New laws for motorists and cyclists improve safety As the temperatures rise and the days become longer, bicyclists will be increasingly taking to the roads in and around Hudson. Cyclists will have some favorable things to look forward to as they turn the cranks. The Ohio legislature recently passed legislation requiring motorists to allow a minimum of three feet when passing a cyclist on the road. Prior to that, the standard was a vague “safe distance.” Police now have a standard to enforce and motorists can safely interact with cyclists. It is legal and often best to leave your lane (when clear to do so) as a motorist to pass a cyclist. This includes crossing a double yellow line in order to pass a cyclist, as a cyclist is considered a slow moving vehicle under the law. Additionally, speed limits will be reduced throughout the Cuyahoga Valley National Park from 55 mph in some areas to 35 mph. The Hudson Velo Club proudly played a role in encouraging our representatives to support this legislation around the passing distance. The Hudson Velo Club, the city’s local road cycling group, is entering its 10th season of riding and seeks to promote safe and legal road bike riding in and around Hudson. Their rides range from 25-50 miles and offer different paces from 15-19+ mph on average. New riders are welcome to come out and ride as a guest. More information can be found at www.hudsonvelo.org. Velo holds open rides on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. originating at the Montessori school, with a social following at the North End. Rides also take place Sunday mornings starting at 8:30 a.m. from the Open Door Coffee Company in Downtown Hudson. The club has participated in VeloSano (www.velosano.org) for the past three years to raise funds, all of which benefit Cleveland Clinic cancer research. The cumulative total funds raised by the club have exceeded $150,000; a total 35 riders participated in 2016. Anyone who wishes to ride in this event (with lengths of 12, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 200 miles over the July 21-23 weekend) should contact the team captain, Michael Coburn, through the club website.
As the temperatures rise and the days become longer, bicyclists will be increasingly taking to the roads in and around Hudson. Cyclists will have some favorable things to look forward to as they turn the cranks. The Ohio legislature recently passed legislation requiring motorists to allow a minimum of three feet when passing a cyclist on the road. Prior to that, the standard was a vague “safe distance.” Police now have a standard to enforce and motorists can safely interact with cyclists. It is legal and often best to leave your lane (when clear to do so) as a motorist to pass a cyclist. This includes crossing a double yellow line in order to pass a cyclist, as a cyclist is considered a slow moving vehicle under the law. Additionally, speed limits will be reduced throughout the Cuyahoga Valley National Park from 55 mph in some areas to 35 mph. The Hudson Velo Club proudly played a role in encouraging our representatives to support this legislation around the passing distance. The Hudson Velo Club, the city’s local road cycling group, is entering its 10th season of riding and seeks to promote safe and legal road bike riding in and around Hudson. Their rides range from 25-50 miles and offer different paces from 15-19+ mph on average. New riders are welcome to come out and ride as a guest. More information can be found at www.hudsonvelo.org. Velo holds open rides on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. originating at the Montessori school, with a social following at the North End. Rides also take place Sunday mornings starting at 8:30 a.m. from the Open Door Coffee Company in Downtown Hudson. The club has participated in VeloSano (www.velosano.org) for the past three years to raise funds, all of which benefit Cleveland Clinic cancer research. The cumulative total funds raised by the club have exceeded $150,000; a total 35 riders participated in 2016. Anyone who wishes to ride in this event (with lengths of 12, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 200 miles over the July 21-23 weekend) should contact the team captain, Michael Coburn, through the club website.