OHIO BIKE LAWS OHIO BIKE LAWS
So, you're cycling to your usual Saturday ride when some guy in a gas-guzzling SUV cuts you off. Were you wrong, or was he? Or, is it okay to ride in the middle of this narrow Licking County road? The cars honking and passing you don't seem to think so . . .
Well, find your answers below. The following was taken from the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws, page 63. The full digest can be found at http://www.state.oh.us/odps/division/bmv/EngDigest.pdf
THE TRAFFIC LAWS
Bicyclists must ride with, not against, other vehicular traffic. Only when walking a bicycle is a cyclist permitted to travel facing traffic.
Bicyclists are required to obey all traffic signs, signals and pavement markings.
Bicyclists must use appropriate hand signals before turning or stopping.
Bicyclists must keep to the right edge of the roadway, allowing faster traffic to safely pass. Cyclists can travel in the middle of the lane if they are proceeding at the same speed as the rest of the traffic, or the lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle.
Bicyclists should not pass other traffic on a hill or at an intersection.
Bicyclists must stop at a curb to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
Bicyclists must observe speed restrictions in school zones and speed limits in general.
State law also permits local governments to regulate bicycle operation, such as requiring bicycle licensing and registration. Bicyclists must familiarize themselves with local ordinances to be properly educated about all of the laws affecting them.
THE BICYCLE LAWS
Bicyclists must never ride on the freeway, or attach themselves to other vehicles using the roadway.
Bicyclists should ride only on the permanent attached seat of the bicycle.
Passengers should not be carried unless the bike is equipped for it, and at least one hand should be kept on the handlebars at all times.
Bicyclists should ride no more than two abreast in a single lane, except on paths set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
Every bicycle ridden after dark must be equipped with a white headlight, a red taillight, and a red, rear reflector.
No bicycle shall be operated unless equipped with a bell or horn audible at least 100 feet away.
Every bicycle must have an adequate brake.
SHARING THE ROAD WITH BICYCLISTS
A motorist must:
Share the road with bicycles. The bicyclist has the same right to use the public road as any other driver, except freeways.
Maintain a "safety zone" of approximately three feet between the car and the bicyclist.
Pass a cyclist only when it can be done safely.
Leave ample room when turning right after passing a bicyclist so the bicyclist is not cut-off when the motorist slows for the turn.