A major problem of drivers is the ability to see bicycles, especially at night. Sometimes they may be in the blind spot of your vehicle. When you approach a bicycle keep on the lookout and slow down. Give them plenty of room when passing and be prepared to stop suddenly. It is important to remember that bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles, except those which obviously cannot apply to a bicycle rider. In addition, bicycle riders have some special rules to follow. To avoid conflict, drivers of motor vehicles need to know the rules:
Drivers need to remember that road hazards not easily seen by drivers of cars or trucks may hamper a bicyclist. Hazards could include potholes, glass, litter, storm grates and railroad crossings, as well as opened doors of parked vehicles. Any of these things could cause a bicyclist to move into your path or to slow down. Give bicyclists plenty of clearance on the street so they will have room to move around these hazards.
Four common errors could cause you to strike a bicyclist:
- Turning left without noticing an oncoming bicyclist.
- Turning right at an intersection or driveway without checking for a bicyclist on the right who is continuing straight ahead.
- Entering or crossing a street without checking for a bicyclist is the street or on the sidewalk.
- Opening a vehicle door into the path of a bicyclist.
Bicycle helmet
Oregon law requires any person under the age of 16 riding a bicycle or being carried on a bicycle to wear approved protective headgear. As a parent or person with legal responsibility for the safety and welfare of a child, you will be held responsible. Bicycle helmets are not required by law for persons over the age of 16; however, they are strongly recommended.
Riding rules
To become more confident in your riding skills, please obtain the Oregon Bicyclist's Manual at your local DMV office.
As a bicyclist in Oregon you must be aware that bicycles are considered vehicles. You have the same rights, duties and responsibilities as vehicle drivers.
Bicyclists must ride in the direction of traffic and as near to the right side of the road or street as is practical. On a one-way street in a city, a bicyclist may ride as near as possible to either the right or the left side of the street or roadway.
There are some exceptions to this rule, such as when a bicyclist is overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle, when a bicyclist is getting ready to make a left turn, or when a bicyclist is riding at the same speed as traffic. A bicyclist also does not need to keep right if a lane is too narrow to let a bicycle and vehicle travel side-by-side, or if riding close to the edge of the roadway is unsafe because of parked vehicles, fixed or moving objects, animals or road surface hazards. When lane width permits, bicyclists may ride side-by-side along Oregon roads.
Bicycles should not ride more than two abreast, except on paths or parts of the roadway designated for bicycles. When riding two abreast, you may not impede the normal and reasonable movement of travel.
Increase your visibility. It will help to protect you on the road. Clothes of bright colors during the day, and white or reflectorized clothing at night will help you be seen. At night, you must have a headlight and rear reflector on your bicycle; a red taillight and additional reflectors are also helpful.
Other rules include: always keep at least one hand on the handlebar, don't carry more passengers than there are seats available, yield to pedestrians, have adequate brakes, and never perform stunts while riding on streets or highways.
Signal your intentions clearly and in plenty of time. You may signal a right turn in two ways. Use the standard upturned left arm signal, or extend the right arm straight out to the right. The signal does not need to be given continuously for the last 100 feet.
Motorized wheelchairs
Operators of motorized wheelchairs also are permitted to use bicycle lanes and paths. Such wheelchairs must meet proper lighting equipment standards. Vehicles crossing bicycle lanes must yield to operators of motorized wheelchairs.
