Highly qualified Super Lawyer & Experienced Cyclist Kenneth Knabe – Protecting Cyclists in Greater Cleveland through injury representation, sponsorships, education and Vision Zero safety legislation. 14222 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107. Phone: 216 228 7200; ken@KLFOhio.com; www.KLFOhio.com. Attorney Knabe is a fellow cyclist, local bike club member and supporter, personal injury trial lawyer and corporate sponsor and co-author of the “Bikes and the Law” section for Bikecleveland.org and proud member of Bike Euclid.
As a fellow cyclist, it is important to know the “rules of the road.” Knowledge of your local bike laws empowers you to ride safer!
CHAPTER 371
Bicycles and Motorcycles Generally
371.01 Code application to bicycles.
371.02 Riding upon seats; carrying packages; motorcycle handle bars; helmets and glasses.
371.03 Attaching bicycles, motorcycles to other vehicles.
371.04 Riding on right side of roadway; riding abreast.
371.05 Lights, signal devices, brakes on bicycles.
337.02 Lighted Lights; Measurement of Distances and Heights
371.06 Riding bicycles upon sidewalks.
371.07 Riding bicycles on controlled-access highways, expressways, etc.
371.08 Safe riding regulations for bicycles.
371.09 Parking; locks.
371.10 Registration of bicycles required; reciprocal agreements.
371.11 Registration application and fee.
371.12 Registration tags and cards; transfer of ownership.
371.13 Purchase and sale of secondhand bicycles.
371.14 Destruction or mutilation of frame numbers, tags, seals or cards.
371.15 Parent’s responsibility.
371.16 Suspension of riding privileges; impounding of bicycles.
371.17 Helmets.
371.01 CODE APPLICATION TO BICYCLES.
(a) The provisions of this Traffic Code which are applicable to bicycles apply whenever a bicycle is operated upon any street or upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
(ORC 4511.52)
(b) Except as provided in division (d) of this section, a bicycle operator who violates any section of the Traffic Code described in division (a) of this section that is applicable to bicycles 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 shall not have any points assessed against the person’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit, or probationary license under Ohio R.C. 4510.036.
(c) Except as provided in division (d) of this section, in the case of a violation of any section of the Traffic Code described in division (a) of this section by a bicycle 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 at the time of the violation, the court, notwithstanding any provision of the Traffic Code to the contrary, may require the bicycle operator or motor vehicle operator to take and successfully complete a bicycling skills course approved by the court in addition to or in lieu of any penalty otherwise prescribed by the Traffic Code for that violation.
(d) Divisions (b) and (c) of this section do not apply to violations of Section 333.01.
(e) Every person operating a bicycle shall obey the instructions of official traffic control devices and signals applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
(Ord. 81-2016. Passed 6-20-16.)
Penalty – see Sections 307.01, 307.02 and 371.16
371.02 RIDING UPON SEATS; CARRYING PACKAGES; MOTORCYCLE HANDLE BARS; HELMETS AND GLASSES.
(a) For purposes of this section, “snowmobile” has the same meaning as given that term in Ohio R.C. 4519.01.
(b) A person operating a bicycle or motorcycle shall not ride other than upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto, nor carry any other person upon such bicycle or motorcycle other than upon a firmly attached and regular seat thereon, nor shall any person ride upon a bicycle or motorcycle other than upon such a firmly attached and regular seat.
(c) A person shall ride upon a motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
(d) No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents the driver from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.
(e) No bicycle or motorcycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped, nor shall any motorcycle be operated on a highway when the handlebars or grips are more than 15 inches higher than the seat or saddle for the operator.
(f) No person shall operate or be a passenger on a snowmobile or motorcycle without using safety glasses or other protective eye device. No person who is under the age of 18 years, or who holds a motorcycle operator’s endorsement or license bearing a “NOVICE” designation that is currently in effect as provided in Ohio R.C. 4507.13, shall operate a motorcycle on a highway, or be a passenger on a motorcycle, unless wearing a protective helmet on his or her 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 regulations prescribed and promulgated by the Director of Public Safety. The provisions of this division or a violation thereof shall not be used in the trial of any civil action.
