Tips for Safely Navigating Texas Roads on a Bike
It’s spring…time to get the bike out and enjoy some time on the open road. Whether it’s a Harley or a Cannondale, there are steps you can take to ensure a safe 2024 riding season.
Staying Safe on a Motorcycle in Texas in 2024
Let’s look at ways that you can limit the risk of injury on a motorcycle in Texas this year:
- Keep your bike in top condition—Never ignore basic maintenance. Always check your
tires and brakes before you hit the road. A few minutes beforehand can prevent problems
on the road. - Wear appropriate clothing—That starts with an approved helmet. No, Texas does not require that you wear one (unless you’re under 21), but studies show that a good helmet can make the difference between a minor scrape and a serious head injury. Gloves, boots, a durable jacket and protective pants can minimize bruising or road rash if you have to lay the bike down for any reason.
- Drive defensively—There have been countless public service campaigns to try to get other motorists to watch for motorcycles on the roads. They haven’t changed the outcome that much. Most motorists will still claim that they “never saw the bike.” That means it’s up to you. Keep your eyes on the road at all times—never on a phone or handheld device. Give yourself more room between other vehicles and always make eye contact at an intersection. Be particularly cautious when making left hand turns.
- Never drink and drive—About one in every three fatal motor vehicle accidents involves alcohol consumption. Don’t become a statistic.
- Take a driving course, if necessary—If you’re not a very experienced rider, be willing to improve your skills.
Strategies for Staying Safe on a Bicycle in Texas in 2024
Here are steps that you can take to minimize the risk of injury while riding a bicycle any where in Texas:
- Before your ride
- Do a routine pre-ride maintenance check. Are your tires properly inflated? Are your brakes in good working order?
- Dress appropriately—Wear an approved helmet. Choose biking clothes that are bright-colored and highly visible
- Pay attention to hydration and nourishment—Take in fluids before you get on the bike and bring plenty with you. The same with foods. Don’t have an energy crisis out on the road.
- During the ride
- Focus on the road—It’s a good idea to bring a cell phone or electronic device, but put in in your back pocket, if possible. It’ll take your eyes off of what’s in front of you.
- Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals—You can be ticketed for running a stop sign or stop light. You also need to pay attention to lane markers. If there’s a designated bicycle lane, use it. Lane splitting can be far more dangerous on a bicycle than on a motorcycle. Don’t ride between cars.
- Never cross in the middle of the street—only at corners. Before you cross (particularly at a four-way stop), make eye contact with any motorists at the intersection.
- Always use hand signals for turns or to notify drivers behind you that you are stopping
Specific Laws that Apply to Bicycles in Texas
As a general rule, bicyclists in Texas have the same rights as auto, truck and motorcycle operators, but must obey all of the same laws. The Texas Transportation Code, though, sets forth some specific requirements for bicycle operators:
- A bicyclist must ride “near the curb” where there is no designated bike lane
- A bicyclist is required to have at least one hand on the handlebars while in motion
- Texas law allows only one rider per saddle (no more than two on a tandem)
- Bicyclists may ride abreast, as along as doing so does not interfere with traffic
- Bicyclists must have a white light on the front of the bike and a red light on the rear if riding after dark
Contact the Proven Bike Accident Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we bring more than 40 years of experience to bicyclists and motorcyclists across the state of Texas who have been hurt in accidents or collisions caused by the carelessness of others. In our decades in practice, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured people throughout the Lone Star State and across the nation. We will be your advocate throughout the legal process, from the investigation of your accident to the filing of a complaint through trial and the final resolution of your lawsuit. Contact us by e-mail or 844-402-2992 or call our offices at one of the convenient locations listed below. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
