OHIO BICYCLE LAWS

OHIO BICYCLE LAWS
by Kenneth J. Knabe

Attorney at Law

Brown & Szaller Co., L.P.A.

14222 Madison Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio  44107

216/228-7200

 

Ohio Bicycle laws are mainly found in the State Code, called the Ohio Revised Code.  Pertinent sections are paraphrased and commented upon.

 

4511.12 Obeying Traffic Control Devices - Drivers of bicycles (“cyclists”) are obligated to obey all traffic control devices

Commentary: Thus, all cyclists must follow the same rules of the road a driver must follow

 

4511.52 Bicycles - Sections 4511.01 through 4511.78, Section 4511.99 and Section 4513.01 through 4513.37 of the revised code apply whenever a bicycle is operated on a highway or bike path. A bicycle operator who violates any section of the motor vehicle traffic or equipment law applicable to bicycles may be issued a ticket by a law enforcement officer. No points can be assessed against the bicycle operator’s driver’s license except in instances of operating under the influence.

Commentary: No points for bicycle tickets

 

4511.07 Local Traffic Regulations - Local authorities may regulate the operation of bicycles as long as such regulation is not inconsistent with the uniform rules of the road prescribed in Ohio law, e.g., local authorities may not prohibit the use of bicycles on any public street or highway. Local authorities may require registration and licensing, but licensing rules cannot be applied to non-residents. (See also 4511.711)

Commentary: Local Bicycle laws exist but cannot be inconsistent with the Ohio Revised Code

 

4511.711 Driving On a Sidewalk - Bicycles are the only vehicles allowed on sidewalks: local authorities may prohibit but not require bicycle riding on sidewalks. (See also 4511.07 and 4511.431.)

Commentary: Local laws can prohibit riding on the sidewalk and still be consistent with the Ohio Revised Code. A city cannot require bicyclists to ride only on  the sidewalk

 

4511.25 Lanes of Travel upon Roadways - A vehicle is to be driven on the right side of the roadway except when: 1) passing another vehicle going in the same direction, 2) making a left turn, 3) when an obstruction exists, 4) when driving on a roadway divided into three or more marked lanes for traffic, or 5) when driving on a roadway for one-way traffic. Slow moving vehicles must remain far enough right to allow others to pass if passing is safe and reasonable. Bicyclists may ride out of the curb lane when preparing for a left turn; when continuing straight when a right-turn-only lane is present; when the curb lane is blocked; and when overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction. Operators of slow moving vehicles are not required to compromise their safety in order to allow a faster vehicle to pass. See also 4511.55 below.

4511.29 Driving Left of Center in Passing - No vehicle shall drive to the left of the center of the roadway unless the left side of the roadway is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic.

4511.31 Hazardous Zones – Allows for the crossing of a double yellow line in instances when drivers are approaching a slower vehicle (bicycles, horse-drawn buggies, farm vehicles, etc.) proceeding at less than half of the posted speed, as long as the faster vehicle is capable of passing without exceeding the speed limit and as long as there is sufficient clear space in which to do so.

Commentary: A motorist can pass bicyclists left of center if sufficient space exists, the roadway is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic, the speed limit is not exceeded and the cyclists are riding at least one half below the posted speed

 

4511.39 Turning and Stop Signals - A driver must indicate his or her intention to turn, or move left or right, by signaling continuously at least one hundred feet prior to a turn. Bicycle riders must make a turn signal at least one time, but it need not be continuous. The bicyclist is not required to signal if the bicycle is in a designated turn lane, and a signal shall not be given when the operator’s hands are needed for the safe operation of the bicycle. A signal is required when bringing a vehicle to a stop or suddenly decreasing speed.

4511.55 Riding Bicycles - Every person operating a bicycle on a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, but may ride to the left of hazards, e.g., when fixed or moving objects are in the way; when there are surface hazards; when it is unsafe or otherwise impractical to do so – such as when the lane is too narrow for the bicycle and an overtaking vehicle to travel safely side by side; or when a slow moving vehicle is permitted to leave the curb lane, as described in 4511.25 above. Persons riding bicycles must obey all traffic rules applicable to vehicles, and exercise due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. Persons riding bicycles on a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast in a single lane, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for that purpose.

Commentary:  Cyclists can lawfully ride side by side on the road and do not have to be all the way to the right

 

4511.56 Signal Devices on Bicycles - A bicycle may be equipped with a bell, horn, or some device, other than a siren or whistle, audible within at least 100 feet distance. Every bicycle must be equipped with an adequate brake when used on a street or highway.

Every bicycle when in use one-half hour before sunrise or one-half hour before sunset, and in inclement weather, shall be equipped with the following:

Front lamp with a white light, steady or flashing, visible from at least 500 feet. The lamp may be mounted on either the bicycle or the helmet. Rear red reflector visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. Rear red light, steady or flashing, visible from at least 500 feet, in addition to the rear red reflector, unless the light can be seen as well as the reflector. Colorless front reflector mounted at the front. Tire sidewalls may be retro-reflective or colorless, or amber reflectors may be mounted on the front wheel spokes and colorless or red reflectors mounted on rear wheel spokes. Reflectors must be visible from 600 feet of a motorist’s headlamps.

Commentary:  Cyclists must have front and back lights when out in the dark, at sunset, or when it is raining or dark out

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