Bay Village Bike Laws Chart

LAWS FOR ALL BIKE RIDERS:

• Sidewalk riding is allowed on all sidewalks, unless signs indicate otherwise.
• Street riding is legal on all streets.
• Parents must review all laws with their children.
• Riding between sunset and sunrise, or when it is raining, requires a white light on front and red light on back. Both must be visible from at least 500 feet. Also required are a white reflector on front and red reflector on back.
• Texting while riding is prohibited.
• Earphones, if used, allowed in one ear only.
• One person per seat.
• Must have a functional brake.
• Riders must have at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
• No attaching oneself to another vehicle.
• A bicycle may be equipped with a device capable of giving an audible signal, except for sirens or whistles.
• Park bicycles in a manner that avoids interfering with vehicular traffic, pedestrian traffic and does not block doorways to buildings. Use racks when provided.

LAWS FOR RIDING ON SIDEWALKS:

• Give audible warning when passing pedestrians or other bicycles.
• Walk bike when sidewalks are congested with pedestrians.
• Slow to a pedestrian speed when approaching a street crossing or driveway with occupied motor vehicles.
• If approaching a blind person with a cane, dismount your bike and walk bike past that person.
• Do not leave the sidewalk suddenly and enter the street without yielding right of way to vehicles on the street.

LAWS FOR RIDING ON STREETS:    

• Obey all vehicular traffic laws, signs, signals and lane markings.
• Ride with traffic, NEVER against.
• Ride as near to the right as is practicable and safe, but leave enough room so that you can veer right around obstacles. *Veering left around obstacles is dangerous because it puts you in the potential path of a passing motor vehicle.
• When safe to do so, be predictable to others by riding in a straight line, avoiding unnecessary swerving or zig-zagging.
• No trick riding.
• When approaching an intersection, turn-only lanes should be used only if you intend to turn. Otherwise, ride in the right-most lane marked for your desired direction of travel.
• No more than two abreast, except on Lake Road where you must ride single-file.
• Yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians in the street.
• Hand signals are required when turning or changing lanes, except when in a designated turn lane or if both hands are needed for the safe operation of the bicycle. 
• Children under age 7 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when riding in the street.

LAWS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATORS:

• Allow a minimum of 3 feet when passing a bicycle. Allow a minimum of 6 feet passing if driving a commercial vehicle. (Ohio law allows vehicles to travel over a double yellow line to pass a vehicle moving at less than half the speed limit, but only if it can be done safely.)
• Do not pass other vehicles, including bicycles, within 100 feet of an intersection.
• When passing a bicycle, the motor vehicle must be a safe distance past the bicycle before making a right turn.
• When turning left, yield right of way to bicycles approaching from the opposite direction.
• Yield right-of-way to bicycles when opening car doors on the street.
• Texting while driving is prohibited.

SAFETY ADVICE FOR CYCLISTS

BE SEEN:

• Ride in a position where drivers can see you and wear bright clothing.
• Use reflective tape and/or clothing to add visibility. A reflective leg band can be used to increase visibility and help keep your pant leg out of the chain.
• Make eye contact with drivers. Motorists may not notice you if you are coming from behind them at intersections on the sidewalk.

BE PREDICTABLE:

• Make your intentions clear to motorists and pedestrians.
• Check behind you when turning and scan ahead for potholes, debris, sewer grates or animals.

THINK AHEAD:

• Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians and other bicyclists will do.
• Watch for turning vehicles and those pulling out of driveways.
• Slow down and use caution at all intersections.
• Watch out for sun glare during dusk and dawn hours of riding. It can greatly impair drivers' vision.

RIDE READY:

• Check tire air pressure, test brakes, chains should run smoothly, and quick-release wheel levers must be closed tight, with lever tips facing the back of the bike. Check to make sure that the handlebars, front fork and pedals are not loose. If problems exist, DO NOT RIDE THE BIKE until it is repaired.
• Carry repair and emergency supplies. 
• Wear a helmet!

BE LEGAL:

• Review the laws before venturing out. They exist to ensure that all users of the roads and sidewalks are safe. The laws can be found at laws.villagebicycle.org or are available in brochure format at Bay Village City Hall, Bay Village Library and Village Bicycle Cooperative.