Q: I heard that it’s illegal for me to ride my bicycle without registration. Is this true?
A: Yes, but only if your city of residence requires registration. Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights and University Heights require that bicyclists have proof of registration if they live within the city’s limits. If you live in a city that doesn’t require registration, then you’re not liable. (373.11) You can register your bicycle at your city’s police station.
A: Yes, but only if your city of residence requires registration. Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights and University Heights require that bicyclists have proof of registration if they live within the city’s limits. If you live in a city that doesn’t require registration, then you’re not liable. (373.11) You can register your bicycle at your city’s police station.
Here are some info on cities in Cuyahoga County (last updated 2016):
| City | Registration Required? | Ordinance |
| Beachwood | Law not found. | |
| Bedford Heights | No: repealed in 2003 | 373.15 |
| Brooklyn | Yes | 373.11 |
| Cleveland | Yes | 473.11 |
| Cleveland Heights | Yes | 373.11 |
| East Cleveland | Law not found. | |
| Garfield Heights | Yes | 373.12 |
| Highland Heights | Yes | 373.08 |
| Lakewood | Yes | 373.16 |
| Lyndhurst | Yes | 474.04 |
| Maple Heights | Yes | 474.11 |
| Mayfield Heights | Yes | 373.04 |
| Parma | Yes | 373.11 |
| Richmond Heights | Law not found. | |
| Shaker Heights | Yes | 1173.13 |
| South Euclid | Yes | 373.12 |
| University Heights | Yes | 444.12 |
| Warrensville Heights | Law not found. |
Q; How much does it cost to register my bicycle?
A: In Cleveland Heights, it costs $2.00 to register your bike. In Shaker Heights, it is $5. However, if you have proof that you own a helmet, or pledge to wear a helmet while riding your bicycle, registration is free (373.12a and b).
Q: What if I lose my bicycle registration?
A: The city is required to provide you with a new license, but it will cost you $1.00 in Cleveland Heights or 50 cents in Shaker Heights (373.13).
Q: Am I allowed to remove the serial number from my bicycle frame?
A: No (373.14).
Q: Can I sell or buy my bicycle on Craigslist.org?
A: Yes, you may, but you’re required by law to report the following info to the city:
- The name and address of the individual to whom you sold or bought your bicycle.
- The name, make, color, and serial number of the bicycle (373.15).
Q: If the police find my bicycle, and are unable to find evidence of registration, are they allowed to impound my bike?
A: Yes, but you can recover your bicycle from the city if you pay a $15.00 fee (373.18). If you don’t pick up your bike within 30 days, the city has the right to sell it at a public auction. The city is required to give notice of any auction by publishing in the newspaper within ten days of the auction (373.18).
Q: I’m under the age of 18. Can the police impound my bicycle if I break the law?
A: Yes, the police may take your bicycle (373.17). Your parents or legal guardians can retrieve your bicycle from the police.
