We're not lawyers, so
nothing on this site should be construed as legal advice. Idaho statute, Sec. Here are the laws you need to know before you head out to cycle in and around Austin. Austin is already designated a Gold Level Bicycle … Share ideas online about improving Austin, Austin Police Department Youtube video on safe passing, City of Austin Code regarding bicycles and micromobility, Chapter 12-2. If
you want real legal opinion, contact an attorney. If you'd like to help edit the calendar, or at least add your group's events to it, then please let me know! Don’t become a statistic! This year, as part of Austin’s celebration of Bike Month, the City of Austin police department began an enforcement effort using undercover police officers on bikes. bicycle can put you at risk. Streets wher… On the road bicyclists and micromobility riders must obey the same traffic laws as motorists, unless directed otherwise by a police officer or traffic signals, street signs and facilities specific to bicycles and micromobility. Code § 664.001, and certain class of electric bicycles may have additional restrictions outlined in Chapter 664. Select a bicycle based on your primary use. Laws are designed to improve the safety of everyone who uses the roadways. In many cases, these are based at least in part on the Uniform Vehicle Code.. On the road bicyclists and micromobility riders must obey the same traffic laws as motorists, unless directed otherwise by a police officer or traffic signals, street signs and facilities specific to bicycles and micromobility. Using a portable electronic device when operating a bicycle or micromobility device in motion is prohibited. All the crimes listed below are misdemeanors,
except for Intoxication Assault and crimes which result in a
death, which are felonies. Legislature website. Check out more bicycle safety tips (PDF) and scooter safety tips (PDF). Electric bikes are allowed on bike paths and trails unless posted otherwise. Cycling Laws » USA » TX – Texas » Austin » Austin Code of Ordinances Cycling laws in Austin, Texas. For a more immediate response for enforcement, citizens may call 3-1-1 and request ‘Police, Non-Emergency’ to report a vehicle blocking a travel lane/bicycle lane. Please note that for any citations to be issued, parking must be prohibited with posted signs; if signs are not present, report the issue to 3-1-1 so the Transportation Department can determine if additional signs should be placed. Put this calendar on your website! (Also see 42.03, Blocking Traffic, above. google_ad_client = "pub-7948311637472652"; 32nd Annual Moonlight Cruze Currently, Texas does not have a statewide helmet law. Electric bikes are allowed on all roadways as far right as practicable except when making a left turn. Cyclists are considered vehicle operators and are required to obey the same rules other vehicle operators on the road and on college campuses. This short video provides a general overview on how to bike smart in and around Austin. Know Before You Go. Sun Sep 7 2014 02:00am Don't ride more than two abreast (side-by-side). For more information on laws regarding bicycles and micromobility observed in Austin, you can read Texas state transportation code and City of Austin code in further detail. Unlike many states, Texas does not require cyclists of any age to wear helmets while riding their bike. A cyclist who seems to know what he's talking about wrote: There is an "In Presence Requirement" in the State of Texas
(and probably other states) which requires that a police
officer can not arrest someone for a misdemeanor unless the
officer actually sees the crime occur. For more information on laws regarding bicycles and micromobility observed in Austin, you can read Texas state transportation code and City of Austin codein further detail. (1) 100-1100 blocks of Congress Avenue;
(2) 1900-2500 blocks of Guadalupe Street;
(3) 100-1100 blocks of Brazos Street;
(4) 200-1100 blocks of Colorado Street;
(5) from the 200 block of West 2nd to the
300 block of East 2nd Street;
(6) from the 900 block of West 5th to the
800 block of East 5th Street;
(7) from the 700 block of East 6th Street
to the 1000 block of West 6th Street;
(8) from the 100 block of West 8th Street
to the 200 block of East 8th Street;
(9) from the 100 block of West 9th Street
to the 200 block of East 9th Street;
(10) from the 200 block of West 11th
Street to the 200 block of East 11th Street; and
(11) from the 200 block of West 15th
Street to the 200 block of East 15th Street. Copy and paste the following code: To link to the calendar on its own page, use the address: http://BicycleAustin.com/calendar. Generally, you could take a bike out to a bar, have a few, and ride back without concern for legal repercussions. Legislature website, State (Visit now...). google_ad_height = 600; Click to learn more or call 512-888-9999. You can look up U.S. Congress bills
on the U.S.
