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1. Is it legal for bicyclists to ride on Texas roadways?

Yes. In Texas, relatively few roads are closed to bicycle traffic. However, toll roads (Sam Rayburn Tollway) and some freeways, including interstates and highways (U.S. 75) are closed to bicyclists. Texas state law considers a bicycle to be a vehicle and they must be operated in accordance with vehicular laws on the street.

For example, cyclists must:

• Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals
• Never ride opposite the flow of traffic
• Stop at all stop signs
• Stop at all red lights
• Use a white front and a red rear reflector or light
  • A light is required for nighttime operation and must be visible from a distance of at least 500 feet in front of the bicycle
• Always have at least one working brake capable of making a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement

2. Who has the right of way, a bicyclist or a pedestrian?

Bicyclists, like motorists, must obey Texas state law regarding pedestrian right-of-way.

At crosswalks The operator of a vehicle shall yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway in a crosswalk when:

• A pedestrian control device is in place or in operation (Walk/Don’t Walk devices, Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)) and the pedestrian is proceeding in the direction of the pedestrian control device signal displaying “Walk” or the RRFB is flashing; or
• No traffic control signal is in place or in operation and the pedestrian is:
  • On the half of the roadway in which the vehicle is traveling; or
  • Approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

A pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and proceed into a crosswalk in the path of a vehicle so close that it is impossible for the vehicle operator to yield.

The operator of a vehicle approaching from the rear of a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross a roadway may not pass the stopped vehicle.

At points other than crosswalks 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; or
• Where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided; or
• Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, a pedestrian may cross only in a marked crosswalk.

A pedestrian may cross a roadway intersection diagonally only if and in the manner authorized by a traffic control device.

3. Do I have to wear a helmet?

Currently there are no Texas state laws or City of McKinney ordinances requiring anyone to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. However, helmets have been shown to reduce the incidence of head injuries. Studies have shown a 63% to 85% reduction in the risk of head and brain injuries for all ages of bicyclists. It makes sense for all bicyclists to wear one. Wearing a helmet is strongly encouraged.

4. Isn't riding on the road unsafe?

It depends on a rider’s confidence and competence and the road. Statistics indicate bicycling is about as safe as driving or riding in a car. Local streets and bicycle-compatible streets are generally easier than busy arterials.

5. Where should I position myself when bicycling on the roadway?

Ride as far to the right as practicable, in the same direction as other traffic. Practicable does not mean possible. Do not ride in the gutter. Be sure to leave enough room to avoid hazards like parked cars with open doors.

6. How do I make a left turn at an intersection?

Depending on the volume of traffic and the level of cycling skill and experience, a bicyclist may choose to:

• Turn like a motorist: signal, look for a safe opening, move to the left side of the lane or into a left turn lane and execute a left turn, as would other vehicular traffic.
  
• Ride to the far corner, reposition on the crossing street and proceed when they have the right of way.
  
• Cross like a pedestrian: dismount bicycle, utilize a pedestrian signal (if available), walk across the road when it is safe, then remount and proceed.

7. Can I ride on the sidewalk?

While riding a bike on the sidewalk is not prohibited, it should be noted that sidewalks are for pedestrians. Except for very young cyclists under parental supervision, sidewalks are not for bicycling. Much like wrong way riding, sidewalk riding can lead to crashes since it places bicyclists in situations where others do not expect them.

If a cyclist chooses to ride on the sidewalk, these guidelines are strongly encouraged: Be courteous, ride at a low speed, stay right, pass left, clearly announce when passing, yield to slower users, stop at stop signs and wear a helmet.

8. Are there rules for bicycling on McKinney's Hike and Bike Trails?

Although all motorized vehicles are prohibited, there are no specific rules for bicycles. Cyclists, however, can make the trail experience safer and more enjoyable for all users when they follow a few guidelines: Be courteous, stay right, pass left, clearly announce when passing, yield to slower users, stop at stop signs and wear a helmet.

