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Bicycle Laws & Etiquette

E-Bike Laws - Ohio

There are laws regulating e-bikes in Ohio as of late 2018 with House Bill 250. This law requires each bike to be properly identified for its output level in 3 different classes. Class 1 & 2 are allowed on shared paths and walkways while class 3 bikes are restricted to road use only. There is also an age requirement of 16 years old to ride a class 3 bike. Bikes can be adjusted to limit their speed output as long as they're labeled with the appropriate Class tags. Get all the details about this law from the Ohio legislature Here and on BicycleRetailer.com

Rules of the Road

Learn more about responsibilities while riding in Columbus Area Pedestrian Safety Committee report, here.

The Law of Riding a Bicycle in Ohio

Steve Magas discusses the laws of riding a bicycle in Ohio and how to abide by them. See the full article, here.

Road Bicycle Etiquette

With few exceptions, bicyclists on public roadways assume the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers, and are subject to the same state laws and local ordinances.

It is imperative that we cyclists hold up our end of the bargain. Bicycling is beneficial for personal health. You are helping the environment and everyone around you, when using bicycles instead of motor vehicles. Many people are working hard to improve bicycling conditions here in Cincinnati. We have come a long way, but still have much work to do.

Please ride responsibly!

Bicyclists' Code of Conduct

1) Never ride against traffic
2) Ride as near to the right as practicable*
3) Stop at stop signs and red lights*
4) Honor others' right of way
5) Use hand signals
6) With traffic, ride single file
7) Be predictable; don't weave
8) Follow lane markings
9) Don't needlessly block the road*
10) Use lights at night

*--Note that the two most common offenses of bicyclists are running stop signs, and groups of cyclists blocking the road.

1. Stop at stop signs/lights: Stop at all stop signs and red lights. If two vehicles arrive at an intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way. Politely indicate others' right of way with a hand gesture. For your own safety, never insist on your own right of way. Pedestrians always have the right of way. Your courtesy will be noticed and appreciated by other road users.

2. Group riding: bicyclists are entitled to the full width of the road for at least purposes of overtaking, left turns, avoiding obstacles, when approaching a place where a right turn is authorized, and when riding in a substandard width lane. Generally, it is prudent to stay as far to the right as practicable. When riding with others, do not block traffic, ride single file. Be aware of other road users at all times. b) When stopping for a stop sign in a group, queue up in small numbers and proceed when it is your turn, allowing other road users their right of way. The idea is to cross the intersection as safely and quickly as possible without testing the patience of other road users. Self-policing and courteous riding will go far.

Wear a helmet, bright clothing, and keep your bicycle in good working order. Helpful hint: Modern, good quality brakes along with good technique make stopping at stop signs much easier.

Bicyclists and any passengers under 18 years of age (including children in attached bicycle seats or in or on towed trailers), are required to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet. This helmet must be labeled to show that it meets applicable safety standards.

Youngsters under the age of nine lack the physical and mental development to interact safely in a complex traffic environment.