Tennessee

Tennessee – legislation passed in 2007 (2022 ranking: 19)

Summary: Tennessee has a passing law that defines the safe passing distance as “not less than three feet.”

For details, search with the following keywords: “Tennessee Code Title 55-8-175(c).”

From FindLaw.com:
https://codes.findlaw.com/tn/title-55-motor-and-other-vehicles/tn-code-sect-55-8-175.html

From Justia.com:

https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2021/title-55/chapter-8/part-1/section-55-8-175/

The League of American Bicyclists - Bicycle Friendly State Report Card:

https://bikeleague.org/sites/default/files/BFS_Report_Card_2022_Tennessee.pdf

Groups to check out:

Bike Walk Tennessee: https://www.bikewalktn.org/

Aerial picture of the spectacular Fall colors in Tennessee.

Texas

Texas – no specific legislation (2022 ranking: 32)

Summary: Texas does not have specific legislation regarding how much distance must be provided to a cyclist when being overtaken by a vehicle. Cyclists have to rely on vehicle passing laws that, for the most part, only requires a “safe operating distance” to be provided when passing. Despite the Lone Star state not having a statewide law, some cities are doing their own thing to protect cyclists. Groups like Bike Texas and Bike Laredo are doing some great work. In the city of Laredo, for example, “3 Feet” is the law. Check them out…

For details, search with the following keywords: “Texas Transportation Code Section 545.053.”

From FindLaw.com:
https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/transportation-code/transp-sect-545-053.html

The League of American Bicyclists - Bicycle Friendly State Report Card:

https://bikeleague.org/sites/default/files/BFS_Report_Card_2022_Texas.pdf

Groups to check out: