Ohio’s 3 Foot Clearance Law for Bicycles.
With spring right around the corner, we will soon see an influx of bicyclists on the road. Cycling is great exercise, and we have gorgeous landscapes to travel via bicycle across Ohio and beyond! As an avid outdoor enthusiast I can certainly appreciate the love of cycling. However for many cyclists, this is also the most dangerous time of year! Drivers are not used to looking for, or avoiding bicyclists on the roads.
3 Feet of Clearance Saves Lives
In December 2016, Governor Kasich officially signed a law that requires all motor vehicles to maintain at least 3 feet of clearance from a cyclist on the road. While passing, vehicles must provide ample room and wait to pass based on traffic patterns. While many local levels of government have had similar laws in place, the December action makes this mandate the state minimum in Ohio.
Sharing the Roads in Cleveland and Across Ohio
Most cyclists are well versed in the safety protocols that accompany their outdoor pastime. From using proper equipment to following traffic laws – Operating a bicycle safely is certainly a committed task!
Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous forms of exercise. From distracted driving threats to fluke accidents, it can be a deadly hobby. Even if a cyclist does everything correctly and by the law, a dangerous driver can quickly cause irreparable injury or death.
Slow down and pass with care as the temperatures start to rise in Northeast Ohio! A cyclist’s life depends on it. If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle related accident, call my offices immediately. As your Ohio accident attorney, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over four decades, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities. You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 877.944.4373.