BICYCLES, MOTORCYCLES AND MOBILITY DEVICES

Columbus City Codes tit. 21, ch. 2173

in effect

Columbus City Codes § 2173.01 Code application to bicycles and mobility devices.

2173.01 - Code application to bicycles and mobility devices. (A) The provisions of this Traffic Code that are applicable to bicycles and mobility devices apply whenever a bicycle or mobility device is operated upon any street or highway or upon any shared-use path within the public right-of-way as defined in section 910.01 (P) of the Columbus City Code or easement adjacent thereto or however specifically provided for in Chapter 2173. (B) The provisions of this Traffic Code, shall apply to bicycles and mobility devices, and any person operating a bicycle or mobility devices on a street shall comply with all operational rules and traffic control devices applicable to vehicular traffic, whenever possible. (C) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, a bicycle or mobility device operator who violates any section of the Traffic Code that is applicable to bicycles and mobility devices may be issued a ticket, citation, or summons by a law enforcement officer for the violation in the same manner as the operator of a motor vehicle would be cited for the same violation. A person who commits any such violation while operating a bicycle or mobility device shall not have any points assessed against the person's driver's license, commercial driver's license, temporary instruction permit, or probationary license under Chapter 4510 of the Ohio Revised Code. (D) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, in the case of a violation of any section of the Traffic Code by a bicycle operator, a mobility device operator or by a motor vehicle operator when the Trier of fact finds that the violation by the motor vehicle operator endangered the lives of bicycle riders or mobility device operators at the time of the violation, the court, notwithstanding any provision of the Revised Code or the Columbus City Code to the contrary, may require the bicycle operator, mobility device operator or motor vehicle operator to take and successfully complete a skills course approved by the court in addition to or in lieu of any penalty otherwise prescribed for that violation. (E) Divisions (C) and (D) of this section do not apply to violations of Section 2133.01 of the Columbus City Traffic Code. (ORC 4511.52; Ord. 1579-72; Ord. 2120-03 § 1 (part); Ord. 0950-2008 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2539-2018, § 2, 9-24-2018)

Columbus City Codes § 2173.02 Rules for bicycles, motorcycles, mobility devices, and snowmobiles.

2173.02 - Rules for bicycles, motorcycles, mobility devices, and snowmobiles. (A) A person operating or riding upon a bicycle, motorcycle or mobility device with a permanent and regular seat attached thereto shall not ride other than upon or astride such seat, nor carry any other person upon the same other than upon a separate firmly attached and regular seat thereon. A person operating a mobility device without a permanent and regular seat attached thereto shall not ride other than standing upon the footboard A person shall ride upon a motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle. No person operating a bicycle or a mobility device shall carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents the driver from keeping at least one (1) hand upon the handle bars. No person operating a mobility device should do so on any streets if the posted speed limit is over 35 mph unless in a dedicated bike lane or shared use path. No person operating a mobility device shall exceed a speed at greater than 20 miles per hour. No person under the age of sixteen (16) shall operate a mobility device upon any street or highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking except on a shared use path. No person operating a bicycle, mobility device or motorcycle shall carry more persons than the number for which it is designed and equipped, nor shall any person operate a motorcycle on a street or highway when the handle bars or grips are more than fifteen (15) inches higher than the seat or saddle for the operator. No person shall operate or be a passenger on a snowmobile or motorcycle without using safety glasses or other protective eye device. No person who is under the age of eighteen (18) years, or who holds a motorcycle operator's endorsement or license bearing a "novice" designation that is currently in effect as provided in Section 4507.13 of the Ohio Revised Code shall operate a motorcycle on a highway, or be a passenger on a motorcycle, unless wearing a protective helmet on the person's head, and no other person shall be a passenger on a motorcycle operated by such a person unless similarly wearing a protective helmet. The helmet, safety glasses, or other protective eye device shall conform with regulations prescribed and promulgated by the Ohio Director of Public Safety. The provisions of this paragraph or a violation thereof shall not be used in the trial of any civil action. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the carrying of a child over the age of one (1) year but under the age of eighteen (18) years in a seat or trailer that is designed for carrying children and is firmly attached to the bicycle. (B) (1) No person under the age of eighteen (18) shall operate a bicycle or mobility device within the City without wearing a protective helmet on the person's head, with the chin strap fastened under the person's chin. Such helmet shall be fitted to the size of the operator's head and shall meet or exceed the standards set forth by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). No person the age of one (1) or older but under the age of eighteen (18) shall ride as a passenger on a bicycle or mobility device equipped with a firmly attached passenger seat or astride a regular seat on a tandem bicycle, within the City without wearing a protective helmet on the person's head, with the chin strap fastened under the person's chin. Such helmet shall be fitted to the size of the operator's head and shall meet or exceed the standards set forth by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Failure to wear a protective helmet as required in this division shall not be considered to be comparative or contributory negligence on the part of the parent, guardian, custodian, person having custody or control, or person in loco parentis of a child nor on the part of the child nor shall such failure be admissible in any civil action. (2) No person, who is the parent, guardian, custodian, person having custody or control, or person in loco parentis of a child under eighteen (18) years of age shall authorize or knowingly permit such child to violate any provision of this division. (C) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates division (A) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one (1) predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two (2) or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. (2) Whoever violates division (B)of this section shall be fined no more than twenty-five dollars ($25.00). (D) The Director of Public Safety and the Chief of Police shall be responsible for enforcing division (B) of this section, and shall, as in all other enforcement actions, be afforded discretion and professional judgment in determining the appropriate enforcement action, including a verbal or written warning or the issuances of a summons. (ORC 4511.53; Ord. 1317-78; Ord. 2120-03 § 1 (part); Ord. 0950-2008 § 1 (part); Ord. 1987-2008 Attach. 1 (part); Ord. No. 2539-2018, § 2, 9-24-2018)

