Austin Code Chapter 12-1 and Texas Transportation Code combine to require motorists to give cyclists at least three feet of passing distance, six feet for trucks and buses, while bicycles must yield in protected lanes per Austin Bicycle Plan.
Austin's vulnerable road user ordinance, City Code 12-1-35, requires motorists passing cyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users to give at least three feet, increased to six feet for trucks and commercial vehicles. The Austin Bicycle Plan, adopted 2014 and updated periodically, designates an All Ages and Abilities network of protected bike lanes, neighborhood bikeways, and shared-use paths. City Code 12-1-3 prohibits riding on most downtown sidewalks but allows it on residential sidewalks where signed. Contraflow bike lanes, two-way protected lanes, and bike boxes follow National Association of City Transportation Officials guidance. Drivers parking in or blocking bike lanes face citations; doors must yield to cyclists.
Three-foot passing violations carry fines up to $500 under City Code 12-1-35, escalating after injury. Blocking a bike lane is $200 plus tow under Code 12-3. Riding on prohibited sidewalks downtown costs about $100.
See how Austin's bike lane rules rules stack up against other locations.
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