Bike Accident Lawyer in Oregon
Servicing Portland, Eugene & Bend. Bicycle Accident Law understands the cyclist, multisport athlete, and injured party’s point of view. Matthew Scarborough, Esq., is an avid cyclist and experienced personal injury attorney representing injured parties across the nation. If you have a legal matter to discuss regarding cycling or other personal injury accident, reach out to Scarborough Bicycle Accident Law today.
Oregon is a great place to be a cyclist, right?
In 2023, over 22,000 people used a bike to commute to work in Portland, Oregon. In Bend, cycling numbers are on the rise thanks to programs and advocacy from groups like Bend Bikes making it easier and safer to ride bicycles. According to one study, roughly 40% of Oregonians use a bicycle for commuting, fitness or recreation.
With so many places where cyclists and automobiles share a road, bike accidents are unfortunately all too common. Whether your commute, weekend bikepacking trip, or race training went wrong, hiring an experienced bike accident lawyer in Oregon can make sure you don’t have to worry about finances while recovering.
Matt Scarborough has been a cyclist and personal injury lawyer for over thirty years and lives in Bend where he regularly bikes Phil’s Trailhead. Matt also takes part in local races like the Mudslinger. He knows that every watt counts for a serious cyclist and is committed to making cycling safer for all riders. His experience in the law and on the bike makes him better able to understand what an injury can do to someone’s personal life, career and cycling time.
Oregon Biking Rules
Cycling Rules change all of the time. We stay up to date with the latest legal rulings.
Cycling Helmet Laws
Do you have questions about Oregon bicycle helmet laws in Portland, Eugene & Bend?
Bike & Auto Accidents
Protect yourself from legal issues. Get fair compensation from your bike/auto accident.
Oregon Bike Accident Law
Scarborough Bicycle Accident Law understands the cyclist, multisport athlete, and injured party’s point of view. Matthew Scarborough, Esq., is an avid bike rider and experienced personal injury attorney representing cases across the nation. If you may have a case, reach out to Matt Scarborough.
Latest Oregon Biking News
Oregon bicycle accident statistics cyclists should know
Luckily, Oregon is a relatively safe state to be a cyclist. The League of American Bicyclists listed Oregon as the second friendliest state to cyclists in the country based on its commitment to promoting cycling and cycling safety.
Of 45,295 total crashes reported to the Oregon Department of Transportation in 2021, only 454 involved cyclists. Eighteen of those cyclists were killed. These numbers are lower than in other states, especially given ridership numbers, but riding a bicycle isn’t a risk-free activity. Importantly, any transportation department crash data only includes information on crashes involving motor vehicles. This leaves out cycling crashes that could happen during a race, on a casual ride, or because a cyclist hit—or almost hit—an object, person, or animal. The overall injury rate from cycling is likely much higher than these numbers though the injury severity may vary.
According to data collected by The Oregonian, Corvallis and Portland are the number one and two most dangerous cities for cyclists in Oregon. Despite investment into safer cycling infrastructure, Portland’s fatal bicycle crash rates haven’t changed over the last decade. More men than women are regularly riding bicycles in urban areas though that could easily change—areas with safer and more comfortable biking conditions have more equal breakdowns in rider age and gender.
Bicycle laws in Oregon everyone should follow
When cycling in Oregon, it’s important to know and follow the laws. Being in compliance with all laws and regulations makes it more likely you’ll be fully compensated if you’re in a bicycle crash. Unfortunately, while crashes are often out of a rider’s control, following the rules of the road is something everyone can do.
In Oregon, bicycles are considered vehicles. This gives them equal access to all roads but also requires cyclists to follow all road signs and laws. Oregon DUI and DUII (driving under the influence of intoxicant) laws apply to anyone on a bicycle as well as those operating motor vehicles.
While riders over 16 years old aren’t required to wear helmets in Oregon, studies have shown that wearing a helmet is always beneficial to riders in the case of a cycling accident.
Adults can carry a child in a backpack or a sling in Oregon but bicycles should only carry the number of passengers they were designed for.
Staying visible isn’t just a safety feature, it’s required by law in Oregon. All cyclists need to have a white front-facing headlight and a red rear reflector or light bright enough to be visible from 500 feet away at night.
Oregon Bicycle Laws
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Cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of cars when riding on public roads.
For legal purposes, a bicycle is considered a vehicle.
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Riders must sit on a regular seat attached to the bike. (§ 814.470)
Cyclists may not carry anything that prevents them from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars and full control of the bike. (§ 814.450)
Riders and passengers under 16 must wear an approved helmet when on public roads or areas open to the public, unless it would violate a religious belief or practice. (§ 814.485)
If a cyclist is injured while not wearing a helmet, that fact cannot be used in court to reduce damages if someone else caused the crash. (§ 814.489
Lights are required during limited visibility — this includes nighttime, fog, rain, or any condition where you can’t clearly see persons or vehicles from 1,000 feet away. (§ 815.280)
Front Light:
Must emit a white light.
Visible from at least 500 feet ahead.
Rear Light or Reflector:
Must emit or reflect a red light.
Visible from at least 600 feet to the rear.
Reflector Type:
Can be a red reflector approved by the Oregon Transportation Commission instead of a red light.
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Cyclists, skaters, or people on scooters/toy vehicles may not hold onto or attach themselves to a moving vehicle on the road. (§ 814.480)
Proper Lane Position (§ 814.430)
Cyclists must ride in a bike lane or path if one is next to the roadway. (§ 814.420)
Cyclists moving slower than traffic must ride as close to the right side as practical, except when:
Passing another bike or vehicle.
Preparing for a left turn.
Avoiding hazards (like parked cars, pedestrians, animals, or narrow lanes).
Riding on a one-way street (may ride near the left side).
