No matter what you’re driving, cyclists are also vehicles.

Bicycles should not be treated any differently from cars. This includes maneuvers like changing lanes in front of them, following too closely, or passing too closely. According to the TxDOT’s Texas bicycle laws and regulations FAQ, bikes have the same access rights as cars as long as their riders follow the rules of the road and the laws specific to cycling.

In the same way as motorists, cyclists who ride in the middle of the road are treated equally. Although bicyclists are required to ride “as near as feasible” to the right curb in Texas, this rule is subject to numerous exceptions. While traveling in the opposite direction of traffic, for instance, they can use the left curb. Click here to learn more about your legal rights.

Don’t worry about remembering these rare cases if you’re not a cyclist; instead, give your full attention to keeping everyone safe. Being “correct” about when a cyclist should or should not ride in the middle won’t gain you any points, but paying attention to their actions will.

Hand signals are the standard method for cyclists to communicate their intended routes. Either they put their left hand straight up in the air to indicate a right turn, or they use their right arm to indicate a left turn. The truth is that cyclists sometimes don’t follow these regulations (often because they prefer to keep both hands on the handlebars), but drivers can rest easy knowing that if they give bikers the same amount of space and caution as any other vehicle, they won’t be liable for any damages.

When you and a cyclist arrive at a crossroads at the same moment, who should go first? Very simply, use the same standard as you would for automobiles. Treat the biker as you would any other vehicle, and it should answer most of your concerns.

The TxDOT Handbook to Safe Biking states that moving to the center of the lane ” keeps motorists from passing until there is adequate space to pass.” Keep other people’s feelings in mind at all times. You should move into the lane if an automobile cannot safely pass you if the automobile cannot pass you safely. Avoid causing unnecessary stress to drivers if you can.

In a similar vein, you should behave like a vehicle if you expect other drivers to respect you as such.