MSU Extension Physical Activity

Whether traveling on urban, suburban or rural roads in Michigan, it is a common occurrence to encounter bicyclists along the way. Cycling is a relatively accessible and economical way to get around and serves the needs of those who ride for transportation, fitness, recreation, or for environmental, social or mental well-being. For many, riding a bicycle is a way to successfully achieve the 150 minutes of weekly physical activity recommended by the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.  

When bicycles and motor vehicles traverse the same roadways, safe and lawful practices are paramount, and they are the responsibility of both cyclists and motorists. In their “What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know” publication, the League of Michigan Bicyclists references laws and safety practices outlined in the Michigan Vehicle Code that pertain to bicyclists. Below is a summary of some of those laws and guidelines. 

Rules of the Road for Cyclists 

Bicycling is an activity that can be safely enjoyed by riders of all ages, on bicycles of many types, and on a variety of surfaces. While all bicyclists need to follow safety protocols, cyclists who ride on motorized roadways have an added obligation to know and comply with the laws of the road.  

When riding upon a roadway, bicyclists in Michigan must: 

Obey the same traffic laws as motorists. This includes obeying traffic signals and signs, yielding to traffic when entering roadways, and giving pedestrians the right of way. 

Ride in the same direction as traffic. Moving with, rather than against, traffic allows cyclists to see traffic signs and signals and makes cyclists more visible to motorists, who are accustomed to looking for vehicles moving in the same direction. An exception is designated “contraflow” bike lanes, which allow cyclists to safely ride in the opposite direction of traffic. 

Ride “as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge” of the road. This applies to bicycles that travel slower than the existing speed of traffic. Exceptions to riding to the right-hand edge include when passing another bicycle, when riding on a one-way street with multiple lanes, when preparing to take a left-hand turn, when avoiding hazards or parked cars, or when traffic in the lane is turning right but the cyclist is going straight. 

Have a white front light and a red rear reflector when traveling at night or in the dark. This applies to riding on a bicycle from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. 

Signal their turns. Signals include extending the left arm horizontally for a left turn, extending the left arm upward or the right arm horizontally for a right turn, and extending the left arm downward when slowing or stopping. 

Not ride more than two abreast. Riding two abreast, or side by side, is legal on Michigan roads; riding more than two abreast is not. Two abreast makes cyclists more visible to motorists and reduces the time it takes for motorists to safely pass cyclists riding in larger groups. 

Rules for Motorists 

In addition to pedestrians, bicyclists are considered “vulnerable road users.” Motorists have a shared responsibility to use caution and to obey the law so that these users can safely travel on roadways. 

When encountering bicyclists on the road, motorists in Michigan must: 

Recognize that bicyclists have an equal right to use the road safely. According to MCL - Section 257.657, a person riding a bicycle upon a roadway “has all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle” with some specific exceptions. Drivers, then, should exercise courteous behavior when encountering a cyclist on the road, as it is lawful for them to be there. 

Pass bicycles at a safe distance of at least 3 feet to the left. In some Michigan communities (Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Township, Muskegon, Norton Shores, Oshtemo Township and Portage) there is a safe passing distance ordinance of 5 feet to the left. It is permissible for motorists to pass a bicycle in a no-passing zone using a safe speed and distance, if it is safe to do so.

Not use their hands to operate a mobile electronic device while driving. Michigan’s Hands-Free Law protects cyclists as much as motorists and pedestrians. Crashes involving bicycles decreased by 10% in 2023, the year the law took effect. 

Other Safety Considerations for Cyclists 

Safety precautions, whether stipulated by law or not, should always be observed when operating a bicycle. Additional practices for cyclists riding on roadways include the following: 

• Wearing a properly fitted helmet. 

• Wearing bright and reflective clothing and using lights even in the daytime to increase visibility. 

• Riding in a straight line rather than weaving in and out of a line of parked cars and being cautious of car doors that may open suddenly and obstruct the path. 

Reducing traffic accidents on the roadway is in the interest of all who travel, whether by bicycle or motorized vehicle. When traveling on shared roads, it’s essential for cyclists and motorists alike to know and follow the laws of the road. This, along with general safety practices and courteous behavior, allows for safe and predictable travel conditions for all road users.