Safety Guidelines
Safety First
Remember, only Columbia Parkway is closed to automobile traffic. You'll be sharing all other roads with cars.
ALL BICYCLISTS MUST OBEY ALL TRAFFIC LAWS!
Cincinnati Police officers will control traffic signals along the Classic Route.
They'll keep the lights green at most intersections, but if the light is red, THERE ARE CARS COMING AND YOU MUST STOP. No "Maybes". No "Look first then blow through the red". RED MEANS STOP!.
Ride Safe
- Obey all traffic laws.
- Ride with traffic.
- Be predictable. Don't make sudden moves such as swerving, changing lanes or changing direction.
- Stay alert.
- Wear a bicycle helmet and have head and tail lights, as required by Ohio Law. Reflectors and light colored or reflective clothing are encouraged.
If there's an emergency
- In the event of an emergency, find the nearest phone and dial 911.
- Some corner volunteers will have cell phones.
- If you own a cell phone, please bring it with you.
More info ...
The Morning Glory Ride cooperates with the Cincinnati Police Department to help ensure the safety of our riders. The Police ask that you observe these guidelines:
- Obey all traffic lights and signs. Even if a police officer is on duty at the corner, obey the traffic lights and signs.
- Stay to the LEFT of the safety cones on Columbia Parkway. There will be car traffic on the right of the cones.
Here are some more safety guidelines from Steven M. Magas, The Bike Lawyer
Riding a bike on the streets of Ohio at night can be fun and exciting.
In an event like The Morning Glory Ride, you get to ride with hundreds of other riders in the pre-dawn hours along mostly vacant roads. There are some safety guidelines you should keep in mind as you pedal along.
Ohio Laws Governing Bicycle Operation on the Roadways
If you want to ride at night Ohio law requires both a front white light and rear light. In September, 2006, the law was changed, thanks to the efforts of the Ohio Bike Federation, and the rear light can be a solid red light or a flashing light. All local bike shops sell a wide variety of both front and rear lights ranging in price from $10-20 up to hundreds of dollars for outstanding lighting packages used by those who do a lot of night riding. Failure to utilize a light at night can result in a traffic ticket.
In addition to a light, the law of Ohio has some specific rules riding a bike! The law divides the world into two parts - the part ON the roadway and the rest of the world. Once you make the choice to operate a bicycle on the roadways you are required to comply with all traffic laws and specific laws relating to bike riding.
The law in Ohio has recognized a bicycle as a "vehicle" with a right to use the roads ever since the very first "Vehicle Code" was passed in the early 1900's. Bicycle riders must remember that operating a "vehicle" on the roads carries certain responsibilities. As a vehicle operator you must ride WITH traffic, in the proper lane of travel. You must ride "as far right as practicable" which, in general, means towards the right half of the lane, taking care to avoid hazards, obstacles and debris. You must obey traffic controls - stopping at red lights and stop signs. You must obey all speed limits. You are required to signal your turns. A recent change in the law permits bicycle operators to signal a right turn with the right arm extended rather than using the "bent left arm" approach. You should know that police officers can write traffic tickets to cyclists for any traffic law infraction, even drunk riding!
Special Guidelines for The Morning Glory Ride
The Morning Glory Ride is a special event. For the past 25 years thousands of riders have met downtown in the early morning hours and have ridden through the city. Watching the sunrise on the Ohio River is a glorious thing! Due to the unique nature of The Morning Glory Ride, here
are some special guidelines to keep in mind:
- It's DARK! Use your light. Be especially wary of road hazards such as potholes, debris, dogs, cats and other critters of the night, sewer grates and other stuff on the roadway.
- It's DARK! Take care to be "conspicuous" to motorists and other riders by choosing clothing, gear and the like that helps you stand out in the pre-dawn light.
- 2000 Riders! Riding in events attracting hundreds or thousands of riders requires extra care on the part of each rider. Fast riders need to take care and understand that many inexperienced riders have a difficult time riding in a straight line. The hills along the ride may take some riders by surprise and may result in riders suddenly stopping and walking. Weaving in and out of the bike traffic is very dangerous to the weaver and those riding nearby. Ride safely!
- It's AUGUST in Cincinnati! The weather is incredibly unpredictable in August. The possibility of heat, humidity, rain, high winds, severe storms, hail and more cannot be overlooked. Be prepared. Dress Appropriately.
- Roads are not Trails! If you do not ride regularly on the roadway, please understand that while The Morning Glory Ride takes place when motorized traffic is at a minimum, the roads are not closed to cars, trucks and busses. You MUST follow traffic laws just as if you were driving your car! Motorists might not be looking for bicycle riders at 5 am. Remember, bicycle operators lose EVERY confrontation with a motor vehicle!
- Frustrated Motorists! Motor vehicle operators may be frustrated when encountering large packs of riders, particularly if riders are not following traffic control devices. Motorists may try to speed by packs of riders or take other dangerous actions. On occasion motorists even confront riders, advising riders to stay off the road. Take your cell phone and report errant motorists to police.
- ENJOY! The Morning Glory Ride is a glorious event. Enjoy the energy. Enjoy the views. Enjoy the companionship. Enjoy the Moment!
And just for the sake of formality and completeness, here's chapter and verse from the City of Cincinnati:
Sec. 506-4 Bicycles, Motorized Bicycles and Motorcycles, Regulations.
a) Every person riding a bicycle or motorized bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles and exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
b) Persons operating bicycles or motorized bicycles shall ride in the same direction as all other vehicular traffic.
c) Persons operating bicycles, motorized bicycles or motorcycles upon a roadway shall ride not more than two abreast in a single lane, except on paths or part of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, motorized bicycles or motorcycles.