Cleveland, Ohio – City Ordinances
CHAPTER 473 – BICYCLES, MOTORCYCLES, MOBILITY DEVICES
- 473.01 Code Application to Bicycles and Mobility Devices
(a) The provisions of this Traffic Code that are applicable to bicycles and mobility devices apply whenever a bicycle or mobility device is operated upon any highway or upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or mobility devices.
(b) The provisions of this Traffic Code shall apply to bicycles and mobility devices, and any person operating a bicycle or mobility device on a street shall comply with all operational rules and traffic control devices applicable to vehicular traffic, whenever possible.
(c) Except as provided in division (e) of this section, a bicycle or mobility device operator who violates any provision of this Traffic Code described in division (a) of this section that is applicable to bicycles and mobility devices may be issued a ticket, citation, or summons by a law enforcement officer for the violation in the same manner as the operator of a motor vehicle would be cited for the same violation. A person who commits any such violation while operating a bicycle or mobility device shall not have any points assessed against the person’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, or probationary license under RC 4510.036.
(d) Except as provided in division (e) of this section, in the case of a violation of any provision of this Traffic Code described in division (a) of this section by a bicycle operator, a mobility device operator, or by a motor vehicle operator when the trier of fact finds that the violation by the motor vehicle operator endangered the lives of bicycle riders or mobility device operators at the time of the violation, the court, notwithstanding any provision of this Traffic Code or the Revised Code to the contrary, may require the bicycle operator, mobility device operator or motor vehicle operator to take and successfully complete a bicycling or mobility device skills course approved by the court in addition to or in lieu of any penalty otherwise prescribed by this Traffic Code or the Revised Code for that violation.
(e) Divisions (c) and (d) of this section do not apply to violations of RC 4511.19 or Chapter 433.
(Ord. No. 464-2019. Passed 6-3-19, eff. 7-5-19; Am. Ord. No. 396-2020. Passed 6-3-20, eff. 6-9-20)
Statutory reference:
Similar State law, see RC 4511.52
- 473.02 Operation of Bicycles, Motorcycles, Mobility Devices, and Snowmobiles
(a) For purposes of this section, “snowmobile” has the same meaning as given that term in RC 4519.01.
(b) (1) No person operating a bicycle, mobility device, or motorcycle shall ride other than upon or astride the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, or carry any other person upon such bicycle, mobility device, or motorcycle other than upon a separate firmly attached and regular seat thereon, and no person shall ride upon a bicycle, mobility device, or motorcycle other than upon such a firmly attached and regular seat.
(2) A person operating a mobility device without a permanent and regular seat attached thereto shall not ride other than standing upon the footboard.
(3) No person shall ride upon a motorcycle that is equipped with a saddle other than while sitting astride the saddle, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
(4) No person operating a bicycle or a mobility device shall carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents the driver from keeping at least one (1) hand upon the handlebars.
(5) No person operating an e-scooter should do so on any streets if the posted speed limit is over thirty-five (35) mph unless in a dedicated bike lane or shared use path.
(6) No person operating an e-scooter shall exceed a speed at greater than fifteen (15) miles per hour.
(7) No bicycle, mobility device or motorcycle shall be used to carry more persons than the number for which it is designed and equipped. No motorcycle shall be operated on a street or highway when the handlebars rise higher than the shoulders of the operator when the operator is seated in the operator’s seat or saddle.
(c) (1) Except as provided in division (c)(2) of this section, no person shall operate or be a passenger on a snowmobile or motorcycle without using safety glasses or other protective eye device. Except as provided in division (c)(2) of this section, no person who is under the age of eighteen (18) years, or who holds a motorcycle operator’s endorsement or license bearing a “novice” designation that is currently in effect as provided in RC 4507.13, shall operate a motorcycle on a highway, or be a passenger on a motorcycle, unless wearing a United States Department of Transportation-approved protective helmet on the person’s head, and no other person shall be a passenger on a motorcycle operated by such a person unless similarly wearing a protective helmet. The helmet, safety glasses, or other protective eye device shall conform with rules adopted by the Director of Public Safety. The provisions of this paragraph or a violation thereof shall not be used in the trial of any civil action.
(2) Division (c)(1) of this section does not apply to a person operating an autocycle or cab-enclosed motorcycle when the occupant compartment top is in place enclosing the occupants.
(3) A. No person shall operate a motorcycle with a valid temporary instruction permit and temporary instruction permit identification card issued by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles pursuant to RC 4507.05 unless the person, at the time of such operation, is wearing on the person’s head a protective helmet that has been approved by the United States Department of Transportation that conforms with rules adopted by the Director.
