Know Your Rights
Bicyclists have a right to the road, but not many people know the full extent of those rights. Here is a short summary of Oregon's bicycle laws. Use them wisely!
You may occupy an entire lane and ride up to two abreast so long as you ride at the "normal speed of traffic".
If you ride at less than the normal speed of traffic, then you must ride as far to the right as possible (or to the left on a one way street) EXCEPT when passing; making a left turn; when necessary to avoid hazards; or when the road is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to ravel safely side by side.
Bikes may ride on sidewalks except where prohibited in urban core areas.
Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians, and give an audible warning when passing; and they must yield to a vehicle approaching on the right in unmarked intersections. Motorists must yield to bicyclists in bike lanes and on sidewalks.
Bicyclists may not pass vehicles on the right, EXCEPT to go around a left-turning vehicle; or when safe under existing conditions.
Bikes must use available bike lanes.
With regard to speed, bikes must follow the same legal requirements as other vehicles except no faster than "an ordinary walk" in a crosswalk, driveway, or curb cut if a motor vehicle is approaching.
Your bike must show a white light to the front and a red reflector or light to the rear during "limited visibility conditions".
Turns and stops require a hand signal for 100 feet beforehand unless "circumstances require that both hands be used to safely control the bicycle".
Helmets are required by law for riders under the age of 16.
Now you know, and knowing is half the battle (insert children's toy reference here). Thanks to the guys over at Swanson, Thomas, and Coon for the information.
You may occupy an entire lane and ride up to two abreast so long as you ride at the "normal speed of traffic".
If you ride at less than the normal speed of traffic, then you must ride as far to the right as possible (or to the left on a one way street) EXCEPT when passing; making a left turn; when necessary to avoid hazards; or when the road is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to ravel safely side by side.
Bikes may ride on sidewalks except where prohibited in urban core areas.
Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians, and give an audible warning when passing; and they must yield to a vehicle approaching on the right in unmarked intersections. Motorists must yield to bicyclists in bike lanes and on sidewalks.
Bicyclists may not pass vehicles on the right, EXCEPT to go around a left-turning vehicle; or when safe under existing conditions.
Bikes must use available bike lanes.
With regard to speed, bikes must follow the same legal requirements as other vehicles except no faster than "an ordinary walk" in a crosswalk, driveway, or curb cut if a motor vehicle is approaching.
Your bike must show a white light to the front and a red reflector or light to the rear during "limited visibility conditions".
Turns and stops require a hand signal for 100 feet beforehand unless "circumstances require that both hands be used to safely control the bicycle".
Helmets are required by law for riders under the age of 16.
Now you know, and knowing is half the battle (insert children's toy reference here). Thanks to the guys over at Swanson, Thomas, and Coon for the information.