Join the San Antonio Municipal Court in spreading awareness about the importance of bicycle safety in our community.
By understanding and obeying local and state laws, we can enhance the safety of interactions between cyclists and motorists on our roads.
City of San Antonio Ordinances
- Bike Light Ordinance
- Mandates that bicycles have a front white light and a rear red reflector or light.
- Safe Passing Ordinance
- A safe passing distance is defined as 3 feet for cars and 6 feet for commercial or large trucks when road conditions allow.
- City Ordinance Sec. 19-286
- Bicycles are not permitted on sidewalks.
NOTE: Violators can face fines of up to $200.
Bike Laws
Bicyclists must:
- adhere to traffic signals and signs.
- maintain at least one hand on the handlebar while operating the bicycle.
- ride as near as practical to the right curb or edge of the roadway when going slower than traffic.
- be in a single lane when riding side by side on a striped roadway.
Bicyclists must not:
- carry more persons than the bicycle is designed or equipped to carry.
- ride against traffic.
Bicyclists may:
- ride side by side, ensuring it doesn't impede traffic flow.
- ride near the left curb edge (if practical) on a one-way roadway with multiple lanes.
Electronic Bikes
Electronic bikes must:
- have operators that are at least 16 years of age, unless riding with a parent.
- be equipped with a working horn or bell, a front headlight and rear reflector if riding after dark.
- be limited to a maximum speed of 20 mph on level ground.
Tips for Drivers and Bicyclists
- Stay alert.
- Never drive or ride distracted or impaired.
- Slow down.
- Always wear a helmet when biking.
- When more people ride bikes together, drivers are more cautious.
- Use reflectors and lights on your bike and wear retroreflective and bright clothing.