Bicycle Safety Rules in Oklahoma
Although Oklahoma law does not require a helmet to be worn while bicycling, persons under the age of 18 are required by Oklahoma statute to wear an acceptable protective bicycle helmet. That helmet must be secured with neck or chin straps. While Tennessee requires adult riders to wear helmets in order to recover damages in the event of an accident, that is not the case in Oklahoma. Oklahoma’s helmet statute is one of the most liberal in the nation. However, safety experts universally agree that wearing a helmet reduces chances of serious or catastrophic injury and death by a large margin. For this reason, and for the chance of some troops of sharing the road, bike rider should always wear an approved helmet while riding.
This may seem obvious, but there are federal, state, and local lighting and reflector requirements for vehicles on the roadways. The city of Oklahoma City’s website has an excellent explanation of these requirements from the Oklahoma City Traffic Manual:
- When operating from dusk to dawn, bicycle operators must use white lamps on the front and red reflectors on the rear.
- Between sunset and sunrise, bicycles must have white lights mounted on the front and a red or white reflector visible from 600 feet on the rear, an inch wide and at least 2.5 inches high.
- Between sunset and sunrise, bicycles must have a red reflector for motorized bicycles. That red reflector must be visible from 300 feet to 500 feet when there is a light source.
- Motorized bicycles manufactured after July 1, 2009 , must have the same reflector and lamp equipment as bicycles. Belew you will find the actual language from the Oklahoma Statute covering these requirements:
§ 47-11-160.
A. A person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at the times specified in Section 11-201 hereof shall have a lamp or lamps on the front of the bicycle which emit an unincumbered white light visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the front when in position for normal riding; and a red reflectorized device meeting the specifications set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Part 571, Subpart B, § 5.10 on the rear of the bicycle. These devices shall be in good working order at all times. However, the devices set forth in this subsection shall not be required on a bicycle while in any organized race or competitive event. B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the use of a recognized racing bicycle event, a parade or a ceremonial occasion.
A. A lighted lamp or lantern exhibiting a red light visible to the rear at all times while the motor is in operation, shall be affixed to the rear of every motorized bicycle or tricycle. A lighted lamp or lantern exhibiting a white light visible at least two hundred (200) feet from the front at all times shall be affixed to the front of every motorized bicycle or tricycle. [Also see Section 11-413]
A. A bicycle shall not be ridden abreast of another bicycle upon any roadway except as may be necessary to pass a standing parked vehicle or one that is stopped temporarily to pick up or discharge a passenger or cargo.
A bicyclist’s Rights and Responsibilities
Treated as another vehicle
Contrary to popular misconception, Oklahoma bicycle laws do not treat a cyclist as a nuisance or anything less than another vehicle. They cannot be treated differently or as an intrusion onto the road – that is, they cannot be forced off the roadway or on sidewalks or paths unless they are otherwise provided for. Instead, a lot of cyclists get strong-arm tactics from aggressor drivers who think their $30,000 car is more important than the person on the $400 bike. And these drivers would be wrong – the law must look out for both the cyclist’s rights as well as the motorist’s safety.
Cyclists must obey the law
A cyclist also has an obligation to be responsible and follow the law. The cyclist is bound by the same basic traffic laws as everyone else. The difference is that many cyclists don’t know the law, and others simply disregard the law. The result can be accident and injury for which the cyclist is at fault.
Every road is for every vehicle
The cyclist should take seriously all the responsibilities inherent in riding legally and safely. Too many cyclists believe their rights as a vehicle allow them to ride anywhere in any fashion they wish. That would be as wrong as if the motorists believed they had the right to drive with reckless disregard for the law. The road is for all vehicles, including bicycles. Each has rights and responsibilities to keep everyone safe.
An electric bicycle (or e-bike) is viewed as a motorized vehicle for purposes of the Oklahoma statutes governing bicycles. However, there are some exceptions where a local municipal ordinance is the governing authority for cities and towns.
Section 11-1205 of Title 47 provides that cyclists must obey the same basic traffic rules as motor vehicles. Violating these rules can lead to injury and liability whether the violation is committed by a motorist or cyclist.
Using the bike path as a motor vehicle lane
Bicycles are subject to all traffic laws and may not ride on sidewalks unless required or permitted by local ordinance. You may ride on paths and sidewalks if they are clearly marked or designated for you, unless the local ordinances prohibit such use.