- No person shall operate a motorcycle with a valid temporary instruction permit and temporary instruction permit identification card issued by the Registrar pursuant to RC 4507.05 in any of the following circumstances:
- At any time when lighted lights are required by RC 4513.03(A)(1);
- While carrying a passenger;
- On any limited access highway or heavily congested roadway.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the carrying of a child in a seat or trailer that is designed for carrying children and is firmly attached to the bicycle.
(e) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates division (b) or (c)(1) or (c)(3) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one (1) predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates division (b) or (c)(1) or (c)(3) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two (2) or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates division (b) or (c)(1) or (c)(3) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(Ord. No. 396-2020. Passed 6-3-20, eff. 6-9-20
Statutory reference:
Similar State law, see RC 4511.53
- 473.03 Prohibition Against Attaching to Vehicles
(a) No person riding upon any bicycle, mobility device, coaster, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle shall attach the same or self to any streetcar, trackless trolley, or vehicle upon a roadway.
(b) No operator shall knowingly permit any person riding upon any bicycle, mobility device, coaster, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle to attach the same or self to any streetcar, trackless trolley, or vehicle while it is moving upon a roadway.
(c) This section does not apply to towing a disabled vehicle.
(Ord. No. 464-2019. Passed 6-3-19, eff. 7-5-19; Am. Ord. No. 396-2020. Passed 6-3-20, eff. 6-9-20)
Statutory reference:
Similar State law, see RC 4511.54
- 473.05 Bicycle and Mobility Device Signal Device, Lights, Reflector, and Brakes
(a) Every bicycle or mobility device when in use at the times specified in Section 437.02, shall be equipped with the following:
(1) A lamp mounted on the front of either the bicycle, mobility device, or the operator that shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred (500) feet to the front and three hundred (300) feet to the sides. A generator-powered lamp that emits light only when the bicycle or mobility device is moving may be used to meet this requirement.
(2) A red reflector on the rear that shall be visible from all distances from one hundred (100) feet to six hundred (600) feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle;
(3) A lamp emitting either flashing or steady red light visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the rear shall be used in addition to the red reflector. If the red lamp performs as a reflector in that it is visible as specified in division (a)(2) of this section, the red lamp may serve as the reflector and a separate reflector is not required.
(b) Additional lamps and reflectors may be used in addition to those required under division (a) of this section, except that red lamps and red reflectors shall not be used on the front of the bicycle or mobility device and white lamps and white reflectors shall not be used on the rear of the bicycle or mobility device.
(c) A bicycle or mobility device may be equipped with a device capable of giving an audible signal, except that a bicycle or mobility device shall not be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a bicycle or mobility device any siren or whistle.
(d) Every bicycle or mobility device shall be equipped with an adequate brake when used on a street or highway.
(Ord. No. 464-2019. Passed 6-3-19, eff. 7-5-19; Am. Ord. No. 396-2020. Passed 6-3-20, eff. 6-9-20)
Statutory reference:
Similar State law, see RC 4511.56
- 473.07 Operating Bicycles, Mobility Devices, and Motorcycles on Roadway
(a) Every person operating a bicycle or mobility device upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway where practicable obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles and exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
(b) Persons riding bicycles mobility devices or motorcycles upon a roadway shall ride not more than two (2) abreast in a single lane, except on shared-use paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, mobility devices or motorcycles.
(c) This section does not require a person operating a bicycle or mobility device to ride at the edge of the roadway when it is unreasonable or unsafe to do so. Conditions that may require riding away from the edge of the roadway include when necessary to avoid fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, surface hazards, or if it otherwise is unsafe or impracticable to do so, including if the lane is too narrow for the bicycle or mobility device and an overtaking vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
(Ord. No. 396-2020. Passed 6-3-20, eff. 6-9-20)
Statutory reference:
Similar State law, see RC 4511.55
- 473.08 Reckless Operation; Control, Course, and Speed
No person shall operate a bicycle or mobility device:
(a) Without due regard for the safety and rights of pedestrians and drivers and occupants of all other vehicles, and so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person while in the lawful use of the streets or sidewalks or any other public or private property;
(b) Without exercising reasonable and ordinary control over such bicycle or mobility device;
(c) In a weaving or zigzag course unless such irregular course is necessary for safe operation in compliance with law;
(d) Without both hands upon the handle grips except when necessary to give the required hand and arm signals, or as provided in Section 473.02(d);
(e) At a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing;
(f) Without complying with the instructions of any traffic control device applicable to vehicles unless otherwise directed by a police officer;
(g) Without giving the hand and arm signals as provided in Section 431.15 when turning or altering course.
