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Although most people learn to ride a bicycle when they are young, few are familiar with the bicycle laws established in their state of residence. At Graves McLain, we know the importance of being familiar with your state laws and how this can protect you in case of an accident.
Whether you ride a bicycle for leisure, exercise, or to get to work, this enjoyable mode of transportation can be dangerous and unpredictable in high-traffic areas. Some of Tulsa’s main thoroughfares are narrow, with a lot of traffic traveling at high speeds. To safely enjoy cycling and reduce the risk of an accident, we have answered some of the most common questions about Oklahoma bicycle laws.
Many areas have assigned bike paths adjacent to the roadway riders must use. We’ve also started seeing designated bike lanes on many streets around the City of Tulsa.
If there is no designated path, a cyclist should cautiously ride near the right curb or edge of the roadway traveling in the same direction as traffic, except when:
Cyclists must not ride on interstates or turnpikes unless there is a designated bike road.
Unlike cars, bicycles lack blinkers to alert other road users of their actions. To keep themselves and other road users safe, cyclists must familiarize themselves with standard hand signals that announce their intentions. These signals must be done at least 100 feet before completing the intended action.
Unlike cars, bicycles lack blinkers to alert other road users of their actions. To keep themselves and other road users safe, cyclists must familiarize themselves with standard hand signals that announce their intentions. These signals must be done at least 100 feet before completing the intended action.
Left Turn:
Extend the left arm straight out
Right Turn:
Upturn the left arm 90 degrees at the elbow, or extend the right arm straight out
Stop:
Extend the left arm downward with the palm facing backward
Cyclists must ride upon a permanent and regular seat without surpassing the number of people the bike is designed and equipped for.
When riding in groups, cyclists must not ride more than two abreast except on dedicated bike paths with sufficient room. If a group is on a laned road, all cyclists should ride in the same lane.
A bicycle must be equipped with appropriate brakes.
When a bicycle is used at night, the cyclist must use a headlamp that is visible for at least five hundred feet and a rear red reflector or red light visible by all vehicles approaching the bike from behind. We also encourage cyclists to wear reflective clothing when riding at night.
Even though helmets are not required by state law, Graves McLain encourages all cyclists to wear one for safety. Some municipalities may require helmets for cyclists under 18 or for all cyclists.
A cyclist assumes all the rights and responsibilities of a vehicle operator and must obey all traffic laws. A cyclist may treat a stop sign as a yield but should exercise caution when doing so. Local authorities may regulate bicycle regulations and detain riders as needed.
The state of Oklahoma requires that all cyclists ride with appropriate identification, such as a driver’s license. It is also the responsibility of all parents and guardians to ensure their kids do not violate any bicycle laws. For safety tips on reducing the chance of a bicycle accident, visit our dedicated bicycle accidents page.
If you or someone you love were the victim of a bicycle accident and would like to pursue legal charges, call Graves McLain to get started. When an injured cyclist calls one of our attorneys, we will speak with them for FREE and determine the best course of action. A client will never pay an attorney’s fee upfront. At Graves McLain, we do not get paid until our client gets paid.
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