Columbus City Codes § 2173.03 Attaching to vehicle.

2173.03 - Attaching to vehicle. (A) No person riding upon any motorcycle, bicycle, mobility device, coaster, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle shall attach the same or themself to any vehicle upon a roadway. No operator shall knowingly permit any person riding upon any motorcycle, bicycle, mobility device, coaster, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle to attach the same or self to any vehicle while it is moving upon a roadway. This section does not apply to the towing of a disabled vehicle. (B) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one (1) predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two (2) or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. (ORC 4511.54; Ord. 1579-72; Ord. 2120-03 § 1 (part); Ord. 0950-2008 § 1 (part); Ord. 1987-2008 Attach. 1 (part); Ord. No. 2539-2018, § 2, 9-24-2018; Ord. No. 2019-2021, § 1, 7-26-2021)

Columbus City Codes § 2173.04 Bicycle and mobility device to be ridden in the roadway; riding bicycles and motorcycles abreast.

2173.04 - Bicycle and mobility device to be ridden in the roadway; riding bicycles and motorcycles abreast. (A) Every person operating a bicycle or mobility device upon a roadway shall ride in any bike lane or traffic lane where practicable, obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles and exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. (B) Persons riding bicycles, mobility devices, or motorcycles upon a roadway shall ride not more than two (2) abreast in a single lane, except on shared-use paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, mobility device or motorcycles. (C) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted or pleaded guilty to one (1) predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two (2) or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. (ORC 4511.55(B); Ord. 1050-77; Ord. 2120-03 § 1 (part); Ord. 0950-2008 § 1 (part); Ord. 1987-2008 Attach. 1 (part); Ord. No. 2539-2018, § 2, 9-24-2018)

Columbus City Codes § 2173.05 Signal devices on bicycle and mobility device; brake.

