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in central Oklahoma since 1974

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Know the Law

 

Oklahoma State Bicycling Laws (see Chapter 11 Article 12)

Video Illustrating "Idaho Stop", which became effective in Oklahoma Nov 1, 2021




New/Updated State Laws - Effective Nov. 1, 2019


Proceed through Red Light when Safe – HB2454  47 O.S., Section11-202:

d. The driver of a motorcycle or bicycle facing any steady red light may cautiously proceed through the intersection if:

(1) the motorcycle or bicycle has been brought to a full stop as required by subparagraph a of this paragraph

(2) the traffic control signal is programmed or engineered to change to a green light only after detecting the approach of a motor vehicle and has failed to detect the arrival of the motorcycle or bicycle because of its size or weight, and

(3) no motor vehicle or person is approaching on the roadway to be crossed or entered, or the motor vehicle or person is at a distance from the intersection that does not constitute an immediate hazard. 

 

Safe Passing of a Cyclist when Traveling in the Same Direction – HB2453  47 O.S., Section 11-1208 (Paraphrased):

A motorist exercising due care when passing a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction shall:

1. If there is more than one lane for traffic proceeding in the same direction, a motorist shall move to the lane immediately left of the lane if available and reasonably safe to pass the bicyclist.  The motorist shall not move back into the travel lane until the vehicle is safely clear of the bicyclist. 

2.  If there is only one lane for traffic proceeding in the same direction, the motorist shall not overtake or pass a bicycle at distance of less than three (3) feet between any part of the motor vehicle and any part of the bicycle or its operator.  Motorist shall not move back to the right side until the vehicle is safely clear of the bicyclist.

3.  Motorist may cross the center of the road even when in a marked no-passing zone to pass a bicyclist if lane is not obstructed and the motorist does not impede oncoming traffic.  Crossing must be done in a safe manner. 

 

 

Electric Assist Bicycle (E-Bike) – HB1265 47 O.S., Section 1-104(Paraphrased and non-inclusive):

1.  Definition of an E-Bike is a bicycle with 2 or 3 wheels.  Fully operative pedals for human propulsion and equipped with an electric motor with a power output of not more than 750 watts that meets the following three classes:

a.  Class One – an electric-assisted bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling. And that ceases to provide assistance when bike reaches speed of 20 mph.   May be ridden on bicycle or multi-use paths where bikes are allowed.

b.  Class Two  – an electric assisted bike equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel bike, but can not provide assistance after bike reaches 20 mph.  May be ridden on bicycle or multi-use paths where bikes are allowed.

Both are subject to being prohibited by a local or state agency having jurisdiction over a bicycle or multiuse path. 

c.  Class Three – an electric assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that stops assisting when the bike reaches the speed of 28 miles mph. Can not be ridden on a bicycle or multiple use path unless it is within or adjacent to the road, or unless the local authority or state agency having jurisdiction allows it.  Must be equipped with a speedometer.

2.  E-bikes must meet manufacturing and equipment requirements adopted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

3.  If operator under the age of 16, cannot carry a passenger.

4.  No licensing or insurance is required. 

5.  An electric assisted bicycle or operator shall be given all rights and privileges while following all the laws. 

Section 11-202.1 of Title 47

A. For the purposes of this section:

1.  Bicycle" means a device as defined in subsection A of Section 1-104 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes; and ENR. H. B. NO. 1770

2. Immediate hazard" means a vehicle approaching a person operating a bicycle at a proximity and rate of speed sufficient to indicate to a reasonably careful person that there is a danger of collision or accident.

B. 1. A person operating a bicycle approaching a stop sign shall:

  1. slow down,
  2. if required to avoid an immediate hazard, stop at the stop sign before entering the intersection, and
  3. cautiously enter the intersection and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.

2.  If a person operating a bicycle determines there is no immediate hazard, he or she may cautiously make a right or left turn, or proceed through the intersection without stopping at the stop sign.

C. 1. A person operating a bicycle approaching a steady red traffic control light shall:

a. make a complete stop at the steady red traffic-control signal before entering the intersection, and

b. yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard during the time that he or she is moving across or within the intersection.

2. If a person operating a bicycle determines there is no immediate hazard, he or she may proceed through the steady red traffic-control signal with caution.

3. A person operating a bicycle may make a:

a. right-hand turn at a steady red traffic-control signal without stopping after slowing to a reasonable speed and yielding the right-of-way, if required, to oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard, or

b. left-hand turn onto a one-way street at a steady red traffic-control signal after stopping and yielding to oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard.

Section 11-1210 of Title 47

It shall be unlawful for any person to maliciously throw an object at or in the direction of any person riding a bicycle, equine or animal-drawn vehicle. Any person convicted of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for a term of not more than one (1) year, or by a fine not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Section 11-606 of Title 47, is amended to read as follows:

All signals herein required given by hand and arm shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner and such signals shall indicate as follows:

1. Left turn. Hand and arm extended horizontally.;

2. Right turn. Hand and arm extended upward. A person operating a bicycle may extend his or her right hand and arm horizontally to his or her right; and

3. Stop or decrease speed. Hand and arm extended downward. A person operating a bicycle may extend his or her right hand and arm downward to his or her right side.

Section 12-401 or Title 47 is amended to read as follows:

A. Every motor vehicle when operated upon a highway shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than two hundred (200) feet, but no horn or other warning device shall emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound. The driver of a motor vehicle shall, when reasonably necessary to insure ensure safe operation, give audible warning with a horn but shall not otherwise use such horn when upon a highway. No driver of any vehicle shall use a horn when passing a person riding a bicycle, equine or animal-drawn vehicle under normal conditions if no imminent danger of a collision exists.