On A Bicycle
ORS 814.400 and ORS 814.430 — the same rights and duties as a driver, and as far right as practicable when slower
A person riding a bicycle on a public way in Oregon has the same rights and duties as the driver of any other vehicle, except for provisions that by their nature cannot apply or where the Vehicle Code says otherwise. A bicycle is a vehicle for the code's purposes, and neither cyclist nor motorist is relieved of the duty of due care.
Slower than traffic: as close to the right as practicable. A cyclist going slower than the normal speed of traffic rides as close as practicable to the right curb or edge, except when passing, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards or a lane too narrow to share safely, riding along the left of a one way street in a city, riding beside not more than one other bicycle without impeding traffic, or riding in a bicycle lane or path.
Where a bicycle lane or path is next to or near the roadway, a cyclist uses it, but only if the authority over the road has found after a public hearing that it is suitable for safe use, and not when leaving it to pass, turn, avoid debris or continue straight past a right turn lane.
| Equipment | What the section requires |
|---|---|
| EquipmentBrake | What the section requiresAble to stop within 15 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement |
| EquipmentFront light, in limited visibility | What the section requiresA white light visible from at least 500 feet |
| EquipmentRear, in limited visibility | What the section requiresA red reflector or light visible from up to 600 feet in a car's lower beams |
| EquipmentSiren or whistle | What the section requiresNot allowed, except on police bicycles |
Each of these is a Class D traffic violation, and a parent who knowingly lets a child ride without the required equipment commits the equipment violation too. Riding on sidewalks, helmets and electric bicycles are covered by other sections. Applying them to a particular ride is a question for a licensed Oregon attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- ORS 814.400 — Application of vehicle laws to bicycles
- ORS 814.430 — Improper use of lanes
- ORS 814.420 — Failure to use bicycle lane or path
- ORS 815.280 — Violation of bicycle equipment requirements
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Oregon attorney.