2173.05 - Signal devices on bicycle and mobility device; brake. (A) Every bicycle or mobility device when in use at the times specified in Section 2137.02 of the Columbus City Code, shall be equipped with the following: (1) A lamp mounted on the front of either the bicycle, mobility device or the operator that shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred (500) feet to the front and three hundred (300) feet to the sides. A generator-powered lamp that emits lights only when the bicycle or mobility device is moving may be used to meet this requirement. (2) A red reflector on the rear that shall be visible from all distances from one hundred (100) feet to six hundred (600) feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle; (3) A lamp emitting either flashing or steady red light visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the rear shall be used in addition to the red reflector. If the red lamp performs as a reflector in that it is visible as specified in division (A)(2) of this section, the red lamp may serve as the reflector and a separate reflector is not required. (B) Additional lamps and reflectors may be used in addition to those required under division (A) of this section, except that red lamps and red reflectors shall not be used on the front of the bicycle or mobility device and white lamps and white reflectors shall not be used on the rear of the bicycle or mobility device. (C) A bicycle or mobility device may be equipped with a device capable of giving an audible signal, except that a bicycle or mobility device shall not be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a bicycle or mobility device any siren. (D) Every bicycle or mobility device shall be equipped with an adequate brake when used on a street, highway or shared-use path. (E) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one (1) predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two (2) or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. (ORC 4511.56; Ord. 1170-75; Ord. 2120-03 § 1 (part); Ord. 0950-2008 § 1 (part); Ord. 1987-2008 Attach. 1 (part); Ord. No. 2539-2018, § 2, 9-24-2018)

Columbus City Codes § 2173.07 Bicycle or mobility device yields right-of-way to pedestrians.

2173.07 - Bicycle or mobility device yields right-of-way to pedestrians. (A) Any person who may lawfully operate a bicycle or mobility device upon a sidewalk or shared-use path consistent with Section 2173.10 of the Columbus City Code shall: (1) Yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian upon a sidewalk or shared-use path or a crosswalk. (2) Give a timely and audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian upon the sidewalk or shared-use path. (B) Any person operating a bicycle or mobility device upon a roadway shall give a timely and audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian upon the roadway. (C) Nothing in this section requires a bicycle or mobility device operator to use a marked bike lane. (D) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one (1) predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two (2) or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. (ORC 4511.55; Ord. 1579-72; Ord. 2120-03 § 1 (part); Ord. 0950-2008 § 1 (part); Od. 1987-2008 Attach. 1 (part); Ord. No. 2539-2018, § 2, 9-24-2018)

Columbus City Codes § 2173.08 Reckless operation; control, course and speed.

2173.08 - Reckless operation; control, course and speed. (A) No person shall operate a bicycle or mobility device : (1) Without due regard for the safety and rights of pedestrians and drivers and occupants of all other vehicles, and so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person while in the lawful use of the streets or sidewalks or any other public or private property; (2) Without exercising reasonable and ordinary control over such bicycle or mobility device; (3) In a weaving or zigzag course unless such irregular course is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law; (4) Without keeping at least one hand upon the handle grips; (5) At a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing. (B) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one (1) predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two (2) or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. (Ord. 1579-72; Ord. 2120-03 § 1 (part); Ord. 0950-2008 § 1 (part); Ord. 1987-2008 Attach. 1 (part); Ord. No. 2539-2018, § 2, 9-24-2018)

Columbus City Codes § 2173.09 Parking of bicycle or mobility device.

2173.09 - Parking of bicycle or mobility device. (a) No person shall park a bicycle or mobility device upon a sidewalk in such a manner so as to unduly interfere with pedestrian traffic. This includes ADA ramps, areas departing to and from buildings and at transit stops. (b) No person shall park a bicycle or mobility device upon any street including parking spots and loading zones or as to unduly interfere with vehicular traffic. (c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. (Ord. 1579-72; Ord. 2120-03 § 1 (part); Ord. 0950-2008 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2539-2018, § 2, 9-24-2018)

Columbus City Codes § 2173.10 Riding bicycles or mobility devices on sidewalks.

2173.10 - Riding bicycles or mobility devices on sidewalks. (a) No person shall operate a bicycle or mobility device upon a sidewalk, except when necessary to go on or off adjacent properties or to park (b) This section shall not apply to: (1) A police officer, Division of Fire personnel, or Parking Violation Bureau personnel when such personnel are riding a bicycle in the performance of official duties. (2) Security guards employed by a special improvement district organized under Chapter 1710 of the Ohio Revised Code and certified through the International Police Mountain Biking Association, the Law Enforcement Bicycle Association, or an equivalent bicycle or mobility device training as determined by the Director of Public Safety, when such personnel are riding a bicycle or mobility device in the performance of official duties. (3) Children's non-motorized vehicles as defined in 2101.061. (c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. (Ord. 1050-77; Ord. 2120-03 § 1 (part); Ord. 0950-2008 § 1 (part); Ord. 1987-2008 Attach. 1 (part); Ord. No. 1182-2014, § 2, 6-16-2014; Ord. No. 2539-2018, § 2, 9-24-2018)

Columbus City Codes § 2173.11 Impounding for violations.

