It’s important to know your legal rights (and duties) when bicycling in Minnesota. It is especially important after a bicycle accident (we call them bicycle “crashes” and explain why here).
For any questions about the State’s bike laws, or about your rights to the road, contact Minnesota bicycle crash attorney Daniel Brazil directly.
Right to the Road
- Under Minnesota statute 169.222, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles.
- Bicyclists and drivers must yield the right-of-way to one another as they would any other vehicle on the road.
Prohibitions
- No bicycle shall carry more persons than what they’ve been designed to carry.
- No bicyclist may cling to any car or vehicle while riding.
Helmets
- Helmets are not required under Minnesota state law.
Alcohol
- Bicyclists cannot be charged with a DUI while operating a bicycle.
- Riding under the influence can lead to other charges, however, such as reckless endangerment or public intoxication.
Equipment
- Nighttime riding requires a white lamp on the front and red reflector on the back of each bicycle.
Electric-Assisted Bikes
- Electric-assisted bicycles that travel no more than 20 mph is considered a bicycle under Minnesota law.
- Persons must be at least 15 years of age to operate an electric-assisted bicycle.
Group Riding
- Bicyclists should ride no more than two abreast and should not impede the flow of traffic.
Passing
- Bicyclists should always pass cars on the left.
- Drivers must leave as much room as possible when passing bicyclists (at least 3 feet).
Sidewalks
- Bicyclists should give audible signals before passing pedestrians.
- Bicyclists should give right-of-way to pedestrians.
- Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians when lawfully using sidewalks and crosswalks.
- Local laws may affect the use of sidewalks for cycling.
Signaling
- Bicyclists should signal all turns and lane changes with their arms.
- The signal should be given continuously for the last 100 feet of the turn and while sitting at a stop waiting to turn.
Where to Ride
- Bicyclists should ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb.
- Bicyclists should ride in the same direction as motor vehicles.
