Bike Laws and Safety
Bicycle Law
In Corvallis, people who choose to ride bicycles have options regarding where to ride. One may favor a bike lane, another the sidewalk and still another may select a full traffic lane. Rules vary depending on where that person is riding. In general, faster traffic yields to slower traffic in the same location. For example, cyclists on sidewalks yield to pedestrians and drivers in traffic lanes yield to people on bikes.
“Stop as Yield Law”
On January 1, 2019 new Oregon rules allow bicyclists to yield at stop signs or flashing red beacons, instead of stopping completely, under certain conditions. The law requires that cyclists approaching a stop sign or flashing red light slow to a reasonable speed, yield to anyone already in the intersection or crosswalk, make every effort to avoid an accident and not approach others in the intersection so closely it would create a hazard. Cyclists must still completely stop at a solid red traffic signal. (ORS) 811.260(15)
Bike Lanes
- When riding in bike lanes, a bicyclist’s duties are similar to a driver's. Cyclists must follow general driving rules, including yielding to people in crosswalks and sidewalks.
- At signalized intersections, bike loop detectors are marked to indicate where a rider should stop to trigger the green light.
- Drivers must wait until bike lanes are clear before turning or driving through bike lanes.
- Bike lanes continue through intersections even if lane markings disappear within the intersection.
Traffic Lanes
- Cyclists may use the full traffic lane to safely share the lane.
- When riding in traffic lanes, under Oregon state law, a bicycle is expected to behave as a vehicle.
- Consider bicycles as slow vehicles. Legally, slow traffic is not impeding unless: faster traffic is unable to safely pass, faster traffic is stuck behind for a significant distance, and there is a significant speed difference. When safe to do so, slow traffic may pull to the side to release faster traffic at regular intervals (every few minutes, few blocks, etc.).
Sidewalks
Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk in Corvallis is legal, except where indicated by signage. When riding on sidewalks, cyclists have rights and responsibilities similar to those of pedestrians.
- When passing pedestrians on the sidewalk or on shared use paths, cyclists must make an audible sound or use a bell. People riding bicycles may move in either direction and have the same right-of-way in crosswalks and sidewalks as pedestrians.
- Bicycle riders are not required to dismount but they are required to enter crosswalks, driveways, and parking lots at a walking speed when cars are approaching. This gives drivers time to stop, and a cyclist time to ensure the way is clear.
- Every intersection is a crosswalk, whether it has crosswalk markings or not. Oregon statute requires all vehicles to yield to a pedestrian that has entered a crosswalk. A person riding a bicycle is legally considered a pedestrian in both marked and unmarked crosswalks, provided they move at a walking pace.
Vulnerable Road Users
Oregon considers cyclists as vulnerable road users. If a driver causes serious injury or death to a vulnerable road user, the driver may face additional penalties in court including community service or additional fines/losing driving privileges for a year.
Staying Safe
The top cause of driver and bicyclist crash in Corvallis is when a driver turns through a bike lane, striking a cyclist riding in the bike lane. The majority of these crashes occur in daylight, dry and clear conditions.
People riding bicycles are at greatest risk of a crash from turning drivers who may not be looking and may not signal their turn. Bicyclists should ride defensively, be prepared to give up their right-of-way and to employ quick stop or quick turn avoidance maneuvers. Drivers should remain vigilant when turning, remembering to scan the bike lane and ensure their path is clear. (Image used with permission by Kerri Caffrey)
To avoid an injury from a car door, cyclists should plan to ride far enough away from parked cars that the cyclist would not have to swerve if a car door suddenly opened.
(Image used with permission from East Bay Bikes)
For more safety information, and to improve bicycle skills and knowledge, consider attending a bicycle traffic class. Local instructors are listed here.
To learn more about bicyclist’s rights, responsibilities and laws of the roadway, see Pedal Power: A Legal Guide for Oregon Bicyclists, by Oregon bicycle attorney Ray Thomas.
For more information on driving around bicycles, see the Corvallis Right of Way FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle?
Anyone under 16 years of age must wear a helmet unless it violates a religious belief. ORS 814.485
Are bicycle riders required to have lights?
Yes. After dark and during limited visibility conditions, a cyclist must have a white light in front and a red light or red reflector in the rear. This also applies when riding on sidewalks. ORS 815.280
What are the meanings of sharrow markings (two chevons with a bicycle symbol) on the road?
Sharrows are road markings used to show motorist that people riding bicycles may “take the lane” and helps show the bicycle rider good lane positioning. Use the sharrow marking to guide you where to ride within the lane.
Who should I contact if I notice plants, branches, leaf piles or other obstructions in the bike lane? What if objects block my line of sight?
We look toward our community in assistance for identifying issues like these and have set up an online form so you can quickly report hazards 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once our team receives the issue you have identified, we quickly take steps on proper mitigation if there is a problem. To alert us of an issue, visit www.corvallisoregon.gov and click the Report a Problem link on the navigation bar.
Why are some bike lanes painted green?
A green bike lane enhances the visibility of a bicycle lane in places where there is a potential for conflict with motor vehicles. In Corvallis, we add these to bike lanes where automobile traffic crosses a bike lane. The dashed green strip shows a mixing zone where all users must be most cautious.