2173.11 - Impounding for violations. Whenever any bicycle or mobility device is operated by any person in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, such bicycle or mobility device may be seized by any member of the police department and impounded for not more than thirty (30) days in a pound which shall be established by the chief of police for such purpose. (Ord. 1579-72; Ord. 0950-2008 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 1182-2014, § 2, 6-16-2014; Ord. No. 2539-2018, § 2, 9-24-2018)

Columbus City Codes § 2173.12 Right-of-way bike crossings.

2173.12 - Right-of-way bike crossings. (a) If neither vehicular traffic nor bicycle or mobility device traffic at a "bike crossing" is controlled by a stop or yield sign, or a traffic signal, the operator of a bicycle or mobility device shall yield the right-of-way at bike crossings to all vehicles on the road or street unless otherwise directed by a police officer. (b) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. (Ord. 1050-77; Ord. 2120-03 § 1 (part); Ord. 0950-2008 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2539-2018, § 2, 9-24-2018)

Columbus City Codes § 2173.13 Motorized bicycle operation, equipment and license.

2173.13 - Motorized bicycle operation, equipment and license. (a) No person shall operate a motorized bicycle upon any street or highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking, unless all the following conditions are met: (1) The person is fourteen (14) or fifteen (15) years of age and holds a valid probationary motorized bicycle license issued after the person has passed the test provided for in Section 4511.521 of the Ohio Revised Code, or the person is sixteen (16) years of age or older and holds either a valid commercial driver's license issued under Chapter 4506 of the Ohio Revised Code, or a driver's license issued under Chapter 4507 of the Ohio Revised Code, or a valid motorized bicycle license issued after the person has passed the test provided for in Section 4511.521 of the Ohio Revised Code, except that if a person is sixteen (16) years of age, has a valid probationary motorized bicycle license and desires a motorized bicycle license, the person is not required to comply with the testing requirements provided for in Section 4511.521 of the Ohio Revised Code; (2) The motorized bicycle is equipped in accordance with the rules adopted under division (B) of Section 4511.521 of the Ohio Revised Code and is in proper working order; (3) The person, if under eighteen (18) years of age, is wearing a protective helmet on the person's head with the chin strap properly fastened and the motorized bicycle is equipped with a rear-view mirror. (b) No person operating a motorized bicycle shall carry another person upon the motorized bicycle. (c) The protective helmet and rear-view mirror required by division (a)(3) of this section shall conform to the rules adopted by the Ohio Director of Public Safety under division (B) of Section 4511.521 of the Ohio Revised Code. (d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. (ORC 4511.521; Ord. 2083-84; Ord. 2120-03 § 1 (part); Ord. 0950-2008 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2539-2018, § 2, 9-24-2018)

Columbus City Codes § 2173.015 Reserved.

Columbus City Codes § 2173.105 Driving motor vehicles and riding motorcycles on sidewalks, shared-use paths or bike lanes.

2173.105 - Driving motor vehicles and riding motorcycles on sidewalks, shared-use paths or bike lanes. (a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle upon a sidewalk or shared-use path except for: (1) Motor vehicles under control of a local jurisdiction used for maintenance or repair activities. (b) No person shall operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle in a bike lane except for: (1) Motor vehicles under control of a local jurisdiction used for maintenance or repair activities; (2) Motor vehicles used to lawfully load and unload passengers or freight; (3) Motor vehicles accessing a legal on-street parking space; (4) Motor vehicles safely merging right with bicycle and mobility device operators in a marked bike lane, employing appropriate speed and distance allowances, before turning right onto a street or driveway; (c) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one (1) year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one (1) predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one (1) year of the offense the offender previously has been convicted of two (2) or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. (ORC 4511.711; Ord. 1050-77; Ord. 2120-03 § 1 (part); Ord. 0950-2008 § 1 (part); Ord. 1987-2008 Attach. 1 (part); Ord. No. 2539-2018, § 2, 9-24-2018)

Source: City of Columbus, City Codes and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT21TRCO_CH2173BIMOMODEFetched: 10/27/2026