Sharing the Road with Bicyclists in Austin

Texas law classifies bicycles as vehicles, just like cars and motorcycles. This means that bicycle riders have the right to the full use of a traffic lane while riding on public roads. However, it also means that drivers have a legal obligation to watch for bicyclists, yield when they have the right-of-way, and act responsibly to avoid causing a collision.

In legal terms, your obligations when sharing the road with bicyclists in Austin are often referred to as a duty of care. As any experienced bike injury attorney will tell you, violating that duty in a way that directly results in a wreck could make you civilly liable for the resulting injuries and losses. With that in mind, it is helpful to know what you should do around bicycle riders to keep everyone safe on the road and protect yourself from legal consequences.

Give Bicyclists Plenty of Space

In addition to having the right to ride within standard traffic lanes, bicyclists are entitled under Texas law to enough space to ride safely without fear of colliding with a moving vehicle or stationary object. As a driver, safely sharing the road with Austin cyclists entails staying at least a yard or more away from riders while passing or following them, even if that requires slowing down until it is safe to pass.

Check Blind Spots Before Turning

Modern motor vehicles have blind spots along both sides and near the front and rear bumpers that can be large enough to hide pedestrians entirely from the driver’s field of vision. Unfortunately, these areas can also hide bicyclists from view when a driver is about to turn at an intersection. It is crucial for drivers to check their mirrors and turn their heads to clear their blind spots before making this kind of road maneuver. This helps keep bicyclists safe in Austin traffic.

Look for Bicycle Riders Before Opening Doors

Parking spaces along public streets often lie directly adjacent to dedicated bike lanes or very close to where bicyclists are expected to ride. Double-checking for oncoming riders before opening car doors while stopped and parked is a simple but crucial part of sharing Austin roads with cyclists.

What Duty of Care Do Bicyclists Owe to Drivers?

Austin bicyclists must also share the road with motor vehicles. They should ride as close to the right side of their lane as safely possible and use proper hand signals to indicate turns.

Ask An Austin Attorney About Sharing the Road With Bicyclists

These rules are not just a matter of common courtesy—they carry the full weight of Texas law, and violations can result in significant civil and even criminal penalties. By staying aware of your surroundings and giving bicyclists the same respect that you would expect from drivers, you can help avoid injuring a bicycle rider and limit your risk of civil liability for any resulting losses.

If you want to know more about safely and legally sharing the road with bicyclists in Austin, a member of the Felix Gonzalez Law team can provide more information during a confidential consultation. Call today to schedule a meeting.