Bicycle Law Overview

Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles. And according to Ohio law, cyclists are permitted to "drive" on all roads except freeways and are subject to the same rules that apply to all drivers.
 
However, cyclists are not motorized vehicles, so a few additional Ohio laws apply to the car-bicycle road relationship:
 
A motorist must:
 
-Maintain a safety zone of approximately three feet between the car and the bicycle
-Pass a bicycle only when safe to do so
-Leave ample room when turning right after passing a bicyclist so the bicyclist is not cut off when the motorist slows for the turn.
 
Ohio laws for cyclists:
 
-Must ride on the right side of the road -- in the same direction as traffic. Drivers turning right do not expect a vehicle coming twoard them on (the oncoming cyclist's) left side of the road and may turn into the path of the cyclist.
-Cyclists may ride two abreast and in the center of the lane, although local governments can mandate single-file riding.
-Use lights at night
-Use hand signals before turning
 
Wearing a helmet is advised, although it is not required by law.
 
Commons sense dictates that bicyclist should obey the rules of the road. And, just like car drivers, it's dangerous to talk or text on a cell phone while driving.

Mary Dunbar

Joy Henderson, Vice President, Heights Bicycle Coalition, is an avid cyclist.

Read More on Opinion
Volume 1, Issue 8, Posted 8:06 AM, 07.02.2013