1. A bicycle is a “vehicle”. Bikes don’t BLOCK traffic, they ARE traffic! http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4501.01(A) (K)
2. Riding your bike the way you drive your car: “Vehicular Cycling” http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.01 (A) (G)
3. Bikes are lawfully ridden on the roads (except for limited access roads/highways/freeways) http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.55
4. Bicycles cannot be confined to sidewalks http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.711 In fact, many local ordinances prohibit riding our bikes on sidewalks in the business district – familiarize yourself with your local bike ordinances! Yield to pedestrians on a sidewalk http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.441
5. Ride in the direction of traffic http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.25 (A) (C)
6. Stop at red lights http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.12 and stop signs http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.43
7. Ride to the right of the road unless it is unreasonable or unsafe due to potholes/debris or if lane is so narrow that a car cannot safely pass you http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.55 (A) (C)
8. Announce your intentions with these state-mandated hand signals http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.40
9. Equip your bike with state-mandated front white lights and red rear lights at night, in low visibility and when it’s raining. http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.56
10. Be aware that although a cyclist can be ticketed, no points can be assessed on your driver’s license — unless it’s a DUI situation! http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.52
Attorney & Cyclist Kenneth Knabe: Protecting Cleveland’s Cyclists through injury representation, sponsorships, publishing, lecturing and Vision Zero safety legislation. Knabe Law Firm Co., LPA: 14222 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107. Phone: 216-228-7200
