Bicyclists’ Rights and Responsibilities
When riding a bicycle on Minnesota roads follow the same rules as motorists. Bicyclists can be ticketed for violating traffic laws (see Minnesota Bike Laws). All road users will be safer and happier if they show respect and consideration for one another on roads.
Dangerous Behavior for Bicyclists
- Bicycling against the direction of traffic
- Failing to yield when required
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Riding at night in dark clothing and/or without lighting
- Riding unpredictably (such as weaving in and out of travel lanes)
- “Hugging” the curb
- Riding on sidewalks
- Bicycling in motor vehicle blind spots, especially around commercial vehicles
- Distracted or impaired bicycling
Dangerous Behavior for Motorists
- Not looking for bicyclists using facilities or on the road
- Failure to yield to a bicyclist when required
- “Squeezing” a cyclist by passing too close (3-foot minimum)
- Turning directly in front of a bicyclist
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Opening vehicle door into a bicyclist’s path
- Driving while distracted (such as texting) or while intoxicated
- Blasting your horn or harassing bicyclists in other ways