Ohio Better Bicycling Bill

By Yokota Fritz


On September 21, 2006, Ohio's BETTER BIKING BILL becomes law. This bill was the result of a lengthy struggle by the Ohio Bike Federation to try to improve Ohio's "bike laws." It passed the Ohio Senate UNANIMOUSLY and was signed by the governor at the Great Ohio Bike Adventure on Saturday, June 17, 2006.

Key components of the bill include

• Re-affirmation a person's right to ride a bike on virtually every road in Ohio
  
• Limits placed on the ability of local governments to pass law inconsistent with State law or good bicycling practices
  
• Further refinement of the AFRAP rule, including recognition that what is "practicable" may include getting out of the way of hazards and debris that litter the right side fo the road
  
• Refinement of equipment requirements such that modern blinking lights and other devices are "legal"
  
• Requires courts to consider the "capabilities fo the vehicle and its operator" in any alleged violation of a "driving too slow" ordinance/statute
  
• Modifies the "passing rules" to allows passing bikes by crossing a double yellow line under certain circumstances.
  
• Modifies rules for cyclists relative to giving turn signals. Allows cyclists to put both handsd back on the handlebars!

Thank you to bicycle attorney Steve Magas for this news.