San Antonio, TX Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Code reference
- SAMC Chapter 19
- Plan
- San Antonio Bike Plan
- Passing distance
- 3 ft cars, 6 ft trucks
- Sidewalk riding
- Banned downtown CBD
- Lead agency
- TCI Department
Summary
San Antonio's Bike Plan and SAMC Chapter 19 govern bicycle operation on city streets, requiring motorists to provide three feet of passing distance, while the citywide bike network expands protected lanes, neighborhood greenways, and bayou trails.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person operating a bicycle on a roadway who is moving slower than the other traffic on the roadway 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, including a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or surface hazard prevents the person from safely riding next to the right curb or edge of the roadway; or(4) the person is operating a bicycle in an outside lane that is:(A) less than 14
Full Breakdown
The San Antonio Bike Plan, adopted by City Council and updated periodically, sets a multi-decade roadmap for protected bike lanes, neighborhood bikeways, and shared-use paths along the San Antonio River and creeks. SAMC Chapter 19 governs vehicle and bicycle operation, requiring motorists to maintain at least three feet of passing distance from cyclists, with six feet for trucks and commercial vehicles under the SA Vulnerable Road User Ordinance. Cyclists must follow traffic signals, ride with traffic, use lights at night, and yield to pedestrians on shared trails. Sidewalk riding is prohibited in the central business district. The TCI Department coordinates with VIA, TxDOT, and Bexar County on regional connections and federal funding.
Violations & Fines
Motorist three-foot passing violations carry fines up to 500 dollars under SAMC Chapter 19. Blocking a bike lane is around 200 dollars plus tow. Cyclist signal violations and prohibited downtown sidewalk riding face fines up to 200 dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space must SA drivers give cyclists?
Can I ride a bike on SA sidewalks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
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