Important Texas Laws for Cyclists and Drivers

October 14, 2025 | Bicycle Accidents

Anyone who takes to the city’s streets is obligated to understand Texas laws for cyclists and drivers. Both share the road, and both have the right to safe passage. When one person makes a mistake, it can be life-threatening to another.

Take a look at some of the most important Texas laws for cyclists and drivers that you should know, and then talk to an Austin bicycle accident lawyer if injured in a crash.

Texas Bike Laws You Must Know

To operate a bike or a car on the roadway safely, you must understand all of Texas’s cyclist and driver laws. Note that some cities have alternatives to these laws. However, generally, these statewide laws are easy to follow and help prevent serious injuries.

Where Cyclists Can Ride

No state law prohibits operating a bike on a sidewalk, although some local communities have such rules. It is essential to note that most bicyclists are expected to ride their bikes with the flow of traffic and obey all traffic laws as a result. Also important is that bike riders do not trump the rights of pedestrians on those sidewalks.

Notably, bikes must follow the rights and obligations assigned to all types of motor vehicles, even if they do not have a motor in them. This applies under Tex. Transp. Code § 551.101. That means bike riders need to understand the rules for operating a motor vehicle in the community they are in and follow the flow of traffic.

If a bicyclist is injured while following these rules due to someone else’s negligence, a bicycle accident lawyer in Austin can provide guidance on seeking compensation.

Helmets and Bike Riders

Bike riders wearing helmets may suffer fewer or less serious risks of injury. The state requires that all children under the age of 17 wear a helmet at all times while riding. Helmets help to minimize injury even in adults, but the law does not require adults to wear them.

Bikes and Braking

All bikes must have a brake system. The brake must be capable of making a braked wheel skid if it occurs on dry, level, and clean pavement.

Bike Signaling

Bike riders must know and abide by all signaling rules. For example, you must know how to communicate to others on the road with you that you want to stop, turn left, or turn right. Knowing these hand signals allows cyclists to communicate their intentions to those around them, which can reduce the risk of serious injuries.

Nighttime Use of Bikes Is Permitted with Restrictions

A person who wants to ride their bike at night can do so, but the bicycle must be equipped with enough protection to make it easy for the rider to be seen. This includes, but is not limited to:

• A headlamp on the front of the bicyclist that emits a white light which is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet in front of the bike.
• A red reflector or red lamp at the back of the bike. If it is a red reflector, it must be visible for at least 300 feet from the rear of the bike. If it is a red lamp, it must be visible at a distance of at least 500 feet from the rear of the bike.

These rules are meant to keep everyone safe. If you believe someone violated these rules and you suffered injuries as a result, seek guidance from your Austin bicycle accident attorney or car accident attorney. Contact Bonilla Law Firm at (512) 441-1111 for more information.