This page is intended to provide resources to fight
problems that discourage safe bicycle operation and impede bicycle
transportation. These problems include (1) Dangerous laws; (2) Ignorant
motorists (who want bicycles banished to sidewalks); (3) Negligent public
officials and transportation professionals (4) Misinformed, lawless and
dangerous cyclists. You can adapt these ideas to improve cycling wherever
you live.
Cleveland Bikes -- Bicycle Traffic Laws & Local Ordinances
Local Bicycle Traffic Ordinances with
Ratings. This article has specific information
and ratings of both good and bad local ordinances in 67 N.E. Ohio
communities. Ohio law reforms in the "Better Ohio Bicycling Bill",
effective in 2006 clarify powers of local authorities. Ordinances must
not be fundamentally inconsistent with the uniform rules of the road
prescribed by this chapter and that no such regulation shall prohibit the use
of bicycles on any public street or highway except as provided in section
4511.051 of the Revised Code." (4511.051 pertains to freeways.)
Model Local Laws. A model package of local bicycle laws, consistent with safe practices
and with Ohio traffic law.
Contending With the Feudal Bicycle Traffic Laws of
NE Ohio See how some local communities operate like
little feudal fiefs, each with separate rules that conflict with the rules in
other communities and conflict with the uniform rules of the road. Would
you believe that Avon Lake has a bike lane on a section of road closed to
bicycles (see photo)?
How to Help. How you
can help improve ordinances in your own city or in cities where you ride. Even
with the "Better Ohio Bicycling Bill", this will not happen
automatically.
Sample Letter to Local
Community. This is an actual sample letter sent to
a local community (identity disguised) whose ordinances mandate unsafe practices
and are invalid under state law.
Disclaimer: Some articles below are from
outside sources and are provided as a public service. Cleveland Bikes does
not control these sources and is not responsible for their content.
Please support cycling education in Ohio -- Get a Share the
Road license plate
More cycling education, bicycle traffic law and advocacy articles can be
found at www.cycle-safety.com
Please send additions or corrections to
fredoswald_AT_yahoo_DOT_com.
Last Revised 8/10/08. Check for updates at www.clevelandbikes.org or
http://bikelaws.org/cb/