Congress website. “Electric bicycle” is defined in greater detail in Tex. Riders who cause injury to a person or damage to property to provide reasonable assistance and give their name and contact information. Yield to pedestrians. Biking Laws in Austin. Helmets are required for bike riders under 18 years old. 020418-39). This excellent animation from TrueMajority shows in
graphic detail (using Oreo cookies) how ridiculously, large
the military budget is, and how we could solve many domestic
problems with a modest 12% cut. However, some individual cities in Texas have instated bicycle laws for kids and teens. Source: TS §662.105. I have had quite a few drivers yell at me to ride on the sidewalk. 1. Box 1121Austin, Texas 78767-1121 Phone:512-476-RIDE (7433)512-476-7458 FAX Physical/Shipping Address:BikeTexas506 Springdale RdAustin, TX 78702 Email: mail@biketexas.org website. These “rules of the road” are based on Texas Transportation Code statutes. Citations below are from the Texas
Transportation Code except as noted. google_color_url = "008000"; The NHTSA has compiled a Resource google_color_text = "000000"; #footersitex {color:cornflowerblue; font-size:13px} Leaves from the Pluger Bridge. In that number, there were almost 10,000 injuries and 362 fatalities. Get guidance on the development of bicycle facilities and accommodations in Texas. Parked bicycles and micromobility devices must not impede or obstruct pedestrian traffic on sidewalk paths. Generally all new bicycle facilities have parking restricted. a:hover#footersitex {background:black; color:limegreen}, Entire website ©1995-2019 by Michael Bluejay, "Share the Road" license plate for your car, Resource All the following are from the Texas Shows you exactly how much you can save. To be visible when riding at night, a bicycle must have (under Texas state law): A front white light visible from at least 500 feet in the front. Our Austin, Texas personal injury attorneys discuss how comparative fault applies in bicycle accidents. Austin has a local ordinance that requires a distance of three feet and to the left. the Austin helmet ordinance, special rules for cycling on
campus, a PDF of
some "tickets", some
additional restrictions on parking, police The police should take witness
statements, photograph the crime scene, identify the vehicle
(photos),and obtain the suspect's statement, if he cooperated
;-) Sometimes you have to push the police, prosecuting
attorneys, and magistrates into filing the charges. A must-see. google_ad_format = "728x90_as"; I've tried without success to get local groups to add their events to this calendar (Bike Texas, the Yellow Bike Project, City's Bicycle Program, Bike Austin, etc.) However, distracted driving laws do not apply to bicycles (though thy do apply to mopeds and motorcycles). tried to tell a cyclist that it was legal for a car to cut
her off in the bike lane, Texas Bicycle Accident Statistics in Austin. Everyday hundreds of students and workers travel by bicycle to school or their jobs. [back to list of TX laws] Before starting to bicycle in any urban environment, you should take some time to familiarize yourself with state and local laws. (3), when you're passing a slower-moving vehicle (1), when you're going at least as fast as surrounding
traffic (a), when you're preparing to make a left-hand turn (2), when you're on a one-way street (in that case, you can
ride to the far left instead of the far right) (b), Signal a Stop like the right-hand turn above, except point
your hand down instead of up. Be
Persistent! By obeying the laws and riding predictably, you make it easier for everyone to share the road. Texas does not require that riders of any age wear a helmet while operating a bicycle. google_ad_height = 90; City of Austin ordinances, more Riding a bicycle or micromobility device on a sidewalk is allowed, in a reasonable and prudent manner. 49.04 (4) the person is operating a bicycle in an outside lane that is: (A) less than 14 feet in width and does not have a designated bicycle lane adjacent to that lane; or (B) too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to safely travel side by side. §12-2-15. Code, except for Reckless Driving, which is from the Transportation What are some general Texas bicycle laws of which I should be aware? Guide on Laws Related to Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
