Getting Around by Bike

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3 Foot Passing Law

“The operator of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle shall pass to the left at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. When a motor vehicle overtakes and passes a bicycle, three feet or greater is considered a safe passing distance.”

Whether you ride a bike everyday or are interested in getting back into it for commuting or recreation we have some education resources for you. We can help you find your way through Cleveland with some maps and guides, there is information on how to integrate your bike ride with public transport, and links to people who can help you get your bike ready to roll, and teach you how to keep it that way. Check it out below.

Biking in Cleveland Guide

Biking in Cleveland CoverBiking in Cleveland: A Guide is here to help you take the next step towards incorporating biking as a part of your everyday life. In these pages you’ll learn how to choose a bike, how it should fit, how to ride safely, useful resources, general tips, and information that will help make your commute a wonderful and fun experience.

Every time you choose to ride a bike instead of driving it contributes to a healthier, cleaner, better world for us all. The key is making your commute as safe, convenient, and as comfortable as possible. The Biking in Cleveland Guide will equip you with the knowledge to do just that.

Give the Biking in Cleveland Guide a read, or pick up a copy at one of our events or at your local bike shop for yourself or to share with a friend.

Commuting by bike is not an all-or-nothing choice. You can ease into it. Try it once a month, for short trips to the store or work, then maybe eventually once a week. Before you know it you’ll realize the benefits and want to do it regularly.

Some other resources to help you get around on your bike include:

  • Google Maps "Bike Mode" - a great tool from Google for how to get from point A to point B by bike.
  • NOACA Bike Maps - a good resource for helping identify the best route to bike based on skill level and route type.  Color coded to help you find your way through our growing network of bike lanes.
  • Map My Ride - Over 1,000 routes submitted by users throughout Greater Cleveland. Good place to find some scenic recreational rides.
  • University Circle Bike Parking Map - Headed to UC via bike? Know where bike racks are waiting before you go!
  • Gohio Commute - Find to best way to get to your destination with minimum impact and maximum choice.
  • Explore Cleveland by Bike - Routes to get you started on all things Cleveland

Riding in the bus lane?  We get asked this question a lot.  In Cleveland, you are permitted (and encouraged) to ride in the Bus Lanes throughout the city EXCEPT those found on Euclid Avenue. Those have separate bus-only signals that legally prevent any other vehicles from using the lane.

What about my e-bike? Read Ohio's laws regarding e-bike restrictions here.

Bike Education

There are a number of great resources available for learning how to keep your bike working right and how to ride safely in traffic.

  • Cycling Education Programs - we host informational classes on a wide range of cycling topics.
  • Ohio City Bicycle Co-op - OCBC is a non-profit, volunteer-driven cooperative bicycle education center offering riding and repair classes; refurbished used bikes for sale or rent; hands-on learning and shop credit for volunteering; and public shop use, advice, and assistance.
  • Village Bicycle Co-op - VBC is a non-profit that teaches bike repair and safe riding classes. They also offer refurbished bikes for sale.
  • League of American Bicyclists - The LAB offers informal and formal bike education programs for those interested in teaching others how to ride safely.

 

Our friends at The League of American Bicyclists have produced a series of short, instructional how-to-bike videos. They cover topics, from starting and stoping, to riding in bike lanes, to basic bicycle laws; bike education from the comfort of your computer screen! Here are a few examples to get you started:

See the whole series on the League of American Bicyclists’ website.

Bikes on public transit

GCRTA Bus RackCombining public transportation with biking is a great way to expand the distance you can cover.

In Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, all RTA buses are equipped with bike racks to securely hold your bicycle. Check out this short instructional video on how to use the bus racks on GCRTA:

Step-by-step instructions on using the bus bike racks can also be found at RideRTA.com/RackandRoll.

The bus driver can also help you if you’re confused, and the Ohio City Bike Co-Op has a demo unit outside for you to practice on.

Bikes are allowed on all rapid trains at ALL times, two per car. If you’re taking your bike on the train, be considerate of other riders and stand with your bike in a place where you’re not blocking seats or doors.

Everything you need to know about taking your bike on GCRTA buses and trains can be found at RideRTA.com.