Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Every year, May is recognized as Bike Safety Awareness Month; the League of American Bicyclists spearheaded a national effort. It’s a time to highlight the importance of safe cycling and raise awareness among both riders and drivers. For Tulsa residents, this message is essential. As more people turn to bicycles for transportation, exercise, or leisure, the risks on busy Oklahoma roads grow.
At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, we support bike safety not just in May but all year long. This article breaks down what Tulsa cyclists need to know about riding safely, local laws, and what to do after an accident.
Bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles are on the rise. More people are using bikes to commute or stay active, but traffic conditions and infrastructure haven’t always kept up. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
In 2022, 1,105 bicyclists were killed in crashes involving motor vehicles in the U.S.—a 7% increase from the previous year. – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Oklahoma roads are no exception. Many routes in Tulsa lack dedicated bike lanes or have poor visibility, making it more dangerous for cyclists to share space with vehicles.
Most bicycle crashes happen in urban areas and at intersections. Tulsa’s increasing vehicle traffic puts cyclists at greater risk.
Cyclists face serious injuries when crashes happen—head trauma, broken bones, spinal injuries, and long recovery periods are common. Understanding the risks is the first step toward prevention.
There are obligations when riding a bicycle. Bicycles are regarded as vehicles under Oklahoma law, so they are subject to the same traffic laws as cars.
Oklahoma law treats bicycles as vehicles, meaning cyclists must obey the same rules of the road—and have the same rights as drivers. – Title 47, Oklahoma Statutes, §11-1202
Here are key tips every rider should keep in mind:
Helmets reduce the risk of head injuries. While Oklahoma doesn’t require them for adults, they’re strongly recommended for everyone. Even short neighborhood rides can lead to serious crashes.
When riding at night, use white front lights and red rear reflectors. Wear bright, reflective clothing. Make yourself visible in low-light conditions to reduce the chance of being hit.
Always ride in the same direction as traffic, and never ride against it. Stick to the right side and use designated bike lanes when available.
Stop at stop signs, signal your turns, and yield when required. Cyclists must follow the same laws as motorists, and ignoring them can lead to preventable collisions.
Make sure your brakes work and your tires are properly inflated. Adjust your seat and handlebars to fit your height and riding style.
Many crashes happen at intersections or when cars pull out of driveways. When crossing paths, be alert, slow down, and make eye contact with drivers.
Understanding bicycle laws in Oklahoma can help you stay safe and protect your rights. Cyclists must ride as far right as safely possible, use hand signals, and have proper lights at night. Tulsa bans si—walk-riding in many areas. While helmets aren’t required statewide, some cities mandate them for minors.
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’ve found more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovery. – Oklahoma Statutes, Title 23, §13
Let’s take a closer look at how most crashes happen—and how riders can reduce the risk.
Cause of Accident | How It Happens | Safety Tips to Avoid It |
| Driver fails to yield | Turns across bike lane or intersection | Make eye contact, use hand signals |
| Distracted driving | Phone use, eating, adjusting controls | Be visible, use lights and reflectors |
| Dooring incidents | Parked driver opens door into path | Ride outside the “door zone” |
| Nighttime visibility issues | Low light conditions, poor lighting | Wear bright clothes, install front/rear lights |
| Riding against traffic | Cyclist goes against flow of cars | Always ride with traffic |
Even with all precautions, accidents can happen. If you’re involved in a crash with a vehicle, here’s what to do:
Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not be evident at first. Don’t delay getting examined by a medical professional.
Make sure the accident is officially documented. Get a copy of the police report, which can help support your case later.
Please get the driver’s license, insurance details, and contact info. Then, please speak to us and write down what you remember.
Capture damage to your bike, your injuries, the road conditions, and any vehicle damage.
Insurance adjusters may try to shift blame or minimize your injuries. It’s smart to talk to a lawyer before giving any statements.
The outcome of your case depends on its unique facts. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. – Required Disclaimer per ORPC 7.2(c)
Yes. Under Oklahoma law, bicycles are treated as vehicles. Cyclists must follow all traffic laws and are entitled to the same protections on the road.
Possibly. While not wearing a helmet may affect the outcome of your claim—especially in cases of head injury—it doesn’t automatically bar recovery.
You typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Oklahoma.
You may be able to recover for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and more—depending on the facts of the case.
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence system. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you can’t recover damages. Otherwise, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Bike Safety Month is a valuable reminder of how vital cyclist safety is—not just in May but every day. Whether you ride for fun, fitness, or transportation, taking the time to understand the law and follow safe practices can reduce your risk of injury. But when accidents happen, knowing your legal rights matters just as much.
If you’ve been injured while biking in Tulsa, Graves McLain Injury Lawyers can help you understand your options and take the following steps. We’re committed to assisting cyclists in getting back on the road with the support and guidance they deserve.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