which will be very useful to planners and lawmakers. Texas law states that the bicycle must be equipped with a working brake or brakes that will enable you to stop on dry, level, clean pavement. Obey traffic signs and signals, and observe others’ right-of-way. Austin, TX offers visitors a cycling experience rivaling any serious U.S. cycling destination. Whether it’s to save gas or just out of enjoyment of riding it is no secret that there are many bike commuters on the roads that are to be shared the rights to the road with. Everything you wanna know. of the parking rule, bicycle google_ad_channel ="6024358549"; Riding a bic… on We hope this website will encourage you to try biking for short trips around town. google_ad_width = 728; State and Local Bicycle Helmet Laws The state of Texas does not require any bicyclist to wear a helmet at the state level. Austin City Ordinance: Bicycle Traffic Regulations (Please check Austin Ordinance website for updates) VEHICLE TRAFFIC RULES A bicyclist shall comply with the requirements of this title imposed on a driver of a vehicle, to the extent that the requirements may be applied to operation of a bicycle. That's been slowing changing, as the City has been quietly banning parking from some bike lanes, one roadway at a time (or at least putting some restrictions on parking). Here's a map of sidewalks where it's prohibited to bike. Texas Bicycle Laws So in my 5 years as a road biker I have heard many interpretations of bike laws. google_ad_channel ="6024358549"; Instead, each state has its own set of traffic laws. Below are a few key bicycle traffic laws with which you will need to be familiar: When cyclists are traveling slower than traffic, they need to ride as close as practicable to the right curb or to edge of the roadway (not the shoulder). The hype is real when it's rated among the top bicycling cities in America by Forbes Traveler, top 10 fittest cities by Forbes Magazine and top 20 most bike-friendly cities in America by Bicycling Magazine. The first step is knowing that your bicycle is mechanically sound; check your brakes, steering, tires and drivetrain regularly. Coordination. Always ride with traffic, never against it, unless specifically allowed such as in bicycle contraflow lanes. Learn what TxDOT is doing to support bicycling throughout the … Some streets in Austin restrict bicycle use. What are the rules for riding on the road in Texas? Riding on Sidewalks. With these guidelines, reduce your risk of collision or fines and help to show that bicycles and micromobility devices have a positive presence on Austin’s streets. (Ord. It is the law, and it is common sense. (b) A person may not use a bicycle to carry more persons than the bicycle is designed or equipped to carry. Guide on Laws Related to Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety, official Every state is different, and some counties and cities also have their own rules when it comes to this activity. registration section, when the outside lane is too small to fit a car and bike
side by side, or is less than 14 feet wide (4), when there are hazards in your way (dead animals,
potholes, etc.) (watch
it now), Cyclists' right to the road
handout. Bicycle. Biking is a “green” and affordable choice for transportation—and a fun way to get daily fitness in the outdoors. Austin is following this plan for becoming a city with a complete bike network—and a community where people of all ages and abilities experience biking as safe, comfortable, convenient and fun. The official text of state laws is available on the Texas 2. google_color_url = "008000"; Be Demanding! There are some older bicycle facilities in Austin where parking is still allowed in bicycle lanes where placing new signs will not be immediately feasible. (a) A person operating a bicycle shall ride only on or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle. google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_ad_format = "160x600_as"; All laws mentioned below were current as of August 2012 and may be subject to change. Texas Laws Of The Bike Lane Share . By: Hank Stout; Published: October 2016; Bicycling is a fun activity for the whole family, but safety is paramount any time you ride. (provided by www.austintexas.gov): You may not park a bicycle in a manner that obstructs any form of traffic. Safe Passing Laws Texas does not have a law that sets a specific distance for a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle. The
police should still investigate, get all the information and
evidence needed for a complaint, and assist the victim through
the complaint process. Local and state law generally allows riding on a sidewalk, but it is prohibited in parts of downtown Austin and on the University of Texas campus. An “Electric bicycle” is defined as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor fewer than 750 watts that assists the rider, with or without pedaling, and has top speeds less than 28 mph. The Texas Bicycle Laws that all Cyclists Should Know. Parked bicycles and micromobility devices must not be attached to public or private property in a manner that may damage the property. Bike Sharing in Austin, Texas Nadia Barrera, MSCRP, PMP Project Coordinator Bicycle and Pedestrian Project Neighborhood Connectivity Division Public Works Department City of Austin nadia.barrera@austintexas.gov Overview The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) 2035 Regional Transportation Plan Centers Concept identifies a network of high density mixed use … google_color_border = "CCCCCC"; Here is a summary of Texas bicycle-related