Ohio Bike and Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Protecting Those on Two Wheels or Two Feet

There were 134 pedestrians and 18 bicyclists killed in Ohio in 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Institute. While bikers and pedestrians should feel secure in their right to travel across our roads, motorists can become annoyed or impatient when they come upon them and may respond in a reckless manner causing a serious or fatal collision. 

Many motorists fail to perceive bicyclists and pedestrians because they are not keeping a proper lookout. Broken bones, head injuries, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash, and scarring are all common injuries when motorists collide with pedestrians and bikers. 

Our experienced bike and pedestrian attorneys have handled all types of accidents involving people traveling on two feet or two wheels. 

Share the Road

Bikes are defined as “vehicles” under Ohio law. Every roadway in Ohio except a limited access highway is considered a shared road, and bicyclists are allowed to be there. Motorists need to be mindful and respectful of bicyclists. 

Bikes and Ohio Law

• Bicyclists must obey all “rules of the road” and ride with the flow of traffic. 
• Bicyclists enjoy the same right of way as any motorists, although a bike must be ridden “as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable.” A bicyclist does not need to hug the shoulder when it is “unreasonable or unsafe to do so.” 
• Bikers can ride side by side and are not required to move over for faster traffic. 
• When it's dark or riding in adverse weather, bikes are required to have a white light in the front and a red light and reflector in the rear. 
• Motorists must give bikers at least three feet of clearance when passing. 
• Surprisingly, Ohio state law does not require bikers to ride in “bike lanes” when present.

Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bike or pedestrian accident, contact the Dayton bike and pedestrian lawyers at Thorson Switala Mondock & Snead LLP today for a free case evaluation.