Travis County, TX Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- TX Transportation Code 551
- Passing rule
- Safe distance required
- County plan
- All Systems Go regional
- Major trail
- Southern Walnut Creek
Summary
Travis County Transportation and Natural Resources stripes bike lanes on county arterials including Cameron Road, FM 1826, and South Pleasant Valley extensions. Texas Transportation Code grants cyclists full road rights and three-foot passing under HB 1755 statewide.
Sec. 551.103. OPERATION ON ROADWAY. (a) 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: (1) the person is passing another vehicle moving in the same direction; (2) the person is preparing to turn left at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway; (3) a condition on or of the roadway prevents the person from safely riding next to the right curb; or (4) the person is operating a bicycle in an outside lane that is less than 14 feet in width and does not have a designated bicycle lane adjacent to that lane.
Full Breakdown
Travis County has expanded bike infrastructure through the All Systems Go regional plan and the Travis County Bicycle Plan, with separated paths along Southern Walnut Creek Trail and shared-use facilities on Brodie Lane and Spicewood Springs. Most county roads remain rural without dedicated lanes, so cyclists are entitled to operate on the full lane under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 551. The statewide Lisa Torry Smith Act and earlier vulnerable road user provisions require motorists to give cyclists a safe passing distance, with Austin and several Travis County cities adopting three-foot passing ordinances. Sidewalk cycling is generally legal in unincorporated Travis County absent specific municipal prohibitions.
Violations & Fines
Failure to yield to a cyclist or unsafe passing can result in citations under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 545, with fines from 200 dollars and enhanced penalties if injury results under the Lisa Torry Smith Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride two abreast on a county road?
Are e-bikes allowed on bike lanes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Travis County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas mobility & curb rules overview
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