Rules of the Road – Pedestrians & Motorists
Pedestrians
- Use crosswalks and follow pedestrian signals when available.
- If a pedestrian signal is not available, cross the street when the light is green in your direction of travel.
- It is illegal to cross in the middle of a block (without a crosswalk) between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation.
- Use sidewalks if available. It is illegal to walk in the road if an adjacent sidewalk is available and useable to the pedestrian.
- If a sidewalk is not available, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic, as far away from traffic as possible.
- You may only cross an intersection diagonally if there is a traffic control device authorizing this movement.
- A pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle on the highway if crossing a roadway at a place:
- Other than in a marked crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
- Where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided.
Motorists
- Yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks, including those that may be unmarked at intersections.
- Yielding to pedestrians means:
- Pedestrians in and approaching a crosswalk on your half of the roadway.
- Pedestrians entering the crosswalk on the other half of roadway approaching your vehicle.
For more information please visit the Texas Transportation Code for Pedestrians.
Bicyclist Rules of the Road
Bicyclists
- Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles.
- Ride as far to the right as practicable based on road conditions.
- Ride on the roadway, using bike lanes or separated bike facilities when available.
- Travel with traffic, not against it.
- Stop at all red lights and stop signs.
- Use hand signals when turning and changing lanes.
- You can ride next to another bicycle, as long as you do not block traffic.
- When riding at night, your bike must have:
- A front headlamp (white light) that can be seen from 500 feet away.
- A rear red reflector (visible from 300 ft) or red lamp (visible from 500 ft).
Motorists
- Please allow 3 feet between your vehicle and the bicycle when passing; 6 feet if you are in a large truck or commercial vehicle.
- Bicyclists may move from the right edge of the roadway when:
- Passing a motor vehicle or another bicyclist.
- Preparing to make a left hand turn.
- Bicyclists can legally use the entire lane or “take the lane” when:
- There are unsafe conditions such as potholes, debris, parked vehicles etc. in their part of the roadway.
- The travel lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to travel side by side.
- Yield to bicyclists as you would any other motor vehicle.
- Yield to bicyclists on your right when making right turns.
For more information please visit:
Texas Transportation Code for Bicycles, Mopeds and Play Vehicles