9. What are some guidelines for a safer bicycle ride?

1. Always ride a bike properly sized and fitted to your body. Any bike shop can help with adjustments.
   
2. Always wear a helmet to protect your head. Adjust your helmet so that it fits snugly and sits forward on your head, protecting your forehead.
   
3. Be visible. Wear brightly colored or retro-reflective clothing.
   
4. Carry a valid Driver’s License or other form of current identification on every ride.
   
5. Ride on the right with the flow of traffic. Never ride against traffic.
   
6. Always obey traffic signs and signals. They apply to bicyclists, just as they apply to
   motorists.
   
7. Before turning or stopping, use arm signals to let others know where you plan to go, and look for a safe opening.
   
8. Ride predictably and consistently. Do not make sudden turns or weave between cars.
   
9. Do not pass on the right of motorists or other bicyclists – they may not see you. Pass on the left, after signaling and looking for a safe opening.
   
10. Make it a habit to scan the road behind you as you are riding. Practice in an empty parking lot to improve balance and confidence.
    
11. Ride with both hands ready to brake and allow extra distance when stopping in the rain since brakes are less efficient when wet.
    
12. Watch out for cars turning into your path, cars pulling into or out of driveways, and parked car doors opening in your path.
    
13. Watch out for road hazards like sewer grates, gravel, ice or potholes.

10. What do pavement markings with a bike and two chevrons/arrows mean?

These are shared-lane markings or “sharrows.” Shared-lane markings are intended to remind drivers that they should expect to share the lane with cyclists, and to remind cyclists that they can ride in mixed traffic where there is no bicycle lane. They also show cyclists where to position themselves on the street to avoid being hit by a suddenly-opened car door. Although it is the responsibility of the motorist to check before opening a door, riding too close to parked cars (in the door zone) is still a common mistake many bicyclists make that can lead to serious injury.

11. Do these markings really have an effect on driver and cyclist behavior?

Yes. Research shows that shared-lane markings significantly increase the passing space between motor vehicles and cyclists and reduce improper bicycling behavior.

12. On some streets, cyclists riding over this marking will take the entire lane. Aren't they supposed to move to the right?

Not always. According to Texas law, cyclists are to stay to the right except to pass another vehicle traveling in the same direction, prepare for a left turn, avoid unsafe conditions or when the lane width is too narrow to safely share with a motor vehicle. Additionally, cyclists are allowed to ride in the left lane on one-way roadways with two or more marked traffic lanes.

It should be noted that the minimum lane width for a motor vehicle and bicycle to share side-by-side is 14 feet (AASHTO Guide for Development of Bicycle Facilities).

13. Do shared lane markings or "sharrows" mean these lanes are only for bikes?

No. These markings can be used in any lane that is used by bicyclists and motorists. Bicycle lanes, which are set aside for bicyclists, are marked by a solid white line and a different symbol. Currently there are no exclusive bicycle lanes in the City of McKinney.

14. So if shared lane markings or "sharrows" are not present, then it's not a shared lane and bicyclists aren't supposed to be there?

No, cyclists are allowed by Texas law to ride on any street in Texas except for limited access freeways such as U.S. 75 and Sam Rayburn Tollway. Just as every street in McKinney has a 30 mph speed limit unless stated otherwise (even if there is no speed limit sign); cyclists are allowed on every street regardless of whether there is a marking or sign for the cyclists, unless stated otherwise. Shared-lane markings are intended to reinforce that cyclists are allowed to use the traffic lanes, not define a special condition.

15. Are these markings going to be on every street that does not have a bike lane?

No, these marking will be used primarily on streets designated as part of McKinney’s On-Street Bicycle Master Plan. They may also be used where there is a significant number of cyclists or to note a connection between common cycling routes.

16. I've never seen these markings before. Why are they being used now?

These markings were recently approved by the Federal Highway Administration for use nationwide. Now that they are included in the national set of standard pavement markings, you can expect to see shared-lane markings more frequently in the City of McKinney and in many other cities and towns, including Allen and Denton locally.