Toledo Bicycle Laws

Riding a bicycle is both an enjoyable pastime and a valid method of transportation. While there are many benefits to riding a bike, individuals also incur a lot of risk. Especially, if they do not observe local traffic laws. It is necessary that cyclists not only familiarize themselves with all applicable Toledo bicycle laws but also local traffic regulations. If you want to know more about local biking laws, and how to observe these laws and keep yourself safe, talk to a qualified bicycle accident attorney that can help.

Bicycle Signaling Devices

Every bicycle that is operated on a roadway from sunset to sunrise, or when weather conditions affect visibility, should have their bikes equipped with and utilize a lamp mounted on the front that emits a white light that is visible from at least 500 feet to the front and 300 feet to the sides.

They are also required to have a reflector that is visible from 600 feet to the rear of the bike, as well as a rear red light that is visible from a distance of 500 feet. If the red light is visible from 600 feet a reflector is not required.

Additional lamps may be used except that white lamps may not be used in the rear of the bike and red lamps may not be used in the front. Bicycles are permitted to be equipped with a device that emits an audible signal (i.e., a bell or horn).  However, they may not be equipped with sirens or whistles.

Laws Regarding Bicycle Safety

Toledo bicycle laws require bicycles to have proper, functioning brakes when they are used on roadways. All cyclist must keep at least one hand upon the handlebars. A person is not permitted to carry any package or article that prevents them from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.  A cyclist may never be attached to or grab onto another vehicle on the roadway. No person riding a bike is permitted to pull someone on roller skates or a sled.

Traffic Tickets

Just like operators of motor vehicles who violate traffic laws, bicyclists can be issued tickets. Unlike motorists, however, bicyclists are not normally subject to having points assessed their driver’s license.

A bicycle may only carry the number of persons for which it was designed. A single-rider bike is not permitted to carry another person. However, a person may carry a child in a seat or trailer that is specifically designed for carrying children and is firmly attached to the bicycle according to  R.C. 4511.53.

Riding Bikes on Sidewalks

Ohio law does not prohibit riding a bike on a sidewalk. However, municipalities are able to pass their own laws regarding bikes on sidewalks, provided that they not pass any law that requires a bicycle to be operated on sidewalks according to R.C. 4511.711.

Many municipalities have passed ordinances that restrict the riding of bicycles on sidewalks. Often these restrictions are located to certain district, applicable to riders over a certain age, or dependent on what the speed limit is of the adjacent roadway. If an individual wants to know more about Toledo bicycle laws, they should get in touch with a skilled bicycle accident attorney.