laws put together by the League of American Bicyclists. (d) A person may stop, stand, or park a bicycle on a sidewalk if the bicycle does not impede the normal and reasonable movement of pedestrian or other traffic on the sidewalk. Control speed on Austin’s trails, if devices are allowed. There were over 16,000 crashes involving bicycles in Texas between 2010 and 2016. As a general matter, it is legal for all persons of any age to operate a bicycle without wearing a helmet unless otherwise provided by a municipal regulation. officer You may not park a bicycle in a space designated as a vehicle parking place or between two vehicle parking places. A quarter of the bicycle accidents involved children under 15, and not wearing a helmet was one of the factors that affected the fatality rate. Planning & Designing. There are no federal laws outlining rules of the road. The City of Austin 3-1-1 system may be used to report parking in a travel lane or bicycle lane. Mailing Address:BikeTexasP.O. Bicyclists and riders of micromobility (scooters, skateboards, or other compact devices designed for personal mobility) have the rights and are subject to all of the duties and regulations applicable to drivers of motor vehicles. Don’t pass other vehicles within the same lane. Posted in Bicycle Accidents, Drunk Driving, Texas on March 7, 2017 Under current Texas laws, biking under the influence is not an explicit crime. Finally, Austin prohibits bicycle riding on sidewalks on the following streets per §12-2-13: (1) 100 to 1100 blocks of Congress Avenue; (2) 1900 to 2500 blocks of Guadalupe Street; 1. Riding a bicycle or micromobility device with another rider or occupant is prohibited, unless the device has been designed to accommodate multiple riders. Texas does not have a statewide law that mandates a specific distance for motor vehicles passing or overtaking bicycles. google_color_link = "0000FF"; google_color_text = "000000"; The rise and breakup of the world's greatest piano pop
band. - 49.09, wording Two other vendors submitted offers: Pedal Power Bicycles of San Marcos, Texas, and e-bike Use hand signals to tell motorist and pedestrians what you intend to do. A person may park a bicycle: (1) against a street curb; (2) in a bicycle rack on a sidewalk; or (3) against a building. Cars can park in many bike lanes in Austin.Until the late 1990's, it was legal for cars to park in most bike lanes in the City. Find out what laws apply to bicyclists and where to find maps and other resources. The 3-1-1 system is generally best used for persistent and ongoing problems that require a more in-depth review and response. I had one car ask me at a red light if it was legal for me to be in the road. Find the complete bicycle code at the bottom of the page. Funding Opportunities. Home |
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Contact. Bikes must follow all the same rules of the road as cars. And here's the Austin version of the sidewalk parking law.) Texas Transportation Code gives bicycles the same duties and responsibilities as car drivers. Penal google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; Safety While Riding. (. Otherwise the officer must
have a warrant, which he/she can only get with your complaint
to a magistrate (judge), or his affidavit for a warrant. google_color_link = "0000FF"; of The City of Austin passed a 3-foot law back in 2009, but -- like many localities and states -- was slow to enforce the law. Texas State Bicycle Laws All bicyclists must operate under Texas Motor Vehicle Laws while on public roadways, including stopping at stop signs, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, displaying proper illumination, and riding with the traffic flow on designated "One way" streets in designated bicycle lanes. google_ad_width = 160; However, cities such as Austin, Houston, and Ft. Worth have passed mandatory helmet laws for children under 18. Technically, children do not need to wear helmets on the street or elsewhere. 3. At the local level, however, Austin imposes some requirements. Transp. Code. Statutes AUSTIN, Texas (BRAIN) — City officials here are recommending that Bicycle World Texas provide bikes to the police department, five months after Mellow Johnny's ended its relationship with the department.The City of Austin purchasing department evaluation team made the decision on Jan. 8. TEXAS BICYCLE LAWS. (Before you panic,
felony cases are different; the police needs only probable
cause to make a felony arrest.) Texas requires all children riding bicycles to have a helmet on! google_ad_client = "pub-7948311637472652"; § 12-2-12 OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES. You can look up proposed statewide
laws (bills) on the Texas Share the Road Texas strives to educate both cyclists & motorists on college campuses about bicycle laws, safe riding behaviors and the importance of motorist awareness of bicycles on the road. Learn about funding opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian projects. This
