Texas Bicycle Safety: It’s a Growing Concern as Spring Arrives

Bicycle safety here in Texas is a major concern as more and more children are riding their bicycles as Spring nears.

With the arrival of spring, more children are taking to the streets on bicycles. Unfortunately, many are failing to follow basic safety rules, putting themselves at serious risk. Riding in the middle of the road, ignoring stop signs, and not looking both ways before crossing intersections have become common sights in West Texas.

These unsafe behaviors are alarming, and local authorities are stepping up to address the issue.

A Texas Effort to Improve Bicycle Safety

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Abilene Police Department, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Public Safety are launching an educational awareness campaign to emphasize bicycle safety. The goal is simple: reduce accidents and fatalities by ensuring that both cyclists and motorists understand and respect the rules of the road.

A Tragic Reminder of the Risks in Texas

On his 10th birthday in 2020, Victor Peterzen received a brand-new bicycle. Just three months later, he lost his life in a tragic crash while riding in his neighborhood. Sadly, this story is not unique. In 2023, 914 pedestrians and cyclists lost their lives in traffic crashes across Texas. Bicyclist fatalities alone increased by 58% from 2019 to 2023.

The Rules Every Texas Cyclist Must Follow

One of the most important aspects of bicycle safety is knowing where to ride. Many people don’t realize that cyclists must travel in the same direction as traffic, staying as close as possible to the right-hand curb. Pedestrians, on the other hand, should walk facing traffic when sidewalks are not available. These simple rules can prevent countless accidents.

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TxDOT’s Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign is actively promoting these safety guidelines to protect cyclists and pedestrians. Here’s what every cyclist should remember:

• Always ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Obey all traffic signals, including stop signs and red lights.
• Use bike lanes when available or ride near the right-hand curb.
• Signal turns and stops with hand gestures.
• Equip bicycles with proper lighting: a white light in the front and a red light or reflector in the back.

Drivers Play a Role Too

Motorists also have a responsibility to keep cyclists safe. TxDOT urges drivers to:

• Yield to pedestrians and cyclists at crosswalks and intersections.
• Give bicycles plenty of space when passing.
• Stay alert and check blind spots for cyclists.
• Follow speed limits and adjust for road conditions.

A Texas-Wide Effort

Bicycle safety isn’t just a concern for law enforcement, it’s a shared responsibility among all Texans. As more children hit the streets this spring, parents, drivers, and community leaders must work together to prevent further tragedies. By following basic traffic laws and respecting one another on the road, we can make Texas a safer place for everyone.

For more information on bicycle safety and TxDOT’s Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign, visit DriveLikeATexan.com.