Sherman, TX Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Passing distance, car or light truck
- Not less than three feet
- Passing distance, truck or commercial vehicle
- Not less than six feet
- Multi-lane streets
- Vacate the lane if it can be done safely
- Bicycle brake
- Stop within fifteen feet from ten miles per hour
- Passing fine
- Not to exceed $500
Summary
In the City of Sherman, Texas, a driver passing a person on a bicycle in the roadway must vacate the lane on multi-lane streets when safe, or pass at a safe distance of at least three feet, or six feet for a truck or commercial vehicle. Bicycles must also meet brake, lighting and no-siren requirements. Passing violations carry fines up to $500.
(1) While passing, a separation between a motor vehicle and a vulnerable road user that, when all road, traffic and weather conditions are considered, provides the motorist sufficient space and time to avoid a collision with a vulnerable road user but, in any event, not less than three (3) feet if the operator’s vehicle is a passenger car or light truck and not less than six (6) feet if the operator’s vehicle is a truck (other than a light truck) or a commercial vehicle as defined by Texas Transportation Code section 522.003; or ... (3) A person operating a bicycle (including an electric bicycle), hand cycle, or other human-powered wheeled vehicle in the roadway; or ... (b) Action required.An operator of a motor vehicle or motorcycle shall: (1) When passing a vulnerable road user on a highway or street; (A) Vacate the lane in which the vulnerable road user is located if the highway or street has two or more marked lanes running in the same direction if such action can be taken safely; or (B) Pass the vulnerable road user at a safe distance; or
Full Breakdown
Section 12.02.012 of the Sherman Code of Ordinances, adopted as Ordinance 6047 on 8/7/17, protects a class it calls vulnerable road users, which includes a person operating a bicycle (including an electric bicycle), hand cycle or other human-powered wheeled vehicle in the roadway. When passing, a motor vehicle operator must either vacate the lane in which the vulnerable road user is located, if the street has two or more marked lanes running in the same direction and the move can be made safely, or pass at a safe distance. The ordinance fixes that distance at not less than three feet for a passenger car or light truck and not less than six feet for a truck other than a light truck or a commercial vehicle as defined by Texas Transportation Code section 522.003.
At an intersection, including one with an alley or private road or driveway, a driver making a turn must yield to a vulnerable road user approaching from the opposite direction who is in the intersection or in such proximity as to be an immediate hazard. Occupants of a motor vehicle are barred from throwing objects at a vulnerable road user, from overtaking and then turning in front of the user unless safely clear, and from maneuvering to intimidate or harass. It is an affirmative defense that the vulnerable road user was acting in violation of any applicable traffic law.
Riders face their own rules under § 12.02.011, adopted as Ordinance 6046 on 8/7/17. A bicycle must have a brake able to stop it within fifteen feet from a speed of ten miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement. No siren or whistle can be installed or used, except on police bicycles. During limited visibility the bicycle or rider must show a white light visible from at least 500 feet to the front and a red reflector or lighting device visible up to 600 feet to the rear. A parent or guardian who authorizes or knowingly permits a child to ride in violation also commits the offense.
Sidewalk riding is separately banned in the downtown central business district by § 12.01.005.
Violations & Fines
A violation of the safe passing section carries a fine not to exceed $500 (§ 12.02.012(e)). Violation of the bicycle equipment requirements is a class C traffic violation (§ 12.02.011(d)). Riding a bicycle on the covered downtown sidewalks is punished under § 1.01.009, a fine not exceeding $500, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must a driver stay from a bicycle in the City of Sherman, Texas?
What lights does a bicycle need at night in Sherman?
Is a parent responsible if a child rides an unequipped bicycle?
Can a driver raise a defense under the passing rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sherman
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