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Bicyclist Safety

Bicyclist Safety

Bicyclist Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages all road users, including motorists and bicyclists, to respect each other and promote a safer transportation environment. Bicycles on the roadway have the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles.

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.

 

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.

 

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