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Texas driving lesson · Special Driving Situations

Sharing the road with bicycles & light rail

A 3-minute lesson from the Texas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Special Driving Situations
Checkpoint questions
5
Source pages
59, 60

A bicycle is a vehicle, and its rider has the same rights and responsibilities as any driver. Light rail trains run on city streets, quietly, and can't stop quickly. Both require you to look carefully and never assume.

Know the rule

Bicyclists are not restricted to the right lane. On one-way multi-lane streets, or when changing lanes to turn left, they follow the same path any other vehicle would.

Handbook p. 59 ↗

Know the rule

Preparing for a right turn, merge with bicycle traffic; avoid turning directly across a cyclist's path.

Handbook p. 59 ↗

Cyclists must ride far right only when the lane can be safely shared side-by-side. They may take the full lane when:

  • Passing another vehicle going the same direction
  • Preparing for a left turn at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway
  • Avoiding unsafe conditions: objects, vehicles, pedestrians, animals, potholes or debris
  • The lane is too narrow for a car and bicycle to share safely (single file or two abreast)
Handbook p. 59 ↗

Most common motorist-caused car-bicycle crashes

  • A motorist turns left in front of oncoming bicycle traffic (often overlooked or speed misjudged)
  • A motorist turns right across the bicycle's path
  • A motorist pulls away from a stop sign without yielding to bicycle cross traffic
Handbook p. 59 ↗

Know the rule

At intersections, right-of-way rules apply equally to motor vehicles and bicycles.

Handbook p. 60 ↗

Light rail safety

Light rail safety
ActionWhat to do
StopNever drive, stop or park on the tracks (illegal)
StopDon't walk in front of, between, or behind a train
LookCross only at designated crossings; look both ways
LookObey all signs, lights, signals and gates
ListenLight rail is quieter than buses and most cars
ListenListen for train horns and signal bells
Don'tNever race a train or drive around crossing gate arms
Handbook p. 59 ↗

Know the rule

Trains can't start or stop quickly, and they travel in both directions. Always follow a law enforcement officer's instructions; officers will ticket violators.

Handbook p. 59 ↗

Put it into practice

You're turning right and a cyclist is riding along the right edge just ahead. Don't pass and cut across in front of them. Slow down, merge in behind the cyclist, and make your turn from behind.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

Under Texas law, how is a bicycle classified?
  1. As a pedestrian device
  2. As a motor vehicle that needs a license
  3. As a vehicle, with a driver's rights and duties
  4. As a recreational device

Answer: As a vehicle, with a driver's rights and duties

A bicycle is a vehicle, and cyclists share the rights and responsibilities of drivers.

Handbook p. 59 ↗
When preparing to turn right and bicycle traffic is present, what should a motorist do?
  1. Merge with the bicycle traffic before turning
  2. Cross directly in front of the bicyclist to turn quickly
  3. Wait until the bicyclist has fully stopped
  4. Pass the bicycle, then turn in front of it

Answer: Merge with the bicycle traffic before turning

Motorists should merge with bicycle traffic before making a right turn, avoiding a direct cross.

Handbook p. 59 ↗
Is it legal to drive or park on light rail tracks?
  1. Yes, briefly if no train is visible
  2. No, it's dangerous and illegal
  3. Yes, if hazard lights are used
  4. Yes, to wait for a turn

Answer: No, it's dangerous and illegal

Driving, stopping, or parking on light rail tracks is dangerous and illegal.

Handbook p. 59 ↗
What is one of the most common motorist-caused car-bicycle crash scenarios?
  1. A bicyclist running a stop sign at high speed
  2. A motorist turning left in front of a cyclist
  3. A bicyclist passing a car on the right shoulder
  4. A motorist reversing out of a garage

Answer: A motorist turning left in front of a cyclist

Left turns in front of oncoming cyclists are a leading cause of car-bicycle crashes.

Handbook p. 59 ↗
Light rail can be quieter than most buses and cars, so you may not hear it coming.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Light rail is noted as quieter than most buses and cars, requiring extra alertness.

Handbook p. 59 ↗
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