(ORC 4511.53)
371.03 ATTACHING BICYCLES, MOTORCYCLES TO OTHER VEHICLES.
(a) No person riding upon any motorcycle, bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself or herself to any vehicle upon a roadway.
(b) No operator shall knowingly permit any person riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle to attach the same or himself or herself to any vehicle while it is moving upon a roadway.
(c) This section does not apply to towing a disabled vehicle.
(ORC 4511.54)
Penalty – see Sections 307.01, 307.02 and 371.16
371.04 RIDING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY; RIDING ABREAST.
(a) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as 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 or motorcycles upon a roadway shall ride not more than two abreast in a single lane, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or motorcycles.
(ORC 4511.55)
(c) This section does not require a person operating a bicycle 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 and an overtaking vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
(Ord. 81-2016. Passed 6-20-16.)
Penalty – see Sections 307.01, 307.02 and 371.16
371.05 LIGHTS, SIGNAL DEVICES, BRAKES ON BICYCLES.
(a) Every bicycle when in use at the times specified in Ohio R.C. 4513.03 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance shall be equipped with the following:
(1) A lamp on the front that shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and 300 feet to the sides. A generator-powered lamp that emits light only when the bicycle is moving may be used to meet this requirement.
(Ord. 81-2016. Passed 6-20-16.)
(2) A red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the Director of Public Safety that shall be visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle.
(3) A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear shall be used in addition to the red reflector.
(4) An essentially colorless reflector on the front of a type approved by the Director.
(5) Either with tires with retroreflective sidewalls or with an essentially colorless or amber reflector mounted on the spokes of the front wheel and an essentially colorless or red reflector mounted on the spokes of the rear wheel. Each reflector shall be visible on each side of the wheel from a distance of 600 feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. Retroreflective tires or reflectors shall be of a type approved by the Director.
(b) No person shall operate a bicycle unless it is equipped with a bell or other device capable of giving a signal audible for a distance of at least 100 feet, except that a bicycle shall not be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a bicycle any siren or whistle.
(c) Every bicycle shall be equipped with an adequate brake when used on a street or highway.
(ORC 4511.56)
Penalty – see Sections 307.01, 307.02 and 371.16
337.02 LIGHTED LIGHTS; MEASUREMENT OF DISTANCES AND HEIGHTS.
(a) Every vehicle, other than a motorized bicycle, operated upon a street or highway within this state shall display lighted lights and illuminating devices as required by Ohio R.C. 4513.04 to 4513.37 during all of the following times:
(1) The time from sunset to sunrise;
(2) At any other time when, due to insufficient natural light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons, vehicles, and substantial objects on the highway are not discernible at a distance of 1,000 feet ahead;
(3) At any time when the windshield wipers of the vehicle are in use because of precipitation on the windshield.
Every motorized bicycle shall display at such times lighted lights meeting the rules adopted by the director of public safety under Ohio R.C. 4511.521 or similar Euclid Codified Ordinance. No motor vehicle, during any time specified in this section, shall be operated upon a street or highway within this state using only parking lights as illumination.
(b) Whenever in this chapter a requirement is declared as to the distance from which certain lamps and devices shall render objects visible, or within which such lamps or devices shall be visible, this distance shall be measured upon a straight level unlighted highway under normal atmospheric conditions unless a different condition is expressly stated.
(c) Whenever in this chapter a requirement is declared as to the mounted height of lights or devices, it shall mean from the center of such light or device to the level ground upon which the vehicle stands.
(Ord. 202-2009. Passed 11-16-09.)
Penalty – see Sections 307.01 and 307.02
371.06 RIDING BICYCLES UPON SIDEWALKS.
(a) No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district.
(b) No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk when the Chief of Police or an officer designated by him or her has prohibited the riding of bicycles thereon and has erected signs on or along the sidewalks setting forth such prohibition.
(Ord. 178-1959. Passed 9-14-59.)
Penalty – see Sections 307.01, 307.02 and 371.16
371.07 RIDING BICYCLES ON CONTROLLED-ACCESS HIGHWAYS, EXPRESSWAYS, ETC.
No person shall ride a bicycle in, along or upon controlled-access highways, expressways, freeways or throughways within the City.
