Virtually every Saturday morning, I will myself out of bed in order to drive downtown to Findlay Market by 8 am to shop for whatever my culinary needs are for the upcoming week. Like clockwork, I take the same route that includes Central Parkway.
For years now, Central Parkway has included a dedicated bike lane in both directions with various safety measures protecting them.
In January, Cincinnati officials announced a desire to update the city’s bike plan for the first time in 12 years. Director of Transportation and Engineering, John Brazina, stated: “Our goal is to create a bike infrastructure network that is comfortable and easy to use for people of all ages and abilities.”
The City has been releasing a map each month to solicit feedback from citizens in all 52 neighborhoods in the Cincinnati area.
The Rules of The Road
As bike paths become longer and more common in the Southwestern Ohio area, we need to remain ever vigilant as safe drivers. To that end, here are some rules and expectations.
Generally speaking, cyclists must obey traffic laws. A cyclist must travel in the same direction as traffic. A cyclist is supposed to ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable while obeying all traffic laws applicable to other vehicles when passing a vehicle or proceeding in the same direction.
And yet, cyclists are permitted to move away from the right side of the roadway when it is unreasonable or unsafe to remain there when they need to avoid fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, and surface hazards, and when the lane is too narrow for the bicycle and an overtaking vehicle to travel safely side by side.
Cyclists are also not expected to remain as far right as possible when preparing to make a left turn and when a right turn only lane is present and the cyclist intends to proceed through the intersection.
While many cyclists feel safer in dedicated bike lanes, cyclists DO NOT have to use a bike lane when provided. Cyclists are also permitted to ride two abreast. Generally, only persons 15 years old or younger are permitted to ride on the sidewalk in Cincinnati. Some wider sidewalks are designated “shared paths” and will have an appropriate sign.
How Motorist Can Prevent Bicycle Accidents
Motorists cannot park in a bike lane. When passing a bicycle, motorists are expected to leave a safe distance but not less than three feet between their vehicle and the bicycle. When parking in areas with bike lanes, motorists should take care when opening doors to ensure that no bicycle is oncoming.
As Spring takes hold and the weather warms, our bicycle traffic will increase. Both motorists and cyclists can make a better effort to share the roadways and downtown area safely.
Accident Attorney in Hamilton Ohio
The Richards Firm is prepared to handle all of your personal injury needs. The Richards Firm is your local bicycle accident, motor vehicle accident, and truck accident attorney near Hamilton Ohio. We also handle motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and wrongful deaths resulting from those accidents.
We use our proven approach to provide you with the answers that you need and the justice you deserve. Call The Richards Firm today for practical, no-nonsense advice on your legal matter. When you call us, you speak to an attorney, not answering services, receptionists, or legal assistants.
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