Bicycle safety is a serious concern. Unfortunately, our roads are not nearly as safe as they should be for riders. According to data from the National Safety Council (NSC), there were 337,738 reported bicycle accident injuries in the United States in 2022 alone. At The Stano Law Firm, we are strong advocates for bicycle safety. It is crucial that all cyclists in our area know their rights and responsibilities. In this article, our Houston bicycle accident attorney provides an overview of the laws that all cyclists should know.
An Overview of the Bicycle Laws that You Need to Know About in Houston, TX
As a bicyclist in Houston, you have both legal rights and legal responsibilities. All riders—whether new or very experienced—should be familiar with the law. Here are some of the most important state and local regulations that bicyclists in Houston need to know:
- The Right to the Road (Texas Law): As a starting point, it is important to emphasize that bicycles are legally defined as vehicles in Texas. It is a designation that grants cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers. Among other things, this means that cyclists are allowed to ride on almost all roadways. They can control a lane. All motorists should respect your right as a cyclist to control a lane and ride on the road.
- Use of Bike Lanes When Free and Available (Texas Law): There are some bike lanes in Texas—and more miles of bike lanes are being constructed every year. Where bike lanes are available, Texas law strongly encourages their use. With that being said, cyclists may choose to ride in traffic lanes if the bike lanes are obstructed or unsafe due to parked cars.
- Vehicle Passing Regulations (Texas Law): Motorists have a duty to watch out for the health, safety, and well-being of cyclists. They must pass safely. Vehicles passing a bicycle must do so at a safe distance. Texas law specifies this as no less than three feet of clearance between a car and a bicycle. For commercial vehicles, the required distance is six feet. If a driver does not give you sufficient space, they may be legally liable for a resulting accident.
- Lights and Reflectors at Night (Texas Law): In Texas, all cyclists who ride at night are required to ensure that their bicycle has proper lights and proper reflectors. Bicycles used at night must be equipped with a white light visible from at least 500 feet in the front and a red reflector or light visible from 300 feet at the back.
- Use of Hand Signals By Cyclists (Texas Law): Cyclists must use hand signals to indicate turns and stops to other road users. For example, the proper signal for a left turn is an extended left arm; a right turn can be indicated by an extended right arm or by extending the left arm out and up at an angle.
- Intoxicated Cycling is Prohibited (Texas Law): Just like the drivers of motor vehicles, cyclists are subject to laws regarding driving under the influence. It is illegal to ride a bicycle on public roads while intoxicated. Indeed, you can be arrested for a DUI on a bicycle in Texas. It is a serious criminal offense.
- Helmet Requirement for Minors (Houston Law): Texas law does not require riders to wear a bike helmet. However, the City of Houston has a local ordinance that requires bike helmets for minors. All riders under the age of 18 must wear a bike helmet at all times. To be clear, all cyclists should wear a helmet. They prevent brain injuries and can save lives.
- A Ban on Sidewalk Riding in the Business District (Houston Law): The City of Houston generally prohibits riding bicycles on sidewalks in business districts. The regulation exists to help protect pedestrians. Outside of the business districts, riding on sidewalks may or may not be permissible. Cyclists should follow the traffic signs.
Injured Cyclists Have the Right to Seek Compensation for their Damages
Hurt in a bicycle accident in Houston or elsewhere in Southeast Texas? You have the right to seek compensatory damages for the full value of your losses. Unfortunately, insurance companies can make it challenging for injured cyclists to get the full and fair compensation that they deserve. Our Houston, TX bicycle accident lawyers are committed to helping injured riders secure the maximum settlement or verdict. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Property damage, such as bicycle repairs;
- Ambulance costs and other emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other health care costs;
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative support;
- Loss of wages and loss of future earnings;
- Pain and suffering & mental anguish;
- Long-term disability and physical impairment; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Why Trust Our Houston Cyclist Injury Lawyer
Bicycle accident claims are complicated. As an injured cyclist, it is imperative that you are able to get justice and financial compensation. Do not rely on an insurance company to look out for your best interests after an accident. At The Stano Law Firm, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims and their families. Our team is proactive and we are results-focused. Along with other things, our Houston bicycle accident lawyer is prepared to:
- Hear what you have to say and answer your personal injury questions;
- Investigate your accident—gathering documents, records, and other evidence;
- Handle the personal injury paperwork and represent you in settlement talks; and
- Develop a personalized strategy focused on getting you the best possible outcome.
Contact Our Texas Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
At The Stano Law Firm, our Texas bicycle accident lawyer is a skilled and experienced advocate for injured victims. Injured cyclists need compensation to pay their bills and support their family. If you or your loved one was hurt in a bicycle accident, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, fully confidential initial consultation. From our office in Houston, we handle bicycle accident injury claims throughout all of Southeast Texas.