Michigan law requires motorists to give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing them on the roadway. In addition, several Michigan communities currently require motorists to provide five feet of passing space when overtaking a bicyclist, including areas such as Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Muskegon.
In addition to motorists giving bicyclists plenty of room on the road, there are other important safety measures both motorists and cyclists can take to safely share Michigan roadways.
Here are a few reminders to help you and your loved ones safely enjoy the summer on Michigan roads.
For Motorists:
• Give bicyclists a safe amount of space when passing them on the road. Be patient and wait for a safe opportunity to pass cyclists.
• Minimize distractions, including cell phone use, while driving.
• Be extra cautious and alert in areas where children, pedestrians, and cyclists may be present.
• Be aware that Michigan law permits two bicyclists to ride adjacent to each other. Bicyclists are generally permitted to ride on roadways, and sidewalk riding may also be permitted depending on local ordinances.
For Cyclists:
• While Michigan law does not require helmet use, everyone—children and adults—should wear a properly fitting helmet when riding a bicycle. Helmets can significantly reduce the risk of head and brain injuries in the event of a collision.
• Wear reflective and/or fluorescent clothing and gear to improve visibility, especially during early morning, evening, or nighttime riding.
• Use proper lighting, including a white front light and rear red reflector or light, when riding one-half hour before sunrise or one-half hour after sunset to improve visibility and comply with Michigan law.
• Bicyclists riding on Michigan roadways generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. This includes following traffic laws, stopping at stop signs, obeying traffic signals, and riding with traffic—not against it.
• Michigan law generally requires bicyclists traveling below the posted speed limit to ride as close as practicable to the right side of the roadway while still maintaining safe operating conditions.
• Use proper hand signals to notify others where you are going:
- Right turn: left hand and arm upward or right hand and arm extended horizontally
- Left turn: left hand and arm extended horizontally
- Stop or decrease speed: left hand and arm extended downward
Cyclists should also consider using roads with designated bicycle lanes or paths whenever possible and avoid heavily congested roads during peak traffic times. Riders should use extra caution when visibility is reduced, including on east-west roads during sunrise or sunset when glare may affect both motorists and bicyclists.
Revised from May 8, 2023.
