As most cyclists will tell you, riding on the road can be hostile and even dangerous if cyclists do not know the laws. Therefore, as more students filter back into the University, it is essential to know the responsibilities of both drivers and cyclists in order to keep safe from getting hit, causing a crash or being a victim of bicycle theft.
Knowing the laws
Ray Thomas, a bicycle attorney and avid cyclist who has devoted most of his career to bicycle law, is known among Oregon’s bicycle community as an expert and lobbyist for the state’s cyclists. This summer he stopped in Eugene to hold a bicycle lecture on Oregon bike laws as a part of Eugene’s July-in-Motion event.
Thomas discussed the laws bicycle riders are required to obey, as well as safety tips to use while on the road. For example, while riding at night it is necessary for both safety and legal reasons that riders be equipped with a light, and that the light is used during “limited visibility conditions.” The law increases rider safety and ensures that bicycle riders can be seen by oncoming motorists, he said.
Pedestrians always have the right of way when confronted by bicycles and cars, and bicycles have the right of way when confronted by cars. This is important to understand when riding in a heavily populated area such as the University, where often times there are large populations of cars and people, he said. Oregon laws require drivers and bicyclists to yield to pedestrians; furthermore 811.050 states that motor vehicles must yield to bicycles in bike lanes, and 811.055 allows bikes the right of way on sidewalks. People commonly believe the misconception that riding a bike on the sidewalk is against the law. Bicyclists have the right to use the sidewalk, but they must yield to pedestrians.
Theft Avoidance
Bike theft is very common in Eugene, particularly around campus where students often rely on their bikes as a main source of transportation. With many new students entering the University for their first term, it’s necessary for all students to take precautions in order to avoid having their bikes stolen.
Kerry Delf of the Eugene Police Department recommended that students do not store their bikes outside whenever possible. She said this can sometimes be difficult while living in the dorms but that there are ways to reduce the risk bike theft. For example, it is best to park in well lit and well traveled areas. She also recommended using two locks rather than one including both a kryptonite and cable lock; and to always lock bikes, even if they will be left for only a few minutes at a time.
Unfortunately, if a bike is stolen, Delf says that there is almost nothing the police can do if its owner does not take the necessary precautions, including registering the bike with the police department. All that is required is for the owner to fill out a bike registration form with information including the serial number.
Including a picture is optional. Each year, the police recover countless stolen bikes, and because there is no way of identifying their owners, they are sold at auctions for a fraction of their retail prices. Registration forms can be obtained from the police station at the intersection of 13th Avenue and
Alder Street, or from any other police station. If a bike is registered, it is almost always returned to its owner, Delf said.
Delf also emphasized that it is extremely important for riders to be aware of their surroundings while riding and to take extra
precautions to prevent an accident from occurring.
She said that bikes are much more vulnerable in accidents than motorists and in the end, it doesn’t matter who is at fault; the bicyclist will always be the one who gets hurt.
Taking proper safety precautions in order to avoid accidents is an absolute necessity when cycling in traffic. Ride defensively by always being aware of your surroundings. Motorists many times do not look or fail to see bikes, especially at night. And finally, maximize your chances of avoiding an accident by using
lights at night, wearing light colors and always wearing a helmet, Delf said.
Recreation
Cyclists use their bikes for both recreation and transportation. Check out these useful Web sites which feature recreational activities, trails, and education for riders to look up bike laws in their area. www.active.com, an online database to find information on sporting events and recreational activities in your area, and www.trails.com, a national Web site featuring different trails in your region for your riding enjoyment. Also check out www.Oregon.gov to look up further laws and cases.