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.
As a fellow cyclist it is important to know the “rules of the road.” Solon, Ohio’s city ordinances pertaining to bicycles are set forth below. Knowledge of your local bike laws empowers you to ride safer!
CHAPTER 474: BICYCLES AND MOTORCYCLES GENERALLY
Section
474.01 Code application to bicycles
474.02 Riding upon seats; carrying packages; motorcycle handle bars; helmets and glasses
474.03 Attaching bicycles, motorcycles to other vehicles
474.04 Riding on right side of roadway; riding abreast
474.05 Lights, signal devices, brakes on bicycles
438.02 Lighted lights; measurement of distance and heights
474.06 Safe riding regulations for bicycles
474.07 Reckless operation; control, course and speed
474.08 Parking; locks
474.09 Parent’s responsibility
474.10 Operation of motorized bicycles
474.11 Suspension of riding privileges; impounding of bicycles
474.99 Penalty
- 474.01 CODE APPLICATION TO BICYCLES.
(a) The provisions of this Traffic Code which are applicable to bicycles apply whenever a bicycle is operated as a vehicle.
(Ord. 2002-63, passed 4-1-2002)
(b) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall be subject to the provisions of this Traffic Code applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except provisions which by their nature can have no application and except where bicycles are subjected to special regulations.
(c) Wherever the word BICYCLE appears in this chapter, it includes MOTORIZED BICYCLES as defined in § 402.22.
Statutory reference:
Bicycles – issuance of ticket – points not assessed, see R.C. § 4511.52
- 474.02 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 R.C. § 4519.01.
(b) A person operating a bicycle or motorcycle shall not ride other than upon the affixed seat thereto, nor carry any other person upon such bicycle or motorcycle nor shall any additional person be permitted to ride upon a bicycle or motorcycle, unless such bicycle or motorcycle is designed or equipped to carry more than one person at a time.
(c) A person shall ride upon a bicycle or motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the bicycle or 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 person shall operate a motorcycle on a public roadway 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 R.C. § 4507.13, shall operate a motorcycle on a highway, or be a passenger on a motorcycle, unless wearing a 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 regulations prescribed and promulgated by the Director of Public Safety. The provisions of this division (f) or a violation thereof shall not be used in the trial of any civil action.
(Ord. 2002-63, passed 4-1-2002)
- 474.03 ATTACHING BICYCLES, MOTORCYCLES TO OTHER VEHICLES.
(a) (1) No person riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself or herself to any vehicle upon a roadway.
(2) 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.
(3) This section does not apply to towing a disabled vehicle.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this division (b), whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(R.C. § 4511.54)
- 474.04 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, with the flow of traffic, 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. Exceptions to riding as near to the right side are during the following situations: overtaking in the same direction; preparing for a left turn; when necessary to avoid conditions; substantial width lanes; and when riding in the right turn only lane.
(b) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall ride in single file in the following places:
(1) In business districts of the city;
(2) On through streets; and
(3) At other places where properly signed, or upon the order of a police officer.
(c) Persons riding motorcycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast in a single lane.
(Ord. 1989-229, passed 10-2-1989; Ord. 2002-63, passed 4-1-2002)
- 474.05 LIGHTS, SIGNAL DEVICES, BRAKES ON BICYCLES.
(a) Every bicycle when in use at the times specified in 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 a strobe light visible to oncoming traffic;
(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 zero 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 blinking or strobe 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; and
(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 an audible device that sounds for a distance of at least 100 feet to provide notice to pedestrians, 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.
(Ord. 2002-63, passed 4-1-2002)
Statutory reference:
Bicycle signal devices, see R.C. § 4511.56
- 438.02 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 R.C. §§ 4513.04 through 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; and
(3) At any time when the windshield wipers of the vehicle are in use because of precipitation on the windshield.
(b) Every motorized bicycle shall display at such times lighted lights meeting the rules adopted by the Ohio Director of Public Safety under R.C. § 4511.521. 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.
(c) Whenever in such sections 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, such distance shall be measured upon a straight level unlighted highway under normal atmospheric conditions unless a different condition is expressly stated.
(d) Whenever in such sections 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.
(e) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no law enforcement officer shall cause the operator of a vehicle being operated upon a street or highway within this state to stop the vehicle solely because the officer observes that a violation of division (a)(3) of this section has been or is being committed or for the sole purpose of issuing a ticket, citation or summons for a violation of that division, or causing the arrest of or commencing a prosecution of a person for a violation of that division.
(f) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(R.C. § 4513.03 )
- 474.06 SAFE RIDING REGULATIONS FOR BICYCLES.
(a) A person propelling a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian. This audible signal must be given in such a manner as not to startle the person being overtaken and passed.
(b) No person when riding a bicycle off of the public roadway shall ride across or through any intersection involving a through street without first stopping and yielding to any oncoming traffic and/or having a walk signal from a traffic-control device.
(c) 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 give an audible signal and the right-of-way to the blind person.
(d) Every rider of a bicycle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or any vehicle upon any roadway, sidewalk or bicycle path, or endangering the life, limb or property of any person while in the lawful use of the streets, sidewalks or any other private or public property.
(e) No person shall operate a bicycle at a speed greater than is reasonable and proper under the conditions then existing.
(f) 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.
(g) No person shall engage in trick riding or operate a bicycle without both hands upon the handle grips except when necessary to give the hand signals required herein, upon a public roadway or areas used by the public for the purpose of vehicular travel or parking in the city.
(h) Whenever authorized signs are erected indicating that no right, left or U-turn is permitted, no person operating a bicycle shall disobey the direction of any such sign, unless such person dismounts from the bicycle to make any such turn, in which event such person shall then obey the regulations applicable to pedestrians.
(Ord. 2002-63, passed 4-1-2002)
- 474.07 RECKLESS OPERATION; CONTROL, COURSE AND SPEED.
No person shall operate a bicycle:
(a) Without due regard for the safety and rights of pedestrians and of 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
(c) In a weaving or zigzag course unless such irregular course is necessary for safe operation in compliance with law.
- 474.08 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.
(c) No bicycle shall remain unlocked when parked upon any public way or place.
(Ord. 2002-63, passed 4-1-2002)
- 474.09 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.
- 474.10 OPERATION OF MOTORIZED BICYCLES.
(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 14 or 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 16 years of age or older and holds either a valid commercial driver’s license issued under R.C. Chapter 4506 or a driver’s license issued under R.C. 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 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 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; and
(4) The person operates the motorized bicycle when practicable within three feet of the right edge of the roadway obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles.
(b) The Director of Public Safety, subject to R.C. 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 R.C. § 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 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 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.
(R.C. § 4511.521)
Statutory reference:
Suspension of probationary motorized bicycle license by the state, see R.C. § 4510.34
- 474.11 SUSPENSION OF RIDING PRIVILEGES; IMPOUNDING OF BICYCLES.
(a) In addition to the penalties provided in §§ 408.01 and 408.02, 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.
(b) Whenever any bicycle is operated by any minor under the age of 18 years in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, such bicycle may be seized by any police officer and impounded by the Police Department. 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 the impounding of such bicycle. A complete record of each such impounding shall be kept in the office of the Police Chief.
(Ord. 1989-229, passed 10-2-1989)
- 474.99 PENALTY.
Editor’s note:
See §§ 408.01 and 408.02 for general Traffic Code penalty if no specific penalty is provided.
Source: http://www.amlegal.com/codes/client/solon_oh/
Solon Police contact information:
