What Are The Ohio Bicycle Laws?
Laws around riding a bicycle can vary greatly depending on what state you are in. So what are the laws around riding a bicycle in Ohio? Under Ohio law bicycles are categorized as “vehicles” so they must be operated lawfully on any roads. What does this mean specifically? Section 4511.55 of Ohio State Law states the following.- Any person riding a bicycle must stay as close to the right side of the road as possible.
- Any person on a bicycle must follow all normal traffic laws that apply to vehicles.
- Bicycles must not ride more than two abreast in a roadway unless it is a roadway specifically meant for bicycles.
- A person on a bicycle is not required to ride on the side of the road if it is unsafe to do so.
- Non-motorized bicycles can ride on the sidewalk if needed for safety, sidewalk riding is discouraged but not illegal.
- No bicycle can carry more people than it is designed for.
- A cyclist who is intoxicated riding on the street can be charged with a DUI, however, if they are riding on their own private property they will not be
Bicycle Safety Tips
The main way to keep safe while riding a bicycle is to observe all the laws, but there are some other steps you can take to keep yourself safe.Helmet Laws
State law in Ohio does not require one to wear a helmet while riding a non-motorized bicycle. However, different city ordinances may vary. Regardless, wearing a helmet is always the best choice when riding a bicycle.Hand Signals
When riding a bicycle you must use hand signals to indicate to other vehicles what direction you are going in. Cyclists must use their left arm and hand to make these signals.- If you are making a left turn, extend your arm and hand horizontally
- If you are making a right turn, extend your arm and hand upwards at the right angle.
- If you are going to stop or decrease speed dramatically, extend your arm and hand downwards at a right angle.
Other Tips
There are other ways to keep yourself safe while riding a bicycle.- Wear reflective clothing.
- Refrain from wearing headphones or any listening device that could be a distraction.
- Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Exercise extra caution on roads that are less familiar.
- Avoid riding at night.
What To Do If You Are In A Bicycle Accident
Unfortunately, even the safest and most educated cyclist could still be in a bicycle accident. There are factors outside of your control and part of being a safe cyclist is being prepared for the unknown. If you are in an accident follow these steps.- Seek medical care, even if you do not believe you are injured you could be in shock and injuries may not be apparent right away.
- If you can, get the full contact information of the individual you’ve been in an accident with.
- Take pictures of all the damage and injuries sustained.
- Get the contact information and accounts of any witnesses.
- Consider calling the police to file an official report.
- Document everything about the accident on paper.
- Contact one of our personal injury attorneys at Spivak and Sakellariou so we can protect your legal rights.