Bicycle Helmet Laws in Texas

Currently, there are no state laws requiring any bicyclist of any age in the state of Texas to wear a bicycle helmet. It is still recommended, though, that all bicyclists wear a helmet every time they are on a bike.

Studies have proven that wearing a helmet while on a bike reduces the incidence of head and brain injuries by 63 to 85 percent. For this reason, many cities in Texas have passed their own bylaws requiring bicyclists to protect themselves by wearing a helmet when on their bike.

There was a time when Dallas laws required everyone on a bicycle to wear a helmet at all times. In June of 2014, however, that law was changed and now only requires those under the age of 18 to wear a helmet while on a bike.

It is important to note that while this law stands when minors are riding their bikes on public property such as streets, roads, and trails, it does not apply to private property. When a child is riding their bike at a friend’s house or in their own driveway, they are not required to wear a helmet. Arlington, Benbrook, Bedford, Coppell, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and Southlake all have similar laws.

The Texas Legislature has made two attempts in recent years to enact statewide laws requiring everyone on a bicycle to wear a helmet for their own safety. Lawmakers have also tried to establish a statewide law specifically requiring all children on bicycles to wear a bicycle helmet at all times. To date, these attempts have failed and the law stands as is.

While not officially mandated by state laws, it is highly recommended that everyone, adults and children alike, always wear a bicycle helmet while on a bike. Unlike cars and other vehicles, a cyclist has very little protection around them if they get into an accident. A proper helmet is one of the few things they can rely on to keep themselves safe.

Time and time again it has been proven that when a vehicle and a cyclist get into an accident, it is the cyclist who suffers the most serious injuries. In fact, drivers often escape these accidents unscathed. Although Texas may not currently have a law requiring cyclists to wear helmets, it is everyone’s responsibility to try and keep themselves as safe as possible by wearing one. Contact us today to learn more about the state’s bicycle helmet laws.