Tiffin man hospitalized after bike v. car crash

TIFFIN—A Tiffin man was hospitalized following a vehicle versus bicycle accident Tuesday evening. The accident happened at about 8 p.m. at the intersection of S. Sandusky Street and Euclid Avenue. Tiffin officers and Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division personnel responded to the scene. Police Chief David Pauly shared that the investigation found that Bruce G. Gibson, 60, of Tiffin was riding his bike northbound on the sidewalk when he entered the intersection. Paul Newland, 81, was traveling west on Ella Street and proceeded through the intersection, striking Gibson. Due to video footage obtained from a nearby residence, law enforcement determined that Newland had the right of way, and that Gibson entered the crosswalk on his bicycle against the signal. The accident remains under investigation and no citations have been issued at this stage. Gibson was transported by Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division to Tiffin Middle School, where Life Flight landed. He was transported to St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo. Pauly said that as of 1 p.m., there have been no changes to Gibson's condition. "The Tiffin Police Department continues to investigate the accident, including reviewing applicable traffic laws and city ordinances to determine any potential violations," Pauly said. "Based on preliminary findings and legal review, it is important to clarify that under Ohio law and the Tiffin Codified Ordinances, bicycles are considered vehicles, not pedestrians. This distinction impacts how right-of-way laws apply in incidents involving cyclists." Legal considerations for bicyclists Pauly shared with the A-T state and city laws for bicycles. He began by stating that both state and city laws define bikes as vehicles, which means that "cyclists are subject to the same traffic rules as motor vehicles, including yielding at intersections and following traffic control devices." Pauly added that although bikes can be ridden on sidewalks in many areas, riders are still not classified as pedestrians under the law. The following are laws established by Tiffin's codified ordinances City Ord. 371.01 - establishes that drivers must yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk when no traffic control signals are present or operational. This ordinance does not include cyclists. City Ord. 331.19(a) - states that vehicles (including bicycles) must yield the right-of-way when entering an intersection against a signal. Pauly shared a rule of thumb for where bikes can and cannot be ridden in Tiffin: "As a bicyclist, you are allowed to ride your bike anywhere in the city on the roadway, if you follow all traffic laws—just as if you were driving a car. You are also allowed to ride your bike on sidewalks anywhere in the city, except in designated business districts, such as our downtown area along Washington Street. In business districts like downtown, riding on the sidewalk is prohibited. Instead, bicyclists must ride on the roadway and follow all traffic laws." There are two key reasons for this rule, he said. The first reason is for pedestrian safety because "sidewalks in business districts are busy with people entering and exiting shops. Riding a bike in these areas increases the risk of collisions with pedestrians." The second reason is for driver visibility because "when bicyclists ride in the street and obey traffic laws, they are more visible to drivers, reducing the risk of accidents." Safety tips for cyclists "Bicycle safety is a shared responsibility between cyclists and motorists," Pauly said. "To help prevent accidents, the Tiffin Police Department urges cyclists to follow these key safety guidelines." Obey traffic laws – Bicycles must follow the same rules as cars, including stopping at red lights and stop signs. Use proper lighting – Ohio law requires a white front light and a red rear reflector or light when riding at night. Reflective clothing enhances visibility. Yield when required – Cyclists must stop and yield before crossing streets, just as vehicles must. Entering an intersection against a traffic signal can be dangerous. Ride predictably – Sudden movements can confuse drivers. Use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. Stay off sidewalks – While sidewalks may seem safer, riding in the street ensures better visibility to motorists. Downtown Tiffin is an area where it is safer and recommended to ride your bicycle on the street. Be aware of blind spots – Large vehicles, such as trucks and buses, have significant blind spots. If you can't see the driver, they likely can't see you. Wear a helmet – While helmets are not required for adults, they provide critical protection in crashes. Avoid distractions – Using headphones, texting, or looking at a phone while riding can prevent cyclists from noticing hazards. Ride with traffic, not against it – Always ride in the same direction as the traffic flow. Wrong-way riding is a major cause of bike-vehicle collisions. Stay visible and alert – Wearing bright or reflective clothing makes it easier for drivers to see cyclists, especially at night. "The Tiffin Police Department remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of all road users by promoting awareness, adherence to traffic laws, and mutual respect between cyclists and motorists," Pauly concluded. "As an added note to further support our community, the Tiffin Police offer free bicycle licenses to assist in the recovery of stolen bicycles. Registering your bike enhances the likelihood of its return in the unfortunate event of theft. We encourage residents to visit the police department to obtain a license and take advantage of this valuable service."