Indian Hill Rangers

Rules of the Road

 

The Rangers would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of some important safety guidelines that should be followed. For the runners and walkers, it is important to run or walk toward traffic, as much as possible. This allows you to see the traffic closest to you and to react as needed for your safety. If a car approaches you and does not give you room, you should stop and move off the side of the road. It is important to remember that the roads are for vehicular traffic and that a pedestrian must yield the right of way. Avoid running in the dark. When you go out, be sure to let someone know where you are running and when you should be expected to return. If you must run in darkness or low light, always wear reflective clothing. The City of Indian Hill requires that any jogger or runner on or alongside any road or bicycle path, to wear reflective material beginning ½ hour before sunset and ½ hour after sunrise. This material must be visible from the front and the back. Such reflective material shall be of a size and characteristic and so maintained as to be visible from all distances within 300 feet to 50 feet. A violation of this can result in a citation and a possible $95.00 fine.

 

The Rangers receive numerous calls with regards to bicycle laws and such. The following are the basic answers to many of the questions and concerns presented:

•             Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practical, obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles and exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.

•             Persons riding bicycles or motorcycles upon a roadway shall ride not more than two abreast in a single lane, except on paths or parts of roadway set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or motorcycles.

•             This section does not require a person operating a bicycle to ride at the edge of the roadway when it is unreasonable or unsafe to do so.

 

It is important to remember that bicycles are considered vehicles and have the same rights to the road, and with that, they must operate under the same laws as a motor vehicle. It is imperative that both motor vehicle and bicycle operators share the responsibility and travel safely together.