Riding next to one other bike in the same lane without blocking traffic.
Riding in a designated bike lane or path.
Stop Signs (§ 814.414)
Cyclists approaching a stop sign may slow down to a safe speed (instead of stopping completely) and:
Go straight through the intersection.
Turn right or left onto a two-way street.
Turn right or left onto a one-way street going in the proper direction.
Sidewalks (§ 814.410)
Cyclists on sidewalks or crosswalks have the same rights and duties as pedestrians.
It is unsafe (and illegal) to do the following on a sidewalk:
Suddenly ride into the path of a car from a curb or driveway.
Pass a pedestrian without giving an audible warning (like a bell or voice).
Ride carelessly in a way that could endanger people or property.
Ride faster than walking speed when approaching:
Crosswalks
Driveways
Ramps or curb cuts
if cars are approaching.
Signaling (§ 814.440)
Cyclists must use hand signals for at least 100 feet before stopping or turning:
Left arm straight out = left turn.
Left arm bent upward = right turn.
Left arm bent downward = stop.
Exception: If signaling makes it unsafe (for example, needing both hands to brake or steer), the rider does not have to signal continuously.
Violations occur if the cyclist fails to:
Yield to cars already in the intersection.
Follow directions from police or flaggers.
Use care to avoid accidents.
Yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
Electric-Assisted Bicycles (§ 814.405)
E-bikes are treated as bicycles, not motor vehicles.
Riders follow the same rules as regular cyclists.
Electric bicycles may not be ridden on sidewalks.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – Applies to Bicycles Too
Legal Basis (§§ 814.400 and 813.010)
Bicycles are considered vehicles under the Oregon Vehicle Code. Thus, cyclists must follow DUI laws just like drivers of cars.
Let’s discuss your accident
Scarborough Bicycle Accident Law understands that your recovery is about more than just compensation—it’s about helping you ride again with the confidence, performance, and peace you once had. Contact us today. We’d be happy to discuss your case.
Here’s what do after a bike accident in Oregon
After a cycling accident, the first thing you should do if you’re able, is take photos of the scene. This can help establish fault later on. Make sure to exchange insurance and contact information with the other party—even if they aren’t in a motor vehicle.
Calling a bicycle injury lawyer can be a smart third step. This can make the process of calling insurance and establishing fault easier. A bicycle injury lawyer isn’t just there to help you in court. They can walk you through the process of dealing with your health and automobile insurance—as well as the other party’s—and make sure you get the compensation you need. This isn’t just limited to medical bills and the cost of bicycle replacement or repair but also the time off of work (or riding) and the time you’ve spent dealing with the logistics of being in an accident.
Even if you feel “fine” after an accident, it’s still important to collect this information. Many injuries—especially head trauma or whiplash—don’t show symptoms until later. (Read more about what every cyclist should know about head injuries.) Adrenaline after an accident can also mask the signs of initial physical injuries.
Wondering what to do after a bike accident in Bend or other parts of Oregon? Call Scarborough Bicycle Accident Law team today.
Why hire an Oregon bicycle accident lawyer?
Crashes involving a motor vehicle are the most dangerous type of accident for a cyclist to get into and often the type that results in a fatality. However, it’s not the only type of crash.
Poor road conditions and a lack of infrastructure are among the biggest reasons that keep people from cycling more often. It also leads to crashes. The majority of bicycle accidents aren’t collisions with another vehicle but a solo accident, often caused by a problem or hazard in the road. Children are injured more often while riding a bicycle than adults.
Just because you got into a solo accident doesn’t mean another party wasn’t at fault. The government is responsible for the condition of the roads. A racing bicycle or e-bike can easily cost thousands of dollars and damage from potholes or other road issues can sometimes be recovered from local government departments. If a crash occurred and was another person or domestic animal’s fault, a bicycle injury lawyer can work with you to get compensation.
Many cyclists carry automobile insurance that covers their bicycles as well as health insurance. In the case of a solo-accident, an experienced bicycle injury lawyer can make sure you get the compensation you need from your own insurance to cover your claims.
Even a crash resulting in minor injuries can be expensive and difficult for crash victims and their loved ones. Time away from work, family responsibilities, and off the bicycle can be hard to catch up from. Hiring an attorney who understands all this can help you get a settlement that reflects the full cost of your injury.
Matt C. Scarborough, ESQ. has been a cyclist and personal injury lawyer for over thirty years and lives in Bend, Oregon where he regularly bikes trails near Phil’s Trailhead.
Oregon Bike Accident? Call Today.
(813) 253-0097
Scarborough Bicycle Accident Law is a nationwide legal firm with offices in Bend, Oregon. We’re passionate about supporting bicycle clubs and cycling enthusiasts who need legal assistance throughout the country. Our mission is to help bikers navigate the legal system while giving back through sports-related sponsorships and charities. One percent of all our proceeds goes to Parkinson’s support organizations.
Matthew C. Scarborough, Esq. is an experienced bicyclist who shares your love of biking.
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If you’re concerned with compensation from a biking or motorist accident or you require legal advice regarding cycling issues, contact us today. By law, there is a time limit on when you can file a legal claim. Call today for a free consultation.
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Common Questions
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Head Injuries. One of the most common injuries suffered by cyclists is a head injury, which can be anything from a cut on the cheek to a traumatic brain injury. Wearing a helmet may reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent. Learn more>
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Biking has many benefits: physical exercise, mental clarity, environmental sustainability, and communion with nature. However, the potential for an accident is there, especially during low-visibility periods, such as bad weather, dawn and dusk. Learn more>
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A hard hit to the head or the body (without head contact) as in a collision or fall while cycling can make the brain move inside the skull in a way that tears nerve fibers. While helmets help prevent severe brain injuries, until recently many of them could do little to prevent concussions. Learn more>