5 Oregon Biking Laws You May Not Know

Oregon has long been known as one of the best states in the country for year-round biking and adventure. We have plenty of gorgeous trails to explore, bike-friendly roads, and of course, bike festivals and group rides. Bike riding rules in Portland and the rest of Oregon are designed to protect cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. Read on to learn more from bicycle accident attorney Paul Galm about some Oregon bicycle laws you may not be familiar with and how they can help keep you and your family safe. For more information on these laws, go to Oregon.gov.

Lights on for Safety

Oregon bike light laws stipulate that riders must use lights during limited visibility conditions, which includes any riding from sunset to sunrise. The Oregon bike light laws further state that the lights must emit a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front of the bike, and that a red reflector or lighting device should be mounted on the back of the bike.

One Passenger Per Bicycle Seat

It is unlawful for bicyclists to operate a bike while carrying more persons on the bike than the number for which it is designed or safely equipped. This means that riders should never transport people on their handlebars or pegs.

Crosswalks and Sidewalks

Oregon bicycle laws for crosswalk use guarantee riders the same rights and duties as a pedestrian. Bicyclists must exercise caution and ride safely so they don’t move into the path of another vehicle and create a hazard. Additionally, bicyclists must ride at a speed no greater than a walk when approaching or entering a crosswalk, driveway, curb, or pedestrian ramp when motor vehicle traffic is also approaching. Riders using the sidewalk must also give an audible warning before passing another cyclist or a pedestrian, and they must yield the right of way to all pedestrians on the sidewalk.

Wearing a Helmet

Children under the age of 16 must always wear a bike helmet if they’re riding on Oregon roads or premises open to the public. This means that children within this age group can ride without a helmet on a private farm or in their backyard, but must use an approved helmet when riding in their neighborhood or local park. Children under age 16 who are bicycle passengers (e.g. using kid carriers on a bicycle) must also wear helmets or the operator will be cited.

Failure to know the law is never an excuse for bad behavior and practices, and cannot be used in a legal case to legitimize a bicyclist’s conduct. If you have questions about Oregon bicycle laws or would like to discuss an accident you were involved in, contact Portland personal injury attorney Paul Galm today for a free consultation