(Ord. No. 464-2019. Passed 6-3-19, eff. 7-5-19; Am. Ord. No. 396-2020. Passed 6-3-20, eff. 6-9-20)
- 473.09 Riding on Sidewalks
(a) No person shall ride a bicycle, mobility device, skateboard or roller skates upon a sidewalk within a business district.
(b) No person shall ride a bicycle, mobility device, skateboard or roller-skates upon a sidewalk within the City or paved area within a public park owned by the City when the Chief of Police or Traffic Control Commissioner has prohibited the riding of a bicycle, mobility device, skateboard or roller-skates thereon and, with the consent of the member or members of Council in whose ward(s) the sidewalk or paved area within a public park is located has erected signs on or along such sidewalks or paved areas setting forth such prohibition.
(c) Whenever a person is riding a bicycle, mobility device, skateboard or roller skates upon a sidewalk within the City or paved area within a public park owned by the City, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and give an audible signal before attempting to overtake and pass such pedestrian.
(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(e) This section shall not apply to the Cleveland Divisions of Police, Emergency Medical Services, and Fire personnel, nor to any private safety/security personnel, when personnel are acting within the scope of their official duties while riding a bicycle or mobility device.
(Ord. No. 396-2020. Passed 6-3-20, eff. 6-9-20)
- 473.10 Parking of Bicycle or Mobility Device
(a) No person shall park a bicycle or mobility device on a sidewalk in such a manner so as to unduly interfere with pedestrian flow. This includes ADA ramps, areas departing to and from buildings and at transit stops.
(b) No person shall park a bicycle or mobility device on a sidewalk in such a manner as to block crosswalks, curb ramps, transit stops, fire escapes, fire hydrants, loading zones, disability parking, street furniture, building entryways, private property, railroad crossings, or vehicular driveways.
(c) No person shall park a bicycle or mobility device upon any street including parking spots and loading zones so as to unduly interfere with vehicular traffic.
(d) All bicycles and mobility devices must be parked in an upright position.
(e) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(Ord. No. 464-2019. Passed 6-3-19, eff. 7-5-19; Am. Ord. No. 396-2020. Passed 6-3-20, eff. 6-9-20)
- 473.13 Bicycle Rental Agencies
No rental agency shall rent or offer any bicycle for rent unless the bicycle is licensed and a license plate is attached thereto as provided herein, and such bicycle is equipped with the lights and other equipment required in this chapter.
(Ord. No. 1684-76. Passed 6-29-76, eff. 7-6-76)
- 473.14 Motorized Bicycle Operation, Equipment, and License
(a) No person shall operate a motorized bicycle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking, unless all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The person is fourteen (14) or fifteen (15) years of age and holds a valid probationary motorized bicycle license issued after the person has passed the test provided for in this section, or the person is sixteen (16) years of age or older and holds either a valid commercial driver’s license issued under RC Chapter 4506 or a driver’s license issued under RC Chapter 4507 or a valid motorized bicycle license issued after the person has passed the test provided for in this section, except that if a person is sixteen (16) years of age, has a valid probationary motorized bicycle license and desires a motorized bicycle license, the person is not required to comply with the testing requirements provided for in this section;
(2) The motorized bicycle is equipped in accordance with the rules adopted under division (b) of this section and is in proper working order;
(3) The person, if under eighteen (18) years of age, is wearing a protective helmet on the person’s head with the chin strap properly fastened and the motorized bicycle is equipped with a rearview mirror.
(4) The person operates the motorized bicycle when practicable within three (3) feet of the right edge of the roadway obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles.
(b) The Ohio Director of Public Safety, subject to RC Chapter 119, shall adopt and promulgate rules concerning protective helmets, the equipment of motorized bicycles, and the testing and qualifications of persons who do not hold a valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license. The test shall be as near as practicable to the examination required for a motorcycle operator’s endorsement under RC 4507.11. The test shall also require the operator to give an actual demonstration of the operator’s ability to operate and control a motorized bicycle by driving one (1) under the supervision of an examining officer.
(c) Every motorized bicycle license expires on the birthday of the applicant in the fourth year after the date it is issued, but in no event shall any motorized bicycle license be issued for a period longer than four (4) years.
(d) No person operating a motorized bicycle shall carry another person upon the motorized bicycle.
(e) The protective helmet and rearview mirror required by division (a)(3) of this section shall, on and after January 1, 1985, conform with rules adopted by the Director under division (b) of this section.
(f) Each probationary motorized bicycle license or motorized bicycle license shall be laminated with a transparent plastic material.
(g) Whoever violates division (a), (d) or (e) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(RC 4511.521; Ord. No. 658-17. Passed 10-16-17, eff. 10-20-17)