Share the road
Awareness of both cyclists and motorists goes a long way to prevent accidents and injuries, regardless of fault.
Sharing the road and England’s Lane Laws
When it comes to riding a bicycle, bicycles have unique rights, obligations, and rules of the road. One such right is to use designated bicycle lanes. In Oklahoma, it is illegal for a motor vehicle to drive into a bicycle lane unless the vehicle is merging or making a right turn (which is itself subject to certain exceptions). In fact, there are a number of laws that specifically address how bicycle lanes are to be used. First, O.S. 47 §11-1206 requires all bicycles to display a white front headlight capable of being seen "from a distance of 500 feet to the front." Second, O.S. 47 §11-1208 requires all bicycles to have a red rear reflector "capable of being seen from a distance of 600 feet from the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle." Third, O.S. 47 §11-1209/O.A.C. 595:60-10-3 requires all bicycles to have a red rear warning light, "see §48-401 and 46 CFR 25.49." Fourth, O.S. 47 §11-1209 requires all bicycles to be equipped with "a brake which will enable the operator to make the braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement." Fifth, O.S. 47 §11-1206 provides that: "Any person riding a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at that time and place shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when necessary to avoid fixed or moving objects, vehicles, pedestrians, or when the lane is too narrow for a motor vehicle and a bicycle to travel safely side by side within that lane." This rule is crucial to keep in mind, as colliding with a bicycle, especially at high speeds, can be catastrophic. Sixth, O.S. 47 §11-1206 further provides that: "Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two (2) abreast except on paths or parts of roadways exclusive for bicycles in accordance with Section 11-1201 of this title and shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic on the roadway. This section does not apply on paths or parts of roadways exclusive for bicycles." Seventh, O.S. 47 §11-1108 provides that a: "Vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction shall exercise due care and shall pass to the left at a safe distance, but in no event less than three feet (3′) unless otherwise designated by signs, prior to returning to the right side of the roadway." This statute recently gained attention after the tragic death of the former professional NFL player Rashaan Salaam. Because that accident took place on a highway where no bike lane was designated, even if the driver had given him the respect to pass by three feet, it would unfortunately have made no difference.
Actions prohibited on a bicycle
25 O.S. § 11-1205 prohibits the use of a bicycle by any person on any interstate highway, sidewalk, or bicycle path, except that a person may walk a bicycle upon a pedestrian walk or footpath. For those unfamiliar with O.S. § 11-1205, the statute reads: A. No person shall operate a bicycle on an interstate highway or on a sidewalk unless otherwise directed by official traffic control devices. No person shall use a bicycle on a roadway while under the influence of intoxicating beverages or other drug of like effect. No person shall sell, offer to sell, or expose for sale any bicycle on any roadway except by special permit from the Department of Public Safety. The Department of Public Safety shall furnish such applications and regulations as required for the issuing of such permits. B. Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted by law all rights and be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle under the provisions of this act applicable to the driver of a vehicle and except as to special regulations in respect to bicycles herein made. Provided, however, that no person shall ride a bicycle upon a limited-access, expressway roadway except in areas set apart by the proper authorities for such purposes. C. Every person operating a bicycle on a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic shall ride as close as practicable to the right hand edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations: 1. When overtaken by another bicycle or vehicle, or when preparing for a left turn; 2. When the right of way is given to another vehicle, as provided in the Oklahoma Vehicle License and Traffic Law; and 3. When prohibited by an official sign or signal. D. Any person convicted of violating the provisions of Section A of this act or deliberately placing a bicycle on an unattended roadway contrary to the provisions of subsection F of Section 11-504 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) nor more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).
Legal repercussions for disregarding bike rules
When cyclists violate traffic laws in Oklahoma, the potential consequences can vary depending on the specific violation committed. Common violations that cyclists may be subject to include running a stop sign, failing to yield at an intersection, biking on the wrong side of the road, and failing to use proper lights during night riding.
The potential fines associated with each violation can range from $10 for minor issues (like riding on the wrong side of the roadway) to upwards of $500 for more serious infractions like driving under the influence or the reckless endangerment of others. In some instances, the possibility of increased or even more severe penalties exists, particularly if a violation leads to personal injury or fatalities.
In Oklahoma, a conviction related to a traffic violation may result in points being placed on an offender’s driving record. While many violations that occur while operating a motor vehicle lead automatically to points on a driving record, the situation is different for cyclists. Oklahoma does assign points for violations involving bicycles, but only in situations when those same violations also take place on public roadways. Bicycles are treated differently than motor vehicles, and do not necessarily lead to points on a driving record. For example, if a cyclist commits a minor infraction like riding on the sidewalk , a citation for that offense will not lead to points.
