Biking Safely
Tips to Teach Kids
- Always follow the rules of the road or the trail.
- People walking have the right of way – so let them go first.
- Use your hand signals.
- Always ride with at least one hand on the handlebars.
- Don’t weave in and out of traffic and parked cars.
- Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against it (children under ten years of age should ride on the sidewalk).
- Follow traffic signals, stopping at all stop signs and stoplights.
- Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you.
- When riding at dusk, dawn or in the evening, wear bright colors and use lights.
Wear a Helmet
- All children and teens younger than 18 are required to wear a helmet in the City of Columbus while riding bicycles, scooters, in-line skates, roller skates and skateboards.
- The helmet must fit the child’s head and be buckled under the chin. A child not wearing a helmet may be given a ticket by the police.
- Wearing a bike helmet can reduce the risk of brain injury by up to 88%.
- Fit your helmet the right way - learn more
More Rules Of The Road
- Riding on sidewalks is illegal in the City of Columbus for adults (only children under 10 can use the sidewalk). However, there are some locations where sidewalks are officially part of multi-use trails and they can be shared by bicyclists and pedestrians (people walking).
- Use caution on narrow roads. If the road is too narrow for a car to safely pass a bicycle, you can “take the lane” (ride in the middle of the lane) until the road gets wider and it is safe for cars to pass you. This is legal in Ohio
Riding at Night
- Bike lights should always be used in the dark so other people can see you. Reflectors alone are not enough. A bicycle is always required by law to have a white headlight and red taillight at night.
Sharing the Road Safety
Key safety tips for any rider.