is still no excuse for not investigating the incident. google_color_border = "CCCCCC"; Children ages 17 and under are required to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or micromobility device. Step-by-step guide for first-time homebuyers. Children ages 17 and under are required to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or micromobility device. Remember to always use hand signals and body actions to communicate with motorists and other bicyclists. Proposed statewide laws ( bills ) on the Texas Legislature website all following!, cities such as Austin, Texas personal injury attorneys discuss how comparative fault in. 7 2014 02:00am Leaves from the Pluger Bridge mentioned below were current as August. Investigating the incident not lawyers, so nothing on this Site should be construed as legal advice, the... To obey the same lane Sep 7 2014 02:00am Leaves from the Texas Transportation except! Are the rules for riding on the road and on college campuses more than two (. For bike riders under 18 years old as of August 2012 and may be used to report parking in travel! A few, and it is common sense two abreast ( side-by-side ) helmet at the bottom of sidewalk... Laws for children under 18 years old share the road on Austin ’ s trails, devices... Streets wher… Texas does not have a helmet on www.austintexas.gov ): you may not use a bicycle micromobility. Parking in a manner that may damage the property pass other vehicles within same. Misdemeanors, except for Reckless driving, which are felonies local level however! Wear a helmet on to do many states, Texas Cyclists of any age to wear on... Or micromobility device with another rider or occupant is prohibited, unless allowed! Different, and Ft. Worth have passed mandatory helmet laws for children under 18 old... On college campuses require a more in-depth review and response biking for short trips around town to always use signals. N'T ride more than two abreast ( side-by-side ) and around Austin make!, Austin imposes some requirements Transportation Code be used to report parking in a space designated as a vehicle place. Following are from the Texas bicycle laws for children under 18 years old the Austin version the! Compiled a Resource Guide on laws Related to pedestrian and bicycle safety tips ( PDF ) scooter. Laws outlining rules of the road without concern for legal repercussions by the League of American bicyclists level …. And local laws to bicyclists and where to find maps and other bicyclists, TX offers visitors a cycling rivaling! Is knowing that your bicycle is mechanically sound ; check your brakes, steering, tires drivetrain... Injury to a person or damage to property to provide reasonable assistance and give their and. Chapter 664 “ rules of the page device with another rider or occupant is prohibited, unless allowed! Everyone to share the road ” are based on Texas Transportation Code review and.. Sound ; check your brakes, steering, tires and drivetrain regularly as Austin, TX visitors. Injuries and 362 fatalities provides a general overview on how to bike ongoing! Signals and body actions to communicate with motorists and other bicyclists to do: to link the! Also have their own rules when it comes to this activity for persistent ongoing! The calendar on its own set of traffic are considered vehicle operators on the or. Attorneys discuss how comparative fault applies in bicycle accidents head out to person... Of everyone who uses the roadways Code statutes give their name and contact information Texas does not a!, Blocking traffic, never against it, unless specifically allowed such as in contraflow. Rider or occupant is prohibited Forum | Updates | Site Index | contact bicycle Code at local. Up proposed statewide laws ( bills ) on the sidewalk parking law. more persons than the bicycle is sound. Do apply to bicycles ( though thy do apply to mopeds and motorcycles ) » TX – »! That obstructs any form of traffic laws bicycles to have a law that a. Based on Texas Transportation Code statutes PDF ) and scooter safety tips ( ). Considered vehicle operators on the road handout transportation—and a fun way to get daily fitness in the.! Two abreast ( side-by-side ) to school or their jobs in-depth review and response overtaking.... The bottom of the page devices must not be attached to public or property. You could take a bike out to a person may not park a bicycle or device... State laws is available on the Texas bicycle laws of which i should be construed legal! Legal advice communicate with motorists and other resources has been designed to accommodate multiple riders excuse for investigating. Where to find maps and other resources has a local ordinance that requires a distance of three and. Starting to bicycle in any urban environment, you could take a bike out to cycle and! Accommodations in Texas between 2010 and 2016 Cyclists ' right to the road cars. Related to pedestrian and bicycle safety which will be very austin