Are Bicycles Allowed to Ride on the Street?

02 Dec Are Bicycles Allowed to Ride on the Street?

As someone who deals with car-vs-bicycle accidents on a regular basis, I’ve often heard people complaining about how bicycles do not belong on the streets. “Why don’t they ride on the sidewalks?” Are bicycles even legally allowed on the road?

Although many people are unaware, yes, bicycles are allowed to ride in the streets – and oftentimes, the law says they HAVE to ride on the street. In Texas, there is no statewide law against riding bicycles on sidewalks, but many cities do have ordinances against cycling on sidewalks. Dallas, for instance, allows bicyclists on both the street and the sidewalk.

Of course just like everyone else, there are certain rules that street cyclists must follow.  Bicycles must stay close to the right curb when on a wide road, and must take an entire lane on a smaller road.  Bicycle traffic must move WITH traffic (as opposed to against it), and a cyclist shall also be subject to provisions of all laws and ordinances applicable to the driver of any other vehicle.

Basically your biking rules depend on where you are geography located, but generally, bicycles are treated the same as cars.  And if you are riding a bicycle while intoxicated, you can still be arrested for DWI. If you need a bail bonds service, you can get premium bail bond services from a reputable bail bonds firm. Avoiding such scenarios is the best option.

Although bicyclist nationally have to follow the same basic rules as any road vehicle (stopping at red lights, signaling before you turn), bicycling rules on sidewalks are set locally, but generally involve yielding right of way to pedestrians, as well as giving an audible signal before passing a pedestrian.  Check your local jurisdictions to find out what biking rules apply to you.

If you know someone who has been injured in an auto-bicycle accident, be sure they know the law. Victims should NOT let the insurance company bully them into taking a penny less than they deserve. To speak with us about your particular situation, call us for free at 1-877-659-1620.