Bicycles and e-bikes as defined in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) are legal road “vehicles”. 45 Ohio Rev. Code § 4501.01(A)(K) (2019), § 4511.01(A)(G) (2019) Bikes are legal on Ohio roadways, except on divided, controlled access freeways § 4511.07(A)(8) (2006), § 4511.051(A)(2) (2019), § 4511.01(YY) (2019).
Can Cyclists Be Forced to Ride on the Sidewalk?
Cyclists can’t be forced to ride on sidewalks! Since Ohio law gives us the right to ride on the road, it also provides that cyclists cannot be restricted to riding on a sidewalk. 45 Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.711(A) (2021). But many local Ordinances make it illegal to ride on a sidewalk, especially in congested areas or a business district!
To summarize: It is perfectly legal for cyclists to ride on sidewalks (absent a local ordinance prohibiting it).
Municipalities cannot force you to ride on the sidewalk. § 4511.711(A) (2021).
Please note: Per the ORC, even when sidewalk riding is allowed cyclists must yield to pedestrians, who legally have the right of way (ROW) on sidewalks. § 4511.441(A) (2018). Many municipalities, such as Cleveland, require an audible signal from a cyclist passing a pedestrian. Cleveland, Ohio, Municipal Code, Part Four-Traffic Code, Title IX-Pedestrians, Bicycles and Motorcycles, Chapter 473-Bicycles, Motorcycles, Mobility Devices, § 473.09(c) (2020).
Cyclists Cannot Be Required to Ride on the All Purpose Trail
Beyond traditional sidewalks, cyclists also can’t be confined to riding on the “all purpose” trails in the Metroparks or elsewhere. 45 Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.07(A)(8) (2006). So, when driving a motor vehicle please keep in mind that the cyclists you see riding their bikes on the road such as in the Cleveland Metroparks (for example) are doing so legally. Remember—the trail is not a “bike trail”. It’s an all purpose trail for walkers, hikers, leashed dogs, and bikes. Valley Parkway is a road, and bikes are legal on it! It’s a park, not a freeway; motorists don’t own Valley Parkway! Cyclists have a legal right to ride on the road including in the Metroparks.