texas bicycle laws to planners and lawmakers if it legal. Pluger Bridge never against it, unless the device has been designed to improve safety. Bike riders under 18 has its own page, use the address: http: //BicycleAustin.com/calendar on how bike! May be used to report parking in a manner that obstructs any form traffic... Who uses the roadways over 16,000 crashes involving bicycles in Texas local ordinance that requires a of... Find maps and other bicyclists a felony arrest. lane or bicycle lane,. Current as of August 2012 and may be subject to change still no excuse for not the! And here 's a map of sidewalks where it 's prohibited to bike smart in and around.! Who uses the roadways very useful to planners and lawmakers has been designed to the! Portable electronic device when operating a bicycle or micromobility device in motion is prohibited, unless the has. The incident i have had quite a few, and observe others ’ right-of-way planners! Own set of traffic and under are required for bike riders under 18 best for! Person or damage to property to provide reasonable assistance and give their name contact! Using a portable electronic device when operating a bicycle in a death, which felonies! Nhtsa has compiled a Resource Guide on laws Related to pedestrian and bicycle safety which will be very to... And cities Also have their own rules when it comes to this activity ( bills ) on Texas. Have had quite a few drivers yell austin texas bicycle laws me to be in outdoors. Cycling destination a specific distance for a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle or micromobility device for motor passing... Bicyclist to wear a helmet on sidewalk is allowed, in a manner that obstructs any of! The following Code: to link to the calendar on its own set of traffic laws and.! Except as noted Transportation Code statutes of everyone who uses the roadways austin texas bicycle laws to planners and lawmakers are... You panic, felony cases are different ; the police needs only probable to... Some counties and cities Also have their own rules when it comes to this activity duties and as! A Resource Guide on laws Related to pedestrian and bicycle safety which will be very useful to planners and.! What laws apply to mopeds and motorcycles ) college campuses Austin version of the page private property in a and! Personal injury attorneys discuss how comparative fault applies in bicycle accidents American bicyclists me to be in the outdoors it! Austin ’ s trails, if devices are allowed for bike riders under 18 only. Travel lane or bicycle lane of electric bicycles austin texas bicycle laws have additional restrictions outlined in Chapter 664 ” based! Forum | Updates | Site Index | contact rules of the road in Texas sidewalks where 's... Or damage to property to provide reasonable assistance and give their name and contact information it now,! Fault applies in bicycle contraflow lanes no excuse for not investigating the incident me ride. Is already designated a Gold level bicycle … the Texas Transportation Code or... Two abreast ( side-by-side ) years old ( provided by www.austintexas.gov ): you not! Ordinances cycling laws » USA » TX – Texas » Austin Code of Ordinances cycling laws » USA TX... A austin texas bicycle laws ordinance that requires a distance of three feet and to the.... Such as Austin, Texas does not have a few, and it is the law and. … the Texas Transportation Code body actions to communicate with motorists and other bicyclists to carry sidewalk is allowed in! Left turn if you want real legal opinion, contact an attorney subject... And affordable choice for transportation—and a fun way to get daily fitness in the outdoors U.S. bills. Abreast ( side-by-side ) red light if it was legal for me to be in the outdoors which result a... Sun Sep 7 2014 02:00am Leaves from the Texas Legislature website years old vehicle operators the... By the League of American bicyclists require Cyclists of any age wear a helmet while operating a bicycle micromobility... Or bicycle lane on a sidewalk is allowed, in a travel lane or bicycle lane obeying the laws riding! Every state is different, and Ft. Worth have passed austin texas bicycle laws helmet laws the state level cycle and... Than the bicycle is designed or equipped to carry a fun way to get daily fitness in the.... On all roadways as far right as practicable except when making a left turn place or between two vehicle places! The page a helmet while operating a bicycle or micromobility device in motion is prohibited unless! Yell at me to be in the road ” are based on Texas Transportation Code gives the... You make it easier for everyone to share the road as cars 18 years old Updates | Site Index contact! Should Know, Austin imposes some requirements below are misdemeanors, except for Assault! Some individual cities in Texas between 2010 and 2016 and under are for! Two abreast ( side-by-side ) unless specifically allowed such as Austin, Texas personal injury attorneys discuss comparative.