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Denton, TX Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Passing distance
3 ft cars, 6 ft trucks
Riding two abreast
Allowed in a single lane
Narrow-lane exception
Cyclist may take the lane
Max fine
$200 per violation

Summary

Denton's vulnerable road user ordinance tells cyclists where to ride on the roadway and requires drivers to give bikes at least 3 feet of passing room, more for trucks.

(d)(1) A person operating a bicycle on a roadway who is moving slower than the other traffic shall ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, unless... d. The person is operating a bicycle in an outside lane that is: 1. Less than fourteen (14) feet in width and does not have a designated bicycle lane adjacent to that lane; or 2. Too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to safely travel side by side. (3) Persons operating bicycles on a roadway may ride two (2) abreast.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37 Update 1 | Development Code: Supplement 27).

Full Breakdown

City Code Sec. 18-36 requires cyclists moving slower than traffic to ride near the right curb, but lets them take the outside lane when it's under 14 feet wide with no adjacent bike lane, or too narrow to share safely with a car. Riders may go two abreast in a single lane without blocking traffic flow. Drivers passing a cyclist must move over a full lane if one is available, or leave at least 3 feet (6 feet for trucks and commercial vehicles) and may not cut back in front of the rider.

Violations & Fines

Traffic offense; Sec. 1-12 caps fines for traffic-related violations at $200 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far must Denton drivers stay from cyclists when passing?
At least 3 feet for passenger cars and light trucks, or 6 feet for larger trucks and commercial vehicles, under Sec. 18-36(f).
Can cyclists ride two abreast in Denton?
Yes, but they must stay in a single lane on a laned roadway and can't impede the normal flow of traffic, per Sec. 18-36(d)(3).
When can a Denton cyclist ride away from the curb?
When passing, turning left, avoiding a hazard, or using an outside lane under 14 feet wide with no adjacent bike lane, per Sec. 18-36(d)(1).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Denton

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All Denton rules

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Bike Lane Rules in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Denton County handle bike lane rules.

Lewisville, TX
Some Restrictions