Austin: What rights or responsibilities do cyclists have when sharing the road?

In Austin, a vibrant and constantly growing city, it is increasingly common to see cyclists riding the streets, so it is important to know what rights and responsibilities cyclists have when sharing the road, since both they and drivers must follow certain rules to ensure everyone’s safety.

However, sharing the road with other vehicles presents challenges to ensuring their safety, especially when not all drivers are familiar with traffic rules that protect cyclists.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 2,349 traffic accidents involving cyclists were recorded across the state in 2022, resulting in 92 deaths and 333 serious injuries. This worrying statistic has prompted both government and society to increase awareness about cyclist safety.

In this article, the team at Attorney Dang – Accident Lawyer tells you in detail the rights and responsibilities that cyclists have when sharing the road in Austin and how these aspects influence road safety.

Rights and responsibilities of cyclists on the road

Cyclists in Austin, and across Texas in general, have the right to ride on the same roads as cars.

Under state laws, bicycles are considered vehicles, which gives cyclists many of the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of cars. This means they must follow traffic rules for cyclists on the road, such as stopping at red lights, yielding when required, and following traffic signs.

The main points of the transport code regarding bicycles indicate:

• Rights and responsibilities: Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of vehicles.
• Seats and passengers: There may only be one cyclist per seat and no more people may be transported than the bicycle can support.
• Position on the road: Cyclists must ride close to the right edge, with exceptions (left turns, obstacles, etc.).
• Safety equipment: They must have effective brakes and lights at night.
• Competitions: Races must be approved by local authorities.

Safety rules for cyclists

According to the Texas Transportation Code, just as bicyclists have rights, there are a number of basic safety rules they must follow. Some of the main rules include:

• They must circulate near the right edge and in the same direction as traffic.
• It is mandatory to use at least one hand on the handlebar.
• Cyclists must use hand signals to communicate their intentions.
• They must have front and rear lights if they drive at night.
• Bicycles must have adequate brakes.
• Be respected by drivers of motor vehicles, who must maintain a safe distance when passing them.

Other rules for cyclists when sharing the public road

In addition to the basic rules, there are other rules for cyclists when sharing the road that must be strictly followed. These rules are intended not only to protect cyclists, but also drivers and pedestrians.

Below we present some of the most important ones:

1. Use of safety equipment: In Texas, although it is not mandatory for adults to wear a helmet, it is recommended to avoid serious injuries in the event of an accident. Children under 18 years of age must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
2. Lights and Reflectors: If you ride your bike at night or in low visibility conditions, you must equip your bike with a white front light visible at least 500 feet away and a red rear reflector visible at 300 feet away.
3. Signaling turns: Cyclists should use hand signals to tell other vehicles when they are going to turn or stop. This helps drivers anticipate your moves and prevents accidents.
4. Riding in the same direction as traffic: Cyclists are required to ride in the same direction as traffic, not against it.

These cycling safety rules help prevent accidents and are also critical to ensuring that cyclists are visible and predictable on the road.

If you cycle with children, it is crucial that you teach them how to ride safely, especially in areas with traffic. Children should practice under supervision until they are able to correctly assess dangerous situations.

Accident lawyer who protects the rights of victims

If you have suffered injuries, call Attorney Dang to give the insurance companies a Bang!

Free consultation

Please remember that failure to follow these rules could result in you being held liable for an accident, which could affect any compensation claim.

How cyclists should share the road with other vehicles

One of the most frequently asked questions is how cyclists should share the road with other vehicles. The key here is cooperation and mutual respect.

Cyclists must be aware of their responsibility to behave safely and respectfully on the road. Here are some tips to help them achieve this:

• Maintain a visible position: Cyclists should avoid the blind spots of cars, especially large vehicles such as trucks or buses. By maintaining a visible position, drivers are more likely to see you and respect your space.
• Avoid weaving: It is important for cyclists to maintain a straight line and not weave between parked cars or lanes. This can disorient drivers and increases the risk of collisions.
• Yield when required: Although cyclists have the right of way to use the road, they must also yield in certain situations, such as when a car is turning or when the law requires it.

What to do if you are a cyclist and have an accident?

Despite following all rules and recommendations, bicycle accidents can happen. It is essential for cyclists to know their rights and responsibilities in the event of an accident. If you have been the victim of an accident in Austin, you have the right to file a personal injury claim.

However, it is also important to fulfill your responsibilities, such as stopping at the scene of the accident and providing information to the authorities.

1. Call the Police: Call 911 if there are injuries or significant damage and remain on the scene until authorities arrive. This document will be essential if you decide to file a claim for your injuries.
2. Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel pain immediately after the accident, it’s critical to get evaluated by a doctor. Some injuries, such as concussions, can show up hours or days later.
3. Collect evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, damage to your bike, and any injuries you may have sustained. Also, get contact information for any witnesses.
4. Talk to a lawyer: In cases of serious accidents, it is essential to have the advice of a personal injury lawyer . A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and work to get you the compensation you deserve.

Protect your rights as a cyclist with Attorney Dang – Accident Lawyer

Following bicycle safety rules is essential to prevent accidents and protect your rights as a cyclist.

Using appropriate safety equipment and respecting traffic signs are key aspects to avoid serious accidents.

At Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to the safety of all road users, including bicyclists. By following the recommendations presented in this article, bicyclists can enjoy a safer and more conscious ride on the streets of Austin.

Knowing what rights or responsibilities cyclists have when sharing the road is very important. At Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyers we are experts in defending accident victims. We work to obtain the compensation and justice they deserve, regardless of their immigration status. Contact us now for a free consultation.

If you found this article interesting, you can also read:

• Quick Guide to Documenting an Accident in Austin
• Who is at fault in a side-impact collision in Austin?

Information verified by lawyer Loc Dang

Loc Dang is a founder and member of our legal team. In this blog, Attorney Dang shares his expertise to guide accident victims.