To ensure safety and order on roadways in Ohio, specific rules have been established for persons operating bicycles, electric bicycles, or motorcycles. Firstly, these riders should, as much as possible, keep to the right side of the road, adhere to all traffic rules applicable to vehicles, and exercise care when passing any vehicle, moving or stationary.
Additionally, bicycles, electric bicycles, or motorcycles should not ride more than two abreast in a single lane, unless they are on a path or part of the roadway designated solely for their use. However, riders are not expected to stick to the edge of the roadway if doing so would be impractical or unsafe. Conditions that might warrant riding away from the road’s edge include avoiding objects, vehicles, surface hazards, or when the lane is too narrow for both the bike and an overtaking vehicle to safely share.
Penalties for violating these provisions range from a minor misdemeanor to a misdemeanor of the third degree, depending on the offender’s previous traffic convictions within a year of the current offense. If an offender is found to have committed an offense while distracted, and this distraction contributed to the offense, they may be subject to an additional fine under section 4511.991 of the Ohio Revised Code. This section serves to underscore the importance of attentive, responsible riding to ensure the safety of all road users.
Among the key points of road safety for everyone is the state of Ohio has a law for minimum cycle passing space of 3 feet for automobiles and 6 feet for commercial vehicles. Vehicle operators are REQUIRED by law to slow down and wait until they can LEGALLY pass a cyclist. Even if there is a “bike path” beside the roadway, cyclists have a legal right to be on the road.
Both cyclists and vehicle operators flaunt the laws. This comment just goes to inform drivers of all types: everyone breaks the rules of the road. When you kill or maim someone doing so, that is your conscience you will have to live with.