Legal

In a Crash or Get a Ticket?

While the odds may be pretty good that you will never be involved in a crash, there are resources available that can prepare you for what to do in the event of an incident.

  • Know the law. An understanding of the fundamentals of insurance, medical services, and the legal system will help you in the event of a crash.
  • Obtain complete and accurate information about the other person(s) involved.
  • Ask eyewitnesses to provide details and identification.
  • Seek medical treatment if you have any question at all about whether or not you are injured.

Many people find it challenging to navigate the complexities of traffic law, insurance coverage, and the legal system without an attorney. If you decide to seek counsel, make your selection carefully based on recommendations from people you trust. If you decide to handle the case on your own, there are free resources available to help. Attend a Bicycle Legal Clinic with attorney Ray Thomas and consult detailed legal guides for Oregon bicyclists and pedestrians, available to download below.

Free Legal Clinics

Learn about your rights and responsibilities on the road. For over a decade, bicycle lawyer Ray Thomas has been sharing his wisdom with cyclists around the state in this 60-minute clinic on bicyclists’ rights and responsibilities on the road. Learn about Oregon bicycle and pedestrian laws, insurance information, and what to do if you’re in a crash. Includes a lively question and answer session, and a free copy of “Pedal Power, a Legal Guide for Oregon Cyclists.”

Upcoming Clinics

Weds, February 15th at 6:00 pm
Weds, April 18th at 6:00 pm
Weds, May 16th at 6:00 pm
Weds, June 20th at 6:00 pm
Weds, August 29th at 6:00 pm
Weds, September 19th at 6:00 pm
Weds, November 14th at 6:00 pm

All legal clinics take place at the BTA office (618 NW Glisan, Suite 401) unless otherwise noted.
Please RSVP to stephanie@btaoregon.org

Legal Guide

Pedal Power: A Legal Guide for Oregon Cyclists (pdf) is a collection of information about bicycles and the law in Oregon. The material is collected in sections relating to laws, with explanatory articles about several areas. Its purpose is to provide bicyclists with more knowledge about the laws of the roadway. 2010 version written by attorney Ray Thomas and published by the Bicycle Transportation Alliance.

Oregon Pedestrian Rights: A Legal Guide for People on Foot (pdf) 2008 version written by attorney Ray Thomas and published by the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition.


FAQ

How Bicycling Connects Us to a Healthier Community and Stronger Economy

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BTA Policy on Bicycle Helmets

There are few topics in bike advocacy that elicit such an emotional response as helmets. We all know someone who managed to avoid serious injury by … Read Full Post

BTA Internship Program

Put some real experience on your resume. Portland’s premier bicycle advocacy non-profit, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, seeks interns (current students or recent graduates) interested in gaining … Read Full Post


Advocacy

Join the Battle to Preserve Funding for Biking and Walking

The U.S. House of Representatives’ Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted down an important amendment that would have preserved transportation funding for bicycling and walking, including the … Read Full Post

House Bill Reverses Decades of Progress on Biking and Walking. Take Action Now.

It’s so much worse than we thought. Today, the House released its transportation bill, the American Energy and Infrastructure Act. Last week, we knew the bill would … Read Full Post

Bikes Mean Jobs!

Portland union workers making our streets healthy. BTA Executive Director Rob Sadowsky had the opportunity to speak on Monday, January 30 in support of the Laborers’ … Read Full Post


Classroom

Walk+Bike Education Programs

The Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) Walk + Bike Youth Education program is one of the best programs in the country. We offer several program models designed to bring education services to your students, to train your teachers, and to encourage students and families to walk and bike to school. We will work with you to customize a program model that works for your school or district.

Learn more about our services:


On The Go

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: I-205 Path Users To See Minor Detour For Next Two Weeks Near E Burnside

The Portland Bureau of Transportation advises the traveling public that roadway construction will detour the I-205 ODOT Multiuse Path from October 31 through approximately November 18. … Read Full Post

How to Request Bikeway Maintenance

Most cities have a street cleaning schedule, but potholes, cracks, leaves, tree branches, and other debris can accumulate after storms or between cleanings. Your city is … Read Full Post

Your Urban Dwelling Can Have Good Bike Parking, Too

At Doug Shapiro’s recently opened EcoFlats apartment building in northeast Portland there are exactly zero dedicated car parking spaces, and he prefers it that way. “The … Read Full Post