Much is said and discussed about the rights of bicyclists. Oklahoma, like most states, based its traffic laws upon Universal Vehicle Code, which itself is based upon the very first traffic laws enacted in New York at the end of the 19th Century. Those first laws were drafted before there were motorized vehicles. The only road users were animal drawn carts and bicyclists. At that time the conflict between bicyclists and drivers was launched.
Written by Ernestine Mbroh Safe Routes to School Programs Director
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Safe Routes to School
Program (SRTS) in collaboration with the Oklahoma State Department of
Health and the National Safe Routes to School Partnership is launching a
pilot curriculum in support of the goals and initiatives of the Safe Routes
to School Program.
The League of Illinois Bicyclists produced this video with funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation. Robbie Ventura, a former teammate of Lance Armstrong, narrates the video. This video was distributed to 900 schools and 900 police departments in Illinois.
The Rules of the Road discussed in this video are based on Uniform Vehicle Code. Specifically where the narrator says "bicyclists must ride as far to the right as practical" Oklahoma law says "as far to the right as is safe." The suggestion to pass bicyclists with at least 3 feet of space is a legal requirement in Oklahoma.
Please check the specific laws in your City and State.
Response to Tragedy - An Open Letter to the DAs of Oklahoma
Written by OBC Board of Directors
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The Board of Directors and the members of the Oklahoma Bicycling Coalition share the grief, sorrow, and anger felt by bicyclists all over the State of Oklahoma following the senseless deaths of Christa Voss and Matthew Edmonds.
The letter below (in a slightly different form) was sent to all Oklahoma District Attorneys in May during National Bicycle Month.
To: All Oklahoma District Attorneys
On behalf of the thousands of bicyclists in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Bicycling Coalition (OBC) wishes to thank you for your efforts to protect all users of our streets and roads.
Foremost, under Oklahoma law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as all road users. As drivers of vehicles, bicyclists have the duty to obey all traffic laws while riding. Similarly drivers of motorized vehicles must treat bicyclists the same as other vehicular users of the road.
Tulsa attorney, avid cyclist and director of Tulsa Tough, Malcolm McCollam prepared a simple summary of Oklahoma laws governing bicycling on public roads. These are the facts. Interpret them however you will. Summary of Oklahoma Rules of the Road.
Bicycling Education