Bicyclists are required to utilize the roadway following the same rules-of-the-road as motorized vehicles. An obstruction like a pothole, parked vehicle or other unsafe condition requires a cyclist to go further out in the street to avoid the hazard. This is the primary reason the Deed Restrictions (contract) limit owners from parking vehicles in the street. In some municipalities, riding a bike on a sidewalk is forbidden.
Persons riding a bike in a roadway must follow the rules of the road.
It is very important to teach our children the rules of the road when allowing them to use the street. Biking against traffic may result in an unfortunate accident as drivers are not prepared while looking left at oncoming traffic when turning right. A driver looking left at traffic may delay seeing the cyclist riding on the left side of the road. This situation is one of the most common accidents for a bicyclist using the wrong side of the road.
All persons riding a bicycle in the road must obey all traffic laws (hmm said that 3 times). We have seen the cyclist (Champion Forest Drive) who has ignored several stop signs or a traffic signal. Most cyclist do not survive an encounter with a vehicle.
DRIVERS TO EXERCISE DUE CARE when operating a vehicle near pedestrians and bicyclist using the road. A pedestrian and a bicyclist have the same rights to use the road. Bike lanes are becoming common. especially in neighborhoods and cities. When there is a designated bike lane in a roadway, drivers need to be aware when a cyclist may have the right-of-way. Texas Guide to safe bicycling
The laws have been updated to clarify the rights of bicyclists using the roadways in Texas. Those who ride bikes have learned the importance to be seen by a driver much further away. It is far better for a cyclist to safely ride in the roadway lane and move to the right when a vehicle approaches. When a cyclists is too close to the curb, a driver may not anticipate the cyclist avoiding debris or obstacles that are typically nearer the curb. Riding in the lane to be seen and moving closer to the right curb allows time for vehicles to plan and pass safely. When riding in the lane to be seen far away, motorist tend to slow down and passed safely. Some motorists may yell profanity and honk their horns as they pass. At least I know they saw me and fortunately never ended up in a ditch.
References:
Sec. 551.101. RIGHTS AND DUTIES. (a) A person operating a bicycle has the rights and duties applicable to a driver operating a vehicle under this subtitle, unless: (1) a provision of this chapter alters a right or duty; or (2) a right or duty applicable to a driver operating a vehicle cannot by its nature apply to a person operating a bicycle. (b) A parent of a child or a guardian of a ward may not knowingly permit the child or ward to violate this subtitle.
Sec. 551.103. OPERATION ON ROADWAY. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person operating a bicycle on a roadway who is moving slower than the other traffic on the roadway shall ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, unless: (1) the person is passing another vehicle moving in the same direction; (2) the person is preparing to turn left at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway; (3) a condition on or of the roadway, including a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or surface hazard prevents the person from safely riding next to the right curb or edge of the roadway; or (4) the person is operating a bicycle in an outside lane that is: (A) less than 14 feet in width and does not have a designated bicycle lane adjacent to that lane; or (B) too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to safely travel side by side. (b) A person operating a bicycle on a one-way roadway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near as practicable to the left curb or edge of the roadway. (c) Persons operating bicycles on a roadway may ride two abreast. Persons riding two abreast on a laned roadway shall ride in a single lane. Persons riding two abreast may not impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic on the roadway. Persons may not ride more than two abreast unless they are riding on a part of a roadway set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles.
Sec. 551.104. SAFETY EQUIPMENT. (a) A person may not operate a bicycle unless the bicycle is equipped with a brake capable of making a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. b) A person may not operate a bicycle at nighttime unless the bicycle is equipped with: (1) a lamp on the front of the bicycle that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet in front of the bicycle; and (2) on the rear of the bicycle: (A) a red reflector that is: (i) of a type approved by the department; and (ii) visible when directly in front of lawful upper beams of motor vehicle headlamps from all distances from 50 to 300 feet to the rear of the bicycle; or (B) a lamp that emits a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of the bicycle.
It is uncommon to see bicyclists obey the rules-of-the road and rarely for stop signs.
I enjoy road cycling and always follow the rules of the road. I know some riders are lucky to have learned this mistake where others never knew what hit them.
Cars parked in the street (not driveways) on through streets make it difficult and a hazard for cars driving through
The article was intended to make everyone aware of one limitation in our neighborhood (no sidewalks) and the importance of sharing the road safely. To avoid an obvious comment and discussion topic: adding sidewalks is not a financial option as is everyone willing to spend up to ten thousand dollars adding this feature to their property. With sidewalks off the table of discussion, one has to decide to prioritize safety over convenience by removing the physical and visual obstructions.