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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets are considered the most effective way to prevent head trauma and injuries from bicycle crashes. Although everyone operating a bicycle is recommended to wear a helmet, Texas has no mandatory statewide helmet law.

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of helmets, which reduce head injuries by 63 to 85 percent. Certain cities have passed laws requiring bicyclists to wear helmets while riding bikes for their protection. For example, Arlington, Austin, and Dallas require minors to wear helmets while bicycling.

Past Dallas laws required everyone riding a bicycle to wear a helmet. However, this law was modified to only minors in 2014. Other cities like Houston require children under the age of 14 to wear bicycle helmets while operating a bicycle. Speak to an experienced cycling collision attorney today to learn more about bicycle helmet laws in Texas.

The Responsibility to Follow the Law

Understanding the law in your city is essential to abide by the regulations if you are riding a bicycle within your city limits. Failure to comply with city laws can have consequences, including tickets and fines. Whether you reside in a city or not, riding a bicycle in a city requires you to understand the rules and regulations.

Public Vs. Private Property

While helmet laws vary by city in Texas, a person riding a bicycle within the confines of their home or personal property is not required by law to wear a helmet. This extends to situations where you may ride with a friend in their driveway or on their property. Texas laws regarding bicycle helmet safety refer to public areas and properties.

The Texas Legislature has made multiple attempts over the years to enact statewide laws requiring all people to wear helmets while operating bicycles, but it has yet to achieve this goal.

Practicing Bicycle Safety

While there is currently no mandatory Texas state law requiring the use of bicycle helmets, it is still highly recommended that people of all ages practice bicycle safety by wearing helmets to prevent head injuries.

Distracted driving and motorists neglecting to pay attention to cyclists on the road result in hundreds of injuries each year. Practicing bicycle safety ensures you have the proper protection in case of an accident. While you cannot control other drivers on the road, wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries and potentially save your life.

Speak to a Texas Attorney About Bicycle Helmet Laws Today

If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident, call our office today to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Our team of compassionate legal professionals could review your case and help collect evidence to pursue rightful compensation.