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Bicyclist Safety
Bicyclist Safety
Michigan law requires motorists to give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing them on the roadway. Some Michigan municipalities have passed laws requiring motorists to give bicyclists 5 feet of space when passing them on the roadway. As of October 1, 2019, these communities passed the 5 feet of space law: Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Township, Muskegon, Norton Shores, Oshtemo Township, and Portage.
August 2025 Bicyclist Safety Enforcement Week
Local news release template
Bicyclist Safety fact sheet
Social media samples
Michigan Bicyclist Laws Guide for the Public
The Michigan Bicycle Law states:
Bicyclists must:
- Ride with traffic and follow the rules of the road.
- Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
- Obey traffic signals, signs, and roadway markings.
- Ride no more than two abreast (side by side).
- Have a white light on the front of the bicycle and a red reflector on the back of the bicycle when riding in low light and when it is dark.
More safety tips for bicyclists:
- Be visible: wear appropriate high visibility safety gear such as a vest or jacket, and always wear a helmet.
- Watch for debris, like branches, trash, and wet leaves that might make you fall or swerve.
- Watch for turning traffic.
Drivers must:
- Give at least 3 feet when passing bicyclists. (See above for communities with stricter local laws).
- Obey traffic signals, signs, and roadway markings.
- Yield to bicyclists as you would motorists and do not underestimate their speed. This will help avoid turning in front of a bicyclist, often at an intersection or driveway, traveling on the road or sidewalk.
- Obey the posted speed limit.
More safety tips for drivers:
- Stay alert and take extra caution at intersections, especially when making turns.
- Avoid distractions.
- In parking lots, at stop signs, when backing up, or when parking search your surroundings for other vehicles, including bicyclists.
- Avoid "dooring" a bicyclist. Never open a car door without first checking for passing traffic. One example of checking for traffic is the "Dutch Reach." This; involves the driver of a vehicle opening their door with their right hand instead of their left hand. This naturally puts the driver in a position to check for oncoming traffic both in front of and behind them.
Related Links:
- Bicyclist Safety brochure
- LMB Roll Call Video: The Legal Rights and Responsibilities of Michigan Bicyclists
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program Assessment
- NHTSA Bicycle Safety
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
- MDOT Biking in Michigan
- Michigan DNR - Electric Bikes in Michigan
- League of Michigan Bicyclists
- League of American Bicyclists
- SEMCOG
- Michigan Fitness Foundation
- Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance
- Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC)