Txdot Bicycle Safety Program
The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) issues the rules and regulations all vehicle operators are expected to follow in the state of Texas. The TXDOT web site lists several laws and safety precautions bicyclists must practice while operating a bicycle in Texas. TXDOT also instituted a safety program for young bicyclists riding and walking to school each morning called Safe Routes to School (SRTS).
Other People Are Reading
-
Texas Bicycle Law
-
Bicyclists are expected to obey all traffic laws including stopping at red lights and stop signs, following lane markers, traveling near the curb with traffic and installing a front white light and rear red reflector for riding at night, reports the TXDOT site. Bicyclists are also expected to use proper hand signals for turning and stopping.
Texas Bicycle Safety
-
The TXDOT site lists several safety tips for Texas cyclists including wearing a helmet, checking brakes and tires before leaving and wearing light colored or reflective clothing for enhanced visibility. The night and day use of both front and rear lights also ensures visibility and improved safety when bicycling.
-
Texas Safe Routes to School Program
-
The Texas SRTS program creates enhanced sidewalks and crosswalks and provides bicycle facilities at schools. Community leaders, parents and school officials also provide safety courses for many age groups. In 2009 the Texas Transportation Commission approved $54.1 million to fund 200 projects in more than 73 Texas communities, reports the TXDOT site.
Texas Bicycle Helmet Law
-
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that Texas does not regulate the use of a bicycle helmet. But the use of helmets is recommended. Helmeted bicycle riders are less likely to experience head injury in the event of a bicycle crash involving the head. The foam in bicycle helmets is designed to slow the head enough to stop the brain slamming into the skull during a crash. This design saves lives and prevents head injury.
Bicycle Lane Usage
-
Bicycle lane usage is important in bicycle safety. If a bicycle lane is provided most cities do not allow riding on the sidewalk. Bicyclists must use the same direction lanes as other vehicles. A car moving 35 miles per hours catching and hitting a cyclist moving 15mph results in a much slower--20mph--collision than the car and cyclist hitting head on at the same speeds--a 50mph collision.
-
References
- Photo Credit little boy learning to ride bicycle image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
