CHAPTER 373: BICYCLES AND MOTORCYCLES GENERALLY
Section
373.01   Code application to bicycles.
373.02   Riding upon seats; handle bars; helmets and glasses.
373.03   Attaching bicycle or sled to vehicle.
373.04   Riding on right side of roadway; riding bicycles and motorcycles abreast.
373.05   Lights, signal devices, brakes on bicycles.
373.06   Lights and reflector on bicycle; brakes. (Recodified)
373.07   Riding bicycle on right side of roadway; obedience to traffic rules; passing. (Recodified)
373.08   Reckless operation; control, course and speed.
373.09   Parking of bicycle
373.10   Riding on sidewalk.
373.11   Registration of bicycles.
373.12   Transfer of ownership. (Repealed)
373.13   Operating bicycle without registration tag or number. (Repealed)
373.14   Requirements for tag or number. (Repealed)
373.15   Registration tag or number; fee.
373.16   Bicycle serial numbers.
373.17   Impounding.
373.18   Operation of motorized bicycles.
373.19   Electric bicycles.
373.99   Penalty.
Cross-reference:
   “Bicycle” defined, see TRAF. 301.04
   Bicycle regulations to be consistent with state law, see Ohio R.C. 4511.07(A)(8)
   Bicycles prohibited on freeways, see TRAF. 303.06
   Motorcycle brakes, see TRAF. 337.18
   “Motorcycle” defined, see TRAF. 301.19
   Motorcycle headlight, see TRAF. 337.03
   Motorcycle operator’s license required, see TRAF. 335.01
   Off-highway motorcycles, see TRAF. Ch. 375
   Operation of vehicles on bicycle paths, see TRAF. 331.42
   See section histories for similar state law
§ 373.01 CODE APPLICATION TO BICYCLES.
   (A)   The provisions of this traffic code which are applicable to bicycles apply whenever a bicycle is operated upon any highway or upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
   (B)   Except as provided in division (D) below, a bicycle operator who violates any provisions of this traffic code described in division (A) above that is applicable to bicycles may be issued a ticket, citation or summons by a law enforcement officer for the violation in the same manner as the operator of a motor vehicle would be cited for the same violation. A person who commits any such violation while operating a bicycle shall not have any points assessed against the person’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, temporary instruction permit or probationary license under Ohio R.C. 4510.036.
   (C)   Except as provided in division (D) below, in the case of a violation of any provision of this traffic code described in division (A) above by a bicycle operator or by a motor vehicle operator when the trier of fact finds that the violation by the motor vehicle operator endangered the lives of bicycle riders at the time of the violation, the court, notwithstanding any provision of the Ohio Revised Code to the contrary, may require the bicycle operator or motor vehicle operator to take and successfully complete a bicycling skills course approved by the court in addition to or in lieu of any penalty otherwise prescribed by this traffic code or the Ohio Revised Code for that violation.
   (D)   Divisions (B) and (C) above do not apply to violations of Ohio R.C. 4511.19, or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance.
(ORC 4511.52)
   (E)   Every person operating a bicycle shall obey the instructions of official traffic-control devices and signals applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
§ 373.02 RIDING UPON SEATS; HANDLE BARS; HELMETS AND GLASSES.
   (A)   For purposes of this section, SNOWMOBILE has the same meaning as given that term in Ohio R.C. 4519.01.
   (B)   (1)   No person operating a bicycle shall ride other than upon or astride the permanent and regular seat attached thereto or carry any other person upon such bicycle other than upon a firmly attached and regular seat thereon, and no person shall ride upon a bicycle other than upon such a firmly attached and regular seat.
      (2)   No person operating a motorcycle shall ride other than upon or astride the permanent and regular seat or saddle attached thereto, or carry any other person upon such motorcycle other than upon a firmly attached and regular seat or saddle thereon, and no person shall ride upon a motorcycle other than upon such a firmly attached and regular seat or saddle.
      (3)   No person shall ride upon a motorcycle that is equipped with a saddle other than while sitting astride the saddle, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
      (4)   No person shall ride upon a motorcycle that is equipped with a seat other than while sitting upon the seat.
      (5)   No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article that prevents the driver from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars.
      (6)   No bicycle or motorcycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped, nor shall any motorcycle be operated on a highway when the handlebars or grips are more than 15 inches higher than the seat or saddle for the operator.
