For health and environmental reasons, bicycling is an increasingly popular mode of transportation. Many cities are adding bicycle lanes and revising laws to assist cyclists. However, whether you ride a bicycle occasionally or as your primary mode of transportation, sharing the road with large vehicles can present a massive risk to your safety. A distracted, drowsy, speeding, aggressive, or otherwise careless driver can cause devastating physical injuries to a cyclist.
Bicycles are considered vehicles and are allowed on all roads in Ohio except for freeways. Like any vehicle operator, a bicyclist must ride with traffic, obey basic traffic laws, stop at stop signs and red lights, and follow all traffic control devices. A cyclist has the same "right of way" as any car, truck or bus driver. A cyclist is not required to ride on the sidewalk when one is present and in many cities cyclists are barred from riding on the sidewalk. Cyclists are permitted to ride two abreast, meaning side by side. However, under R.C. § 4511.25 cyclists must remain on the right side of all roadways of sufficient width. That being said, a cyclist is not required to ride on the right side of the road where it would be unreasonable or unsafe to do so.
Despite following all applicable laws, cyclists may be injured by careless drivers. In such accidents, cyclists may suffer devastating injuries. A cyclist may be entitled to compensation from the driver at fault, the cyclist’s own auto insurance, and possibly even the cyclist’s homeowner’s insurance. If you have been injured while cycling and would like to discuss your case, contact Marsalka Law.
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