(Ord. 60-1964. Passed 4-6-64.)
Penalty – see Sections 307.01, 307.02 and 371.16
371.08 SAFE RIDING REGULATIONS FOR BICYCLES.
(a) Whenever a person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk or street, such person shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before attempting to overtake and pass a pedestrian or another bicycle. This audible signal must be given only by bell or other warning device capable of giving an audible signal and shall be given at such a distance and in such a manner as not to startle the person being overtaken and passed.
(b) Whenever a person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, the person, before overtaking and passing a blind person carrying a white or metallic cane, shall dismount and overtake or pass on foot.
(c) When a bicycle is operated on the street, the operator shall give hand signals before turning, changing lanes or stopping. Such signals shall conform with Section 331.14.
(d) No person shall operate a bicycle:
(1) 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;
(2) Without exercising reasonable and ordinary control over such bicycle;
(3) In a weaving or zigzag course, unless such irregular course is necessary for safe operation in compliance with law;
(4) Without both hands upon the handle grips, except when necessary to give the required hand and arm signals, or as provided in Section 373.02(d); or
(5) At a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing.
(e) The operator of a bicycle emerging from or turning into an alley, driveway or building shall, upon approaching a sidewalk or the sidewalk area extending across any alley, driveway or building, yield the right of way to all pedestrians approaching on such sidewalk area. Upon entering the street, such operator shall yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching on such street.
(f) No person shall engage in trick riding on streets or sidewalks or on public property.
(Ord. 81-2016. Passed 6-20-16.)
Penalty – see Sections 307.01, 307.02 and 371.16
371.09 PARKING; LOCKS.
(a) No person shall park a bicycle upon a sidewalk in such a manner as to interfere with pedestrian traffic or damage the property of another.
(b) No person shall park a bicycle upon a roadway in such a manner as to interfere with vehicular traffic.
(c) No bicycle shall remain unlocked when parked upon any public way or place.
Penalty – see Sections 307.01, 307.02 and 371.16
371.10 REGISTRATION OF BICYCLES REQUIRED; RECIPROCAL AGREEMENTS.
No person shall operate a bicycle upon the sidewalks, streets, avenues, boulevards, public ways or parkways of the City, unless such bicycle is registered and tagged as provided herein. However, the Mayor is authorized and directed to enter into reciprocal agreements between the City and any other municipality, which agreements shall provide that, in consideration of a like exemption to bicycles registered in this City, where the owner of any bicycle has complied with the provisions of law in regard to the registration of such bicycle in the municipality of his or her residence, and where such provisions of law are substantially like the provisions of this chapter, then such bicycle may be operated in this City without the payment of any license fee or without registration. However, all bicycles operated within the City must comply with the other provisions of this chapter which pertain to the operation of bicycles.
(Ord. 7201. Passed 4-3-39.)
Penalty – see Sections 307.01, 307.02 and 371.16
371.11 REGISTRATION APPLICATION AND FEE.
Application for registration of a bicycle shall be made to the Mayor upon forms provided by him or her, which application shall contain the name and address of the applicant, the make, color and serial number or other identifying mark of such bicycle, and such other information as the Mayor shall deem pertinent. Each application shall be accompanied by a fee of two dollars ($2.00).
371.12 REGISTRATION TAGS AND CARDS; TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP.
(a) The Mayor, upon receipt of an application accompanied by the required fee, shall register a bicycle. A record of all such registrations shall be kept and licenses and duplicates thereof setting forth all the information contained in the originals shall be furnished to the Chief of Police.
(b) At the time of registration there shall be furnished to the applicant a tag of form and design approved by the Mayor, serially numbered, with numbers of the current year of issue. In addition, each applicant shall be furnished a registration card showing the name and address of the applicant, the number and date of registration and a description of the bicycle, and reciting that such bicycle has been registered in the name of the owner thereof. The Mayor shall also furnish each registrant with a copy of the provisions of this chapter and such other information as he or she may deem appropriate.
(c) The Mayor is authorized to establish such stations for the registration of bicycles hereunder as he or she may deem necessary for the convenience of applicants.
