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.”

2013 Legal Clinic schedule
April 17th (RSVP)
May 22nd (RSVP)
June 19th (RSVP)
August 28th (RSVP)
September 18th (RSVP)
November 6th (RSVP)

All legal clinics take place at 6pm in the BTA office 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

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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

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