Active Transportation

While helmets are encouraged for bicyclists and scooter riders, Arlington requires helmets for bicyclists and scooter riders under the age of 18. See the Traffic Ordinance(PDF, 55MB) for more information.

Riding a bike on sidewalks is not specifically prohibited in the City of Arlington. However, riding on a sidewalk can actually be more dangerous than riding in the street, as motorists typically are not expecting to see a bicyclist on the sidewalk. For more information, please watch this "Riding on the Sidewalk" video.

Scooters are allowed to be ridden on sidewalks within the operational area. All bike and scooter users must yield to pedestrians.

Please keep in mind, however, that Arlington does have some multi-use side paths (like along Northwest Green Oaks Blvd) which are specifically designed for both riding bicycles and walking.

Please submit an Ask Arlington Request.

On September 26, 2023, the Arlington City Council adopted Ordinance 23-057 amending the Streets and Sidewalks Chapter of the Code of Ordinances. This ordinance repealed the section prohibiting the use of motor-assisted scooters and added a new section allowing for their operation and other forms of micro mobility in the downtown area including the University of Texas at Arlington campus.

See Ordinance 23-057(PDF, 295KB) for more information.

Before a micro mobility operator can rent out devices in Arlington, they must secure a license agreement with the City of Arlington. City staff anticipates coordinating on vendor selection with the University of Texas at Arlington.

Personally owned electric bicycles can be operated in the same places a standard bicycle operates. Both are allowed citywide.

Motor-assisted scooters allowed in the designated area in Arlington are defined as self-propelled devices with at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation. All devices must have a braking system capable of stopping the device under typical operating conditions; a gas or electric motor forty (40) cubic centimeters or less; a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit while operating the device; and the ability to be propelled by human power alone.

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• May only operate within the designated Operational Area on:
  • Streets and highways for which posted speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.
  • On exclusive bicycle paths such as a bike lane, or
  • On Sidewalks.
• The speed limit is 15 mph unless otherwise indicated in a posted Slow-Ride Zone.
• Wear a helmet if you are under 18 years of age – we encourage wearing a helmet at any age!
• Yield to pedestrians.
• No passengers.
• Obey all traffic laws.
• Operating hours are 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
• When parking, don’t block sidewalks, entrances, ramps, railroad tracks, or loading zones.