The Laws

Take the Eye to Eye Quiz

True or False
1. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and on sidewalks and multi-use paths.
2. Every intersection is legally a crosswalk whether there are lines painted or not.
3. Pedestrians always legally have the right of way.
4. Cyclists biking after dusk must legally have a front white light.
5. Drivers must yield to traffic in the bike line before entering the lane to make a turn, merge, or park.
6. It is legal for drivers to cross the centerline of a two-lane road to pass cyclists.
7. It is never legal for cyclists to pass on the right.

1. (T) In Oregon, most vehicles laws apply to cyclists as well. This is particularly true when it comes to yielding to pedestrians and stopping and staying stopped for pedestrians in cross walks. The body of traffic laws in Oregon is called the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS). This question references ORS 814.400, ORS 811.028 and ORS 811.025.

2. (T) There are two kinds of crosswalks: marked and unmarked. The laws for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists are the same whether or not the crosswalk is marked. ORS 801.220.

3. (F) Pedestrians have the right of way when using a crosswalk, when they have the walk signal, and when entering a crosswalk at an unsignalized intersection when oncoming traffic is far enough way not to pose an immediate hazard. Pedestrians must yield to vehicles in other situations. Pedestrians do always have the right of way on sidewalks. ORS 811.028, ORS 814.040, ORS 811.025

4. (T) According to Oregon law, cyclists biking in low visibility conditions must have a front white light visible from 500 feet and a rear red light or reflector visible from 600 feet. Having both front and rear lights and other bright and/or reflective clothing will prevent drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists from being startled by the sudden presence of an invisible cyclist. ORS 815.280

5. (T) Drivers must yield to bike lane traffic in the same manner that they must yield to traffic in other adjacent lanes. Similarly, cyclists must yield and signal to oncoming traffic in adjacent lanes before turning or merging. ORS 811.050.

6. (T) Drivers are required to pass cyclists at a safe distance and may drive to the left of the center of a roadway to do so as long as they can do safely and without interfering with oncoming traffic. ORS 811.065

7. (F) Cyclists may pass on the right if the existing conditions make it safe to do so. Cyclists should use extreme cautions when passing vehicles on the right near intersections, driveways, and parking lot entrances, as drivers do not always signal their intentions. ORS 811.415

Get Informed Links

Oregon Revised Statutes
Oregon Crosswalk Law
Bike Law Articles
Oregon Bicycling Manual (PDF)
Sharing Multi-Use Paths (PDF)
Stopping Distance: Where Will you Stop? (PDF)
Willamette Pedestrian Coalition Website

Looking for more resources?
Contact Stephanie Noll at the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (503) 226-0676 x23.