Tennessee Traffic Laws for Bicyclists

Bicycle riders are required to follow the state traffic laws. When they are on the road, operators and passengers have the same rights and duties as cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Drivers should anticipate, especially on roads with lower speed limits, that bike riders may enter their lanes or crossways.

As a practical matter, bicycle riders should refrain from entering roads where they can’t keep up with the speed of motorized vehicles. Bicycle riders who are struck by a car, motorcycle, or truck are likely to be killed or suffer catastrophic injuries.

Common requirements for bicyclists in Tennessee

Under the law, bicycles are considered two-wheel vehicles with pedals powered by human movement: TCA 55-52-103 – Bicycle Chapter Definitions. Tennessee has rules in place for how riders must behave while they are sharing the roads.

Bicycle operators:

• Can ride with the traffic flow. Like car drivers, bikers must ride in the right lane. They must obey all traffic signals and signs.
• Should communicate properly. Bicycle operators should indicate if they are turning left or right.
• Should have the correct lights. Bikes should also be equipped with a white light in the front for fog, rain, and the dark. The rear of the bicycle should have a red reflector. The visibility of these devices should be at least 500 feet.
• Must comply with child safety laws. Anyone on the bicycle under 16 must wear a helmet which is fastened securely. Children under 40 inches or less than 40 pounds should be placed in a child safety seat or a bicycle trailer: TCA 55-52-105 – Child Bicycle Safety Rules and Regulations.
• Should have regulation brakes. Brakes should allow a bicycle going ten miles an hour (on level dry ground) to stop within 25 feet.
• Should proceed carefully through intersections. Bicycle operators should anticipate that some traffic signals only work (change colors) when they detect a larger vehicle. If this situation arises, the bicycle operator should stop, check for traffic in all directions, and then proceed with caution.

Criminal bicycle operation violations

Bicycle operators can be charged with the following Class C misdemeanors:

• Handlebar violations. Bicycle riders should always be able to have at least one hand on the handlebars. It is a misdemeanor to carry packages, food, or other articles that prevent the operator from following the one-hand requirement.
• Intended usage. Bikes should only carry the number of passengers intended for its design. The seat should be attached. Bicycle operators shouldn’t allow anyone on a skateboard, skates, a sled or other device to attach themselves to the bicycle while the bike is in motion.

Parents may be liable if they allow a child under 12 years-of-age to violate the helmet, weight, or height requirements. Any person or company that leases or rents the bicycle should make sure that a rider under 16 has a quality helmet and that it’s clear the young person will wear it.

Why you should know about the criminal penalties

Criminal court and civil court are two different things – so why do you need to know what the misdemeanor charges are? Because parents and lessors can be civilly liable for failing to comply with these requirements. If your child gets hurt, and he or she wasn’t following the laws, then it could potentially affect the outcome of your case. Generally, the violations themselves cannot be used in a negligence case. However, the failure to use standard care usually can be introduced at trial.

At the Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, our Gladiators in Suits hold drivers liable when they injure or kill a bicycle operator or passenger. Our Nashville bike accident lawyers are respected for our track record of fighting for deserving outcomes for our clients. We help injury victims in Nashville, Hendersonville, Clarksville, and throughout Tennessee. To speak with an experienced trial lawyer, please call us at 615-425-2500 or use our contact form to schedule an appointment.