Clarifying How Rules of the Road Apply to Bicyclists
There are many misconceptions about the laws that apply to bicyclists in Oregon. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may not be sure whether you were following the law, and you may be concerned about how this will impact your right to compensation.
At Berkshire Ginsberg, LLC, we have an in-depth understanding of Oregon’s bicycle laws. The following is a very general overview of the Oregon statutes pertaining to bicycles and bicyclists:
- On the street: When riding on the street, bicyclists have the same legal rights and responsibilities as the operators of other types of vehicles, with certain specific exceptions. Cyclists are not required to signal turns in situations where they need both hands to safely operate their bikes, and in most situations they are generally expected to stay to the right.
- On the sidewalk: Certain municipalities in Oregon forbid bicyclists to use the sidewalks. Elsewhere, it is legal to operate a bicycle on the sidewalk, but bicyclists are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians and slow down before crossing or otherwise entering the street.
- On a bike path or lane: If a bike path, bike lane or sharrow (shared lane) has been designated on or alongside a road, bicyclists are generally expected to use that path or lane.
It is important to recognize that, even if you were violating a traffic law at the time you were hit by a car, you were not necessarily legally at fault for the collision. Our attorneys have helped many clients overcome these issues and obtain compensation for their injuries.
If the police have given you a traffic ticket after a collision in which you were injured, we have the experience to represent you on both your personal injury claim and the bike ticket.
The information above is highly summarized and should not be taken as legal advice. To discuss your specific situation with experienced Portland personal injury attorney Mark Ginsberg, please contact us at 503-542-3000.
Contact Us
This information highly summarized and should not be taken as legal advice. To discuss your specific situation, contact us by filling in the form below.