      (7)   No person shall operate or be a passenger on a snowmobile or motorcycle without using safety glasses or other protective eye device. No person who is under the age of 18 years, or who holds a motorcycle operator’s endorsement or license bearing a “NOVICE” designation that is currently in effect as provided in Ohio R.C. 4507.13, shall operate a motorcycle on a highway, or be a passenger on a motorcycle, unless wearing a protective helmet on the person’s head, and no other person shall be a passenger on a motorcycle operated by such a person unless similarly wearing a protective helmet. The helmet, safety glasses or other protective eye device shall conform with rules adopted by the Director of Public Safety. The provisions of this division (B)(7) or a violation thereof shall not be used in the trial of any civil action.
   (C)   (1)   No person shall operate a motorcycle with a valid temporary instruction permit and temporary instruction permit identification card issued by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles pursuant to Ohio R.C. 4507.05 unless the person, at the time of such operation, is wearing on the person’s head a protective helmet that conforms with rules adopted by the Director of Public Safety.
      (2)   No person shall operate a motorcycle with a valid temporary instruction permit and temporary instruction permit identification card issued by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles pursuant to Ohio R.C. 4507.05 in any of the following circumstances:
         (a)   At any time when lighted lights are required by Ohio R.C. 4513.03(A)(1);
         (b)   While carrying a passenger; or
         (c)   On any limited access highway or heavily congested roadway.
   (D)   Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the carrying of a child in a seat or trailer that is designed for carrying children and is firmly attached to the bicycle.
   (E)   Except as otherwise provided in this division (E), whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.53) (Ord. 286-1978, passed 10-16-1978)
§ 373.03 ATTACHING BICYCLE OR SLED TO VEHICLE.
   (A)   (1)   No person riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself or herself to any vehicle upon a roadway.
      (2)   No operator shall knowingly permit any person riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle to attach the same or himself or herself to any vehicle while it is moving upon a roadway.
      (3)   This section does not apply to towing a disabled vehicle.
   (B)   Except as otherwise provided in this division (B), whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within on year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
   (C)   If the offender commits the offense while distracted and the distracting activity is a contributing factor to the commission of the offense, the offender is subject to the additional fine established under § 303.99(B) of ths code of ordinances.
(ORC 4511.54)
§ 373.04 RIDING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY; RIDING BICYCLES AND MOTORCYCLES ABREAST.
   (A)   Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles and exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
   (B)   Persons riding bicycles or motorcycles upon a roadway shall ride not more than two abreast in a single lane, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or motorcycles.
   (C)   This section does not require a person operating a bicycle to ride at the edge of the roadway when it is unreasonable or unsafe to do so. Conditions that may require riding away from the edge of the roadway include when necessary to avoid fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, surface hazards or if it otherwise is unsafe or impracticable to do so, including if the lane is too narrow for the bicycle and an overtaking vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
   (D)   Except as otherwise provided in this division (D), whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within on year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
   (E)   If the offender commits the offense while distracted and the distracting activity is a contributing factor to the commission of the offense, the offender is subject to the additional fine established under § 303.99(B) of this code of ordinances.
(ORC 4511.55)
§ 373.05 LIGHTS, SIGNAL DEVICES, BRAKES ON BICYCLES.
   (A)   Every bicycle when in use at the times specified in Ohio R.C. 4513.03 or a substantially equivalent municipal ordinance shall be equipped with the following:
      (1)   A lamp mounted on the front of either the bicycle or the operator that shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and 300 feet to the sides. A generator-powered lamp that emits light only when the bicycle is moving may be used to meet this requirement;
      (2)   A red reflector on the rear that shall be visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle; and
      (3)   A lamp emitting either flashing or steady red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear shall be used in addition to the red reflector. If the red lamp performs as a reflector in that it is visible as specified in division (A)(2) above, the red lamp may serve as the reflector and a separate reflector is not required.
   (B)   Additional lamps and reflectors may be used in addition to those required under division (A) above, except that red lamps and red reflectors shall not be used on the front of the bicycle and white lamps and white reflectors shall not be used on the rear of the bicycle.
   (C)   A bicycle may be equipped with a device capable of giving an audible signal; except that, a bicycle shall not be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a bicycle any siren or whistle.
   (D)   Every bicycle shall be equipped with an adequate brake when used on a street or highway.
   (E)   Except as otherwise provided in this division (E), whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within on year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(ORC 4511.56)
Loading...