Sec. 758.002. BICYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM. (a) The department may establish and administer a statewide bicycle safety education program and may adopt rules to implement the program. The program must include instruction concerning:

(1) the safe handling and use of bicycles;

(2) high risk traffic situations;

(3) bicycle and traffic handling skills;

(4) on-bike training;

(5) correct use of bicycle helmets; and

(6) traffic laws and regulations.

(b) The department may issue a certificate or other evidence of completion to a person who has successfully completed a bicycle education course.

(c) Subject to the establishment of a bicycle education program by the department, a person born after December 31, 1985, who resides in a metropolitan statistical area as defined by the United States Office of Management and Budget may complete a bicycle education course approved by the department before operating a bicycle on a public roadway, public bicycle path, or other public right-of-way. The course may be completed before the person's 10th birthday.

(d) The department may charge a fee for the course not to exceed $15.

(e) The department may:

(1) determine the qualifications for an instructor in the bicycle education program;

(2) use volunteer instructors; and

(3) certify organizations to recruit and train instructors for the program.

(f) In administering this section, the department may contract with an educational institution, state agency, local government, or nonprofit organization interested in bicycle education.

(g) The department may accept gifts, grants, and donations to be used in administering this section.

Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 801, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1994. Renumbered from Health & Safety Code Sec. 757.002 by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 17.01(34), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.