McKinney Bicycle Traffic Laws

Under Texas law, a bicycle may be considered a vehicle just like any other. This could mean that bicyclists must follow all of the rules that other vehicles follow, and other vehicles must give bicyclists the same courtesies that they would give to other vehicles.

Under the law, a bicyclist may occupy an entire lane of traffic and have the ability to ride on almost every road except for controlled access highways. It could always be recommended that bicyclists stay in the far right lane but the law does not mandate it.

On many occasions, bicyclists may need to make left-hand turns which would require them to get in the left-hand lane first. Therefore, it could be incumbent upon the motorist to follow the safety rules and yield to a bicyclist when needed.

If you have questions regarding McKinney bicycle traffic laws, you may benefit from speaking to a seasoned bike crash attorney to better understand your local laws and how they pertain to your circumstances.

Bicycle Laws Impact on a Personal Injury Case

Texas is a modified comparative negligence state, which means that if an injured person is somewhat at fault, the amount they are at fault reduces the recovery they could make. However, if the individual is found to be more than 50 percent at fault for the wreck, nothing would be given for recovery regardless of how bad the injuries are.

If the cyclist was violating traffic safety laws and in a way that was a factor in the wreck, the jury could consider that fact in assessing the percentage fault of the bicyclist and of any motorist involved in the accident. This is why it is essential for an individual to understand the McKinney bicycle traffic laws when attempting to file a claim.

Riding in Pedestrian Walkways

Cyclists may be allowed to bike on the walkways, but the right of way on walkways belongs to the pedestrians. Therefore, if a cyclist comes upon a pedestrian and causes them harm, they could be responsible for any damages.

As a general proposition, those who are in the most danger may typically receive more protection from the law since negligence law would ask what a reasonable person would do in the same or similar circumstances.

A pedestrian may be in more danger than a bicyclist when it comes to injuries occurring on a pedestrian walkway since it could be harder for the pedestrian to get out of the way than it is for a cyclist to operate at a safe speed. A reasonable person, knowing that pedestrians are likely to be walking on a pedestrian walkway, should ride at a reasonable speed.

Right of Way Laws

The right of way could shift between the bicyclists and pedestrians depending on where a person is and the time and place.

It is a common misconception that pedestrians always have the right of way. If a pedestrian is in a pedestrian crossing zone or on a pedestrian walkway, they may have the right of way. However, if the pedestrian decides to walk in the middle of a three-lane road or ride down the road in the middle of a three-lane road, they may not have the right of way.

Bike Lanes in McKinney

There are a small number of specially marked bike lanes in McKinney, but they are not common yet. While certain cities are called bike-friendly cities, North Texas is very much a commuter area with few bike lanes. However, a number of thoroughfares that are marked as bicycle-friendly have been popping up in McKinney and in the other suburbs of Dallas. Over time, there may be more and more bicycle-only lanes in those areas.

Discuss Bicycle Traffic Laws in McKinney with a Seasoned Attorney

If you would like to know more about the McKinney bicycle traffic laws, consult with a well-practiced attorney today.