(d) Upon the transfer of ownership of a bicycle, the registration of such bicycle shall expire and it shall be the duty of the original owner to immediately remove the tag from such bicycle. The new owner shall be required to register the bicycle as herein provided.
(Ord. 7201. Passed 4-3-39.)
Penalty – see Sections 307.01, 307.02 and 371.16
371.13 PURCHASE AND SALE OF SECONDHAND BICYCLES.
All persons engaged in the business of buying secondhand bicycles shall make a report daily to the Chief of Police of the name and address of the person from whom each secondhand bicycle is purchased, together with the frame number and the license plate, if any, found thereon. It shall be the duty of every person who sells or transfers ownership of any bicycle licensed hereunder to report such sale or transfer to the Chief of Police within seven days and to surrender the registration card and license plate issued to such licensee.
(Ord. 7201. Passed 4-3-39.)
Penalty – see Sections 307.01, 307.02 and 371.16
371.14 DESTRUCTION OR MUTILATION OF FRAME NUMBERS, TAGS, SEALS OR CARDS.
No person shall willfully or maliciously remove, destroy, mutilate or alter the frame number of any bicycle licensed hereunder, or any license plate, seal or registration card issued hereunder.
(Ord. 7201. Passed 4-3-39.)
Penalty – see Sections 307.01, 307.02 and 371.16
371.15 PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY.
No parent of any child or guardian of any ward shall authorize or knowingly permit any such child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this chapter.
Penalty – see Sections 307.01, 307.02 and 371.16
371.16 SUSPENSION OF RIDING PRIVILEGES; IMPOUNDING OF BICYCLES.
(a) In addition to the penalties provided in Sections 307.01 and 307.02, a court may prohibit any person who violates or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter relating to bicycles from riding a bicycle for a period not to exceed three months. In addition, any person violating or failing to comply with any of the provisions of this chapter relating to bicycles may be punished by having his or her bicycle impounded for a period not exceeding thirty days.
(Adopting Ordinance)
(b) Whenever any bicycle is operated by any minor under the age of eighteen years in violation of any provision of this chapter, such bicycle may be seized by any member of the Police Department and impounded. Such bicycle so impounded shall be surrendered to the parent or guardian of such minor without charge after a full explanation to such parent or guardian of the reason for impounding the bicycle. A complete record of each such impounding shall be kept in the office of the Chief of Police.
(Ord. 7201. Passed 4-3-39.)
371.17 HELMETS.
(a) No person under the age of fourteen years shall operate a bicycle, skateboard, roller-skates, or in-line skates within the City unless such person is wearing a protective helmet on his or her head, with the chinstrap fastened under the chin. Such helmet shall be fitted to the size of the operator and shall meet or exceed the standards set by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) or SNELL (Snell Memorial Foundation).
(b) No person under the age of fourteen years shall be passenger on a bicycle or skateboard unless such person is wearing a protective helmet on his or her head, with the chinstrap fastened under the chin. Such helmet shall be fitted to the size of the operator and shall meet or exceed the standards set by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) or SNELL (Snell Memorial Foundation). This requirement shall also apply to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat, which is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.
(c) Upon violation of division (a) and/or (b), the offender shall be issued a written warning with instructional and informational materials concerning the use of protective helmets.
(d) The Police Department shall maintain a record of each and every written warning issued pursuant to division (c), including without limitation a record of all repeat offenders.
(e) Failure to wear a protective helmet as herein described shall not be considered evidence of either comparative or contributory negligence in any civil suit arising out of any accident in which a person under eighteen years of age is injured, nor shall failure to wear a protective helmet be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action.
(f) The Police Department will maintain an educational posture towards the enforcement of this section in order to provide citizens with safety information concerning the use of protective helmets.
(g) The City shall initiate a protective helmet bank for those that cannot afford to purchase helmets. The helmet bank will be funded through donations and shall be administered pursuant to such rules and regulations promulgated by the Police Department.
(Ord. 78-2001. Passed 4-16-01.)
Source: http://www.amlegal.com/codes/client/euclid_oh/
Euclid Police Department
545 E 222nd St
Euclid, OH 44123
Phone: (216) 731-1234
