bicycle accident in Houston, speak to a personal injury lawyer about your right to file a claim against the at-fault driver. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact the Houston Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help 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) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / Linkedin Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Bicycle Accidents Blog Posts: [![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 [![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 [![Houston Texas Lawyer](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/10-Important-Bicycle-Laws-in-Texas-300x177.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-important-bicycle-laws-in-texas/) [10 Important Bicycle Laws in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-important-bicycle-laws-in-texas/) It is important for bicyclists to know the law. State laws regarding cyclists vary, so it is important to know the [![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/all-the-bicycle-laws-you-need-to-know-in-houston/