Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety
As the state population continues to grow, so does the number of cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles utilizing Tennessee roadways. Crosswalks, paved roads, sidewalks and shoulders of roads have an increasing amount of traffic every year. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) strives to reduce serious injuries and fatal crashes by educating all roadway users about safe practices and Tennessee laws regarding bicycle and pedestrian safety.
In Tennessee, a bicycle has the legal status of a vehicle. This means bicyclists have full rights on the roadway and are subject to regulations governing the operation of a motor vehicle. Pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections and driveways. However, pedestrians must act responsibly, using pedestrian signals and sidewalks where they are available. See below to learn more about Tennessee law and the responsibilities of bicyclists and pedestrians.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where should I ride my bicycle in Tennessee?
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You can ride your bike on many paved paths and greenways across the state, or in the road. Bicycles in TN have a right to ride in the road, just like a car. Drivers of cars are required to give bicycle riders at least 3-feet of space when passing.
- Do drivers need to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks?
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Yes! Drivers in TN are required to yield to pedestrians who are in crosswalks. In addition drivers are required by law to exercise due to care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. Pedestrians should still always look both ways, and careful when walking along or across a road.
- Do I need to wear a helmet?
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In Tennessee, helmets are required for people riding bicycles under the age of 16. Over 16 they are not required, but we strongly recommend all bicycle riders wear helmets.
- Do I need lights on my bicycle?
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Yes, all bicycles in Tennessee need to be equipped with at least a front white light and a red rear reflector. A rear red light is even better!
- What should I do if I am in a crash with a car while riding a bicycle or walking?
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First, if anyone is injured call an ambulance. If there are no serious injuries be sure to still call the police to file a report. It's important for all crashes to be documented in case there are unsafe road conditions that need to be addressed. We also recommend that people collect the contact information and insurance for the driver, just like if you are in a car crash.
Tennessee Bicycle Laws
- Bicycles are Vehicles
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At night, all bicycles MUST have a steady white light in the front and a red reflector on the rear, both visible to 500’. TCA 55-8-177
- Bicycle Responsibilities
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Bike riders have the same RIGHTS and RESPONSIBILITIES as car and truck drivers EXCEPT as noted in TCA 55-8-171 through 55-8-177. Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Ride With Flow of Traffic
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Bicyclists MUST ride with the flow of traffic and as far to the right as safety allows, EXCEPT when turning, passing or to avoid hazards such as parked car doors and road debris. TCA 55-8-175 (a)(1)
- Vehicle Lights
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At night, all bicycles MUST have a steady white light in the front and a red reflector on the rear, both visible to 500’. TCA 55-8-177
- Due Care
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Motorists are required by law to exercise DUE CARE when in the presence of pedestrians and cyclists, whether they are on the roadway, sidewalks or bike paths. This includes caution when opening a car door. TCA 55-8-136
- Center of Traffic Lane
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Bicyclists MAY legally ride in the center of a traffic lane. TCA 55-8-175 (a)(1)(C)
Tennessee Pedestrian Laws
- Traffic-Control Signals
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At a green light, vehicles can go straight, turn right or left unless a sign prohibits either turn after yielding the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection or crosswalk. TCA 55-8-110
- Pedestrian-control Signals
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At a "Walk" signal, pedestrians facing the signal may cross in the direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-way by the drivers of all vehicles.
At a “Don't Walk” signal, pedestrians should not cross the roadway unless they have partially completed crossing when the “Don’t Walk” signal appears, then they should completely cross the roadway. TCA 55-8-111
- Pedestrian's Right-of-Way in Crosswalks
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In a crosswalk, cars shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping, to a pedestrian crossing within a crosswalk.
No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. TCA 55-8-134 - Crossing at Other Than Crosswalks
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Pedestrians crossing the road at any point other than a crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. Crossing at any other place besides a marked cross walk or an intersection is not allowed. TCA 55-8-135
- Pedestrians on Roadways
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It is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk or use a wheelchair along and upon a roadway when sidewalks are present.
Where sidewalks are not provided or are obstructed, pedestrians should walk only on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing traffic that may approach from the opposite direction. TCA 55-8-138 - Drivers to Exercise Due Care
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Drivers shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway, and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary, and shall exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any confused or incapacitated person upon a roadway. TCA 55-8-136
Safe Routes To School
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a federally-funded program focusing on the benefits of children walking and biking to school. Its programs aim to improve safety for children and the community and provide opportunities to increase physical activity. A model program integrates health, fitness, traffic relief, environmental awareness, and safety under one program. Bringing together a diverse group of people to identify issues and find ways to improve walking and biking conditions is the core of a successful SRTS program.
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Contact: Kim Van Atta
- THSO State Coordinator
- Kim.VanAtta@tn.gov
- 615.517.0372 (Direct)