Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

In the state of Texas, local authorities continue to chip away the legal rights of bicyclists.

Two weeks ago we featured the story of Reed "ChipSeal" Bates, who was convicted of "reckless driving" for exercising his legal right to ride in a travel lane in Ennis, Texas. Now, the town of Bartonville has passed a law requiring groups of ten or more cyclists to obtain a permit under city race and rally requirements.

According to Network blog Austin on Two Wheels, the Bartonville story highlights the frustrating pace of progress for cyclists in Texas, despite a number of victories in Austin.

bike_bus.jpgIn Bartonville, Texas, you'd need a permit for a bike bus. Photo of Bike to School Day in SF: Bike NOPA

Imagine you and eight of your friends are riding to Barton Springs for aswim or downtown for some music and you run into another friend on theway. Your little social trip (potentially taking 10 cars off the roadby the way) would quickly turn into an act of civil disobedience inBartonville.

I’m all for non-violent protest, but a Saturday morningtraining ride or a ride to the swimming hole shouldn’t be a crime. Irealize most people think of speech when they think of the 1stAmendment, but free assembly is part of these rights as well. TheFounders said nothing about the right to free assembly being limited tothe drivers of automobiles.

Austin on Two Wheels points readers to Bike Texas, which is collecting signatures to stop bike bans across the state.

Also on the Network, the Tulsa Transportation Examiner looks at a similar story in Santa Clara, California, where the city has moved to require a permit for groups of 50 or more using county roadways; M-Bike advocates for roll-on bike service on the state’s trains; and Broken Sidewalk looks at a St. Louis program using repurposed parking meters to collect money for the homeless. 

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Report: Efforts to Speed Up Bus Speeds Have Stalled … Like Bus Speeds

City buses move slower than ever after Mayor Adams reneged on his commitment to build more bus lanes, according to a new analysis.

February 7, 2025

Paradigm Shift: MTA Boss Says State Should Pony Up More For Capital Plans

"Every time the MTA capital program comes up, we treat it like, 'Oh my god, they need a bailout,'" the MTA CEO said, pointing out the absurdity.

February 7, 2025

Who is Trump’s FTA Pick Marc Molinaro — And Will He Kill Congestion Pricing?

If confirmed, Trump FTA pick Marc Molinaro can do a lot to gum up funding for mass transit across the country. Here's a look at his record.

February 7, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: It Never Ends Edition

A great Hell Gate story about fake placards is our top story. Plus other news in our digest.

February 7, 2025
See all posts