However, if the same cyclist rides against traffic, they may receive points on their record. This is because they are riding on the road where motor vehicles operate. If a bicyclist is ticketed for a serious offense like drunk, reckless, or distracted driving, they will accrue points just like any other motor vehicle operator. In addition, if a citation leads to an arrest, the cyclist could face additional charges that carry serious penalties.
Serious traffic offenses may also require the offender to appear in court. In many cases, this is the result of the offense having potential consequences that warrant a conviction in criminal court, like the aforementioned drunk, reckless, or distracted driving charges. Conviction on one of these charges could lead to hefty fines, incarceration, or the revocation of the offender’s driver license. Convictions could also result in a civil suit if another cyclist, motorist, or pedestrian is injured as a result of the offense.
It’s not uncommon for motorists to claim a cyclist is at fault for causing motor vehicle-bicycle crashes. Unfortunately, a judge or jury may agree, leading to civil judgment and steep fines.
While it is true that cyclists can face many of the same penalties as motor vehicle operators, it is important to remember that this type of situation may be possible to dispute.
Recent amendments to bicycle laws
As with many aspects of the law, bicycle laws are subject to change and evolution throughout the years. Perhaps most notably, there have been changes regarding where cyclists can ride. In 2010, Oklahoma passed Title 47, Section 11-1205 which made it illegal to ride a bicycle on a limited-access or controlled-access highway, or state highway, even if those highways had wide shoulders that would allow a cyclist room to operate safely and without impairing traffic. However, that is no longer the case. In 2016, the law was revised, granting bicycles full access to both state highways and limited-access or controlled-access highways. This is a significant step forward in providing more accessible avenues for cyclists to operate safely on Oklahoma roads.
In addition to these changes, there have been increased efforts to ensure that cyclists know their rights. In Auburn v. Bunn, one of the most significant cases impacting cyclists’ rights in the state, the courts held that OK law does not require a bicyclist to display a bicycle tag. It also upheld the requirement that bicyclists riding at nighttime must have a headlight visible for a distance of at least 500 feet (different from the 100 feet required during the day). Though the court did not address the issue directly, it is still required that your bicycle has a working rear reflector during all hours of operation, otherwise the police can pull you over.
On the other hand, in Thompson v. City of Collinsville, the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals upheld the law which allows municipalities to require a tag on bicycles and a license plate or certificate of title. In other words, you may still be required to have a license plate on your bicycle depending on where you’re located.
Notably, the American Bicycles Association, a national non-profit organization that has existed since 1989, has lobbied for better access to bicycles on roadways. It currently lists Oklahoma as the second best state for bicycle access on roads.
Advocacy and future legislation
Several organizations are strongly dedicated to advocating on behalf of the rights and safety of cyclists and the development of associated transportation infrastructure. Among these is the Oklahoma Bicycle Society (OBS). This organization is committed to advancing the state of Oklahoma’s cycling community. Its primary objective is to make the streets and highways of the state safer, more enjoyable and more responsible for cyclists.
According to the organization, one of its significant goals is to increase the number of users of bicycles as a form of transportation. As cycling grows in popularity, group members want to work with local governments to ensure that whether people are biking for sport, transportation or fitness, roads are safe and accessible to all forms of transportation.
Another notable group is the Tulsa Bicycle Club. This association hosts events including an annual road ride and mountain bike trail series, an evening velodrome and racing series, and a year-end banquet . Its mission is to ensure that the city of Tulsa and surrounding area provides cycling opportunities for recreation and transportation in a safe and friendly environment. The club works to develop and grow the sport of cycling, while promoting cycling as a healthy, affordable and efficient means of transportation. It also seeks to promote safe road sharing between bicycles and motor vehicles.
However, not all developments in Oklahoma favor the advancement of its bicycle laws. Last year, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill that preempted cities from restricting the speed limit of bicycles. A similar law was enacted for drivable golf carts, which are frequently used in rural areas in place of motor vehicles. That same year, the governor vetoed another bill that would have recognized electric bicycles as a category of vehicles and eliminated some of the less restrictive existing regulations toward them.
It remains to be seen how this climate will affect the enforcement and future developments of the state’s bicycle laws.