Safety
What is the proper ettiquette on pathways?
The Woodlands Township has published guidelines for cyclist riding on the pathways. The guidelines include:
Give audible warnings when passing pathway users.
Ride at a safe speed.
Helmets are recommended.
Be predictable! Ride straight ahead.
Is it safe to ride on road shoulders?
It’s complicated. One major issue is jutting curbs.
Curbs jutting out into the shoulder are one of the more common hazards facing people who bike on roadway shoulders.
Bike The Woodlands Coalition surveyed over 31 miles of roadways shoulders and documented hazards in 2015. For more details, see our roadway shoulder maps.
Should I wear a helmet?
A helmet is highly recommended for all ages.
There are no local, state, or federal laws that would require a helmet to be used in The Woodlands, but many other cities and states have laws requiring helmets, including Houston.
When wearing a helmet, ensure you have a proper fit!
What are the Texas Bicycle Laws?
Sources: Bike Texas, State of Texas Transportation Code Chapter 551
Here are the highlights*:
Cyclists must stop at stop signs and red lights
Ride near the curb with the flow of traffic
Signal turns with your arms (examples)
When riding at night, you must have a white front light and red rear light
Ensure your brakes are strong enough to cause your tires to skid
Always keep at least one hand on the handlebar and only one rider per saddle
*Full details are available in the sources listed.
Can motorists and bicyclists safely share the road?
Yes, but it requires education for everyone!
Motorists
Learn the best and safest ways to share the road with bicycles through these educational videos. Developed by the Houston Police Department and BikeHouston, the videos address: how to avoid common crashes; what is legal and what isn’t for motorists and bicyclists; how to navigate bicycle-related infrastructure, and more.
Bicyclists
Gain the knowledge and confidence to ride safely and in a commendable manner through this cycling safety online course. Developed by the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) and American Bicycling Education Association, this course will give you the ability to use a bicycle with confidence and competence under various roadway, climate, and traffic conditions.
