Running, walking, and cycling: all great sources of exercise, community building, and good ‘ole fashion fun. But, as with anything, fun can take a dangerous turn seemingly at any moment. In order to keep yourself safe, as well as others in your community, take the time to read through the following laws in Tennessee that pertain to pedestrian and cyclist safety. Pedestrian Laws in Tennessee In Tennessee, there several statutes related to pedestrians and traffic safety. The relevant laws are outlined in Tennessee Code Annotated Title 55, Chapter 8, Part 1.
These statutes are designed to ensure the safe interaction between pedestrians and vehicles on Tennessee roadways. It is important for both pedestrians and drivers to understand and follow these laws to prevent accidents and promote safety. Here are some key statutes and the conduct that they mandate regarding both pedestrians and drivers: Crosswalks T.C.A. Section 55-8-134 provides that drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk. It also specifies that pedestrians are not allowed to suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. Additionally, Section 55-8-137 instructs that whenever practicable pedestrians shall move upon the right half of crosswalks. Crossings Outside of Crosswalks T.C.A. Section 55-8-135 provides that every pedestrian crossing outside a marked crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. It also specifies that at adjacent intersections where traffic-control signals are in operation, pedestrians cannot cross outside the area that is specifically marked as a crosswalk. Sidewalks and Roadways T.C.A. Section 55-8-138 specifies that pedestrians must use sidewalks if provided and accessible. It also specifies that if there is no sidewalk or if the sidewalk that is provided is obstructed, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing traffic that may approach from the opposite direction. A violation of this statute can result in a Class C misdemeanor. Standing Along a Roadway T.C.A. Section 55-8-139 provides that pedestrians are not allowed to stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride or employment, or conducting commercial activity. Nor shall any person loiter or conduct any commercial activity in, or in proximity to, the median of a state highway. A violation of this statute can result in a Class C misdemeanor. Duties of Drivers T.C.A. Section 55-8-136 provides that drivers of vehicles shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian upon any roadway, give warning by sounding the horn when necessary, and exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any confused or incapacitated person upon a roadway. A driver’s failure to do so can result in a Class C misdemeanor.
Cyclist Laws in Tennessee There are also several important statutes related specifically to cyclists in Tennessee that you should be aware of before going out for a bike ride. Title 55 of the Tennessee Code Annotated primarily in Chapter 8, Part 1 outlines rules and requirements for cyclists to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Like Tennessee’s pedestrian statutes, these statutes are intended to promote safe cycling practices and ensure that cyclists can share the road effectively with motor vehicles and pedestrians. It is important for cyclists to be familiar with these laws and for all road users to respect and follow them to enhance roadway safety. Here are the key statutes related to cyclists in Tennessee: Riding Bicycles in the Roadway and Bike Paths T.C.A. Section 55- 8-175 provides that cyclists must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, except when passing another vehicle or cyclist proceeding in the same direction, preparing to turn left, or the conditions make it unsafe to do so (e.g., road hazards, parked vehicles, etc.). It also specifies that when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, the operator of a motor vehicle must leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle until complete overtaking the bicycle. The distance maintained between the motor vehicle and bicycle throughout the entire overtaking should not be less than three feet. A violation of this statute can result in a Class C misdemeanor. Riding Two Abreast T.C.A. Section 55-8-175 also provides cyclists may ride two abreast on a roadway, but must not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. However, cyclists may ride more than two abreast on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Carrying Articles T.C.A. Section 55-8-176 provides that cyclists are not permitted to carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents them from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars. A violation of this statute can result in a Class C misdemeanor. Lighting Equipment on Bicycles T.C.A. Section 55-8-177 provides bicycles must be equipped with a lamp on the front and a lamp or reflector on the rear when used during nighttime. The lamp on the front must emit white light that is visible from at least five hundred feet. The lamp or reflector on the rear must emit red light that is visible from at least fifty to three hundred feet. Failing to do so can result in a Class C misdemeanor. Brakes on Bicycles T.C.A. Section 55-8-177 also provides that bicycles must be equipped with a brake or brakes which will enable its driver to stop the bicycle within twenty-five feet from a speed of ten miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement. Failing to do so can result in a Class C misdemeanor. Clinging to Vehicles T.C.A. Section 55-8-174 provides that no person riding upon any bicycle, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle shall attach the bicycle, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle, or that person’s own body, to any streetcar or vehicle upon a roadway. A violation of this statute can result in a Class C misdemeanor. Bicycle Helmets TCA Section 55- 52-105 provides that cyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle on any public roadway, public bicycle path, or other public right-of- way.
King Law is Here to Help As is the case with any legal action, things that may seem straightforward upon first glance can become very complicated before you know it. The last thing that anyone expects when getting out the door for a run or bike ride is to be involved in an accident. And while we you stay safe and never have to use out services, the experienced civil litigation attorneys at King Law understand our stress and are dedicated to supporting you through any challenging ordeal. Our attorneys are proud to serve their clients in North Carolina and South Carolina and help them achieve favorable outcomes for their cases. Our award-winning team has a proven track record of success and is committed to protecting your rights and delivering the best possible results. To learn more about how our legal experts can help you, give us a call at (888) 748-5464 (KING) or fill out our contact form today.