Page 18 - Leisure Living Magazine June 2018

Bike Laws In Ohio
Continued from page 17
moving tractors and Amish buggies. However, it does apply to bicycles. If a motorist can follow the listed rules to pass a cyclist while crossing a double yellow line, they are free to do so.
Other bike law info
Ohio law does not include an age limit or age requirement for riding bicycles on a roadway so children can technically ride bikes in the street. However, riders of all ages must follow the rules of the road. Parents should evaluate children’s riding abilities, educate them about cycling rules and make sure the child can ride safely and pre- dictably.
Under state law, “bike bans” that force cyclists to use sidewalks instead of roads are prohibited everywhere in Ohio. In fact, many cities, espe- cially Ohio’s larger cities, do not permit sidewalk cycling at all. But local laws vary widely. Some cities impose age limits or only ban sidewalk riding in defined “business districts.” Check your local city ordinances to see if and where sidewalk
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riding is allowed. (Here are a few: Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton)
Cyclists are also not required to use bike lanes. These lanes are typically created by local govern- ments and are not governed specifically by state law. State law mandates only that cities may not force cyclists to use sidewalks or “sidepaths” (bike trails that are not part of the roadway). Regular road cyclists may find that bike lanes contain dangerous debris and they may use these lanes at their discretion.
Injury and legal help
Cyclists who are injured by negligent motor- ists often wonder what type of insurance applies to their claims. If a motorist carelessly injures a cyclist, the motorist’s auto policy would apply to pay the claim. However, some cyclists are often surprised to learn that their own auto insurance may come into play, as well as their own home- owner’s insurance, health insurance and any “umbrella” or excess coverage they may have. Before moving forward with any such claim, it is important to consult with an attorney who can help a client go over insurance claims, equipment damages and deal with the motorist’s lawyer and insurance representatives.
About Steve Magas
Attorney Steve Magas is an avid bicyclist, motorcyclist and Ohio trial attorney based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Known as “Ohio’s Bike Lawyer,” Magas has been an Ohio trial lawyer since 1982 and has been writing about Ohio’s Bike Laws since the mid-1980’s. He collaborates regularly with the League of American Bicyclists, the Ohio Bicycle Federation and the Cincinnati Cycle Club. In addition to working with riders throughout Ohio, Magas has been called into bike cases around the country, including cases in Kentucky, Indiana, Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Maryland and Pennsylvania. In 2009, he founded The Magas Firm.
This “Law You Can Use” consumer legal information column was provided by the Ohio State Bar Association. Articles appearing in this column are intended to provide broad, general information about the law. This article is not intended to be legal advice. Before applying this information to a specific legal problem, readers are urged to seek advice from a licensed attorney.
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