Bikes and the Law
The official Michigan Vehicle Code (MVC) pertaining to bicycles can be found on the Michigan State Legislature website. The following excerpts of the MVC also appears in the Apendex of What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know.
Where do Michigan laws apply to cyclists?
Section 257.656(3) of the Michigan Vehicle Code
("MVC" - Public Act 300 of 1949) states:
"The regulations applicable to bicycles under sections 656 to 662 shall apply when a bicycle is operated upon a highway or upon a path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, subject to those exceptions stated in sections 656 to 662."
Does a cyclist have to obey the same traffic laws as a motorist?
Yes. Section 257.657 of the MVC states:
"Each person riding a bicycle... upon a roadway has all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to special regulations in this article and except as to the provisions of this chapter which by their nature do not have application."
Does that include signaling?
Yes. Section 257.648 of the MVC states:
(1) "The driver of a...or bicycle upon a highway, before stopping or turning from a direct line, shall first see that the stopping or turning can be made in safety and shall give a signal as required in this section."
(3) "When a signal is given by means of the hand and arm, the driver shall indicate his or her intention to stop or turn by extending his hand and arm from and beyond the left side of the vehicle and signal as follows:
(a) "Left turn ..... hand and arm extended horizontally.
(b) "Right turn ..... hand and arm extended upward.
(c) "Stop or decrease speed ..... hand and arm extended downward."
Does a cyclist have to ride with the direction of traffic?
Yes! Section 257.660a of the MVC states:
"A person operating a bicycle upon a highway or street at less than the existing speed of traffic shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway...."
Does a cyclist always have to ride to the right?
Generally yes, but Section 257.660a of the MVC permits these important exceptions:
(a) "When overtaking and passing another bicycle or any other vehicle proceeding in the same direction."
(b) "When preparing to turn left."
(c) "When conditions make the right-hand edge of the roadway unsafe or reasonably unusable by bicycles, including, but not limited to, surface hazards, an uneven roadway surface, drain openings, debris, parked or moving vehicles or bicycles, pedestrians, animals, or other obstacles, or if the lane is too narrow to permit a vehicle to safely overtake and pass a bicycle."
(d) "When operating a bicycle in a lane in which the traffic is turning right but the individual intends to go straight through the intersection."
(e) "When operating a bicycle upon a 1-way highway or street that has 2 or more marked traffic lanes, in which case the individual may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of that roadway as practicable."
Is it legal to ride between lanes?
No. The MVC no longer prohibits "passing between lanes of traffic," but it also does not provide for cyclists passing on the right of other vehicles.
Must a cyclist ride on the sidewalk? Is it legal? What about crosswalks?
The MVC does not require bicyclists to ride on the sidewalk and we do not recommend it because of safety hazards to the bicyclist and other sidewalk users. However, Section 257.660c of the MVC says:
(1) "An individual operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk or a pedestrian crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.
(2) "An individual shall not operate a bicycle upon a sidewalk or a pedestrian crosswalk if that operation is prohibited by an official traffic control device.
(3) "An individual lawfully operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk or a pedestrian crosswalk has all of the rights and responsibilities applicable to a pedestrian using that sidewalk or crosswalk."
Must a cyclist ride in a bike lane?
The MVC does not require bicyclists to use bike lanes.
May cyclists ever ride two abreast?
Although riding single-file is safest, cyclists are allowed to ride two-abreast on roads; MVC Section 257.660b states:
"Two or more individuals operating bicycles upon a highway or street shall not ride more than 2 abreast except upon a path or portion of the highway or street set aside for the use of bicycles."
Is it legal to ride on a limited-access highway?
No. Section 257.679a(1) of the MVC says:
"...nor shall a...bicycle, except as provided in this section...be permitted on a limited access highway in this state. Bicycles shall be permitted on paths constructed separately from the roadway and designated for the exclusive use of bicycles."
Does a cyclist have to wear a helmet?
Although the MVC does not require a cyclist to wear a helmet, we strongly recommend wearing one, because it can prevent 85% of brain injuries.
Does a cyclist have to use lights?
Does a cyclist have to use lights?
Yes. MVC Section 257.662 states:
(1) "A bicycle...being operated on a roadway between 1⁄2 hour after sunset and 1⁄2 hour before sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear which shall be visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector."
The more visible a cyclist is, the safer. Don't just meet the bare minimum required by law.
MVC Section 257.662, sub-sections (4) and (5) also make it illegal to sell a bicycle or bike pedal without pedal reflectors, or a bike without "either tires which have reflective sidewalls or with wide-angle prismatic spoke reflectors." The code describes these requirements in detail.
Does the law require brakes on bicycles?
Yes. MVC Section 257.662(2) states:
"A bicycle shall be equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement."
Is it legal to park on the street?
Where can cyclists park on a sidewalk?
MVC Section 257.660d says:
(1) "An individual may park a bicycle on a sidewalk except as prohibited by an official traffic control device.
(2) "An individual shall not park a bicycle on a sidewalk in such a manner that the bicycle impedes the lawful movement of pedestrians or other traffic.
(3) "An individual may park a bicycle on a highway or street at any location where parking is allowed for motor vehicles, may park at any angle to the curb or the edge of the highway, and may park abreast of another bicycle.
(4) "An individual shall not park a bicycle on a highway or street in such a manner as to obstruct the movement of a legally parked motor vehicle.
(5) "Except as otherwise provided in this section, an individual parking a bicycle on a highway or street shall do so in compliance with this act and any local ordinance."
Is it legal to use a cell phone while riding a bike?
Although it is not safe, it is not illegal in Michigan to talk on a cell phone while cycling. Local ordinances banning or restricting cell phones may or may not cover bicyclists. Check with your local government.
Are there any other restrictions or requirements in Michigan law cyclists need to know about?
Yes. MVC 257.4 defines "bicycle" as:
"...a device propelled by human power upon which a person may ride, having either 2 or 3 wheels in a tandem or tricycle arrangement, all of which are over 14 inches in diameter."
MVC Section 257.656 states:
(1) "A person who violates any of sections 656 to 661a is responsible for a civil infraction.
(2) "The parent of a child or the guardian of a ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit the child or ward to violate this chapter."
MVC Section 257.658 says:
(1) "A person propelling a bicycle or operating a motorcycle or moped shall not ride other than upon and astride a permanent and regular seat attached to that vehicle.
(2) "A bicycle...shall not be used to carry more persons at 1 time than the number for which it is designed and equipped."
MVC Section 257.659 states:
"A person riding upon a bicycle...shall not attach the same or himself to a streetcar or vehicle upon a roadway."
MVC Section 257.661 says:
"A person operating a bicycle...shall not carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents the driver from keeping both hands upon the handlebars of the vehicle."
MCL 257.676b(1) says:
"A person, without authority, shall not block, obstruct, impede, or otherwise interfere with the normal flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic..."
Administrative Rule that can be adopted as Local Ordinance: R 28.1498 Rule 498 (1) "A person shall not open a door of a vehicle in a manner that interferes with or impedes the flow of traffic."
MVC Section 257.636 says:
Overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in same direction; limitations, exceptions, and special rules; violation as civil infraction.
(1) The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions, and special rules stated in sections 637 to 643a:
(a) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass at a safe distance to the left of that vehicle, and when safely clear of the overtaken vehicle shall take up a position as near the right-hand edge of the main traveled portion of the highway as is practicable.
(b) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his or her vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.
(2) A person who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction.
MVC Section 257.638 says: Overtaking and passing on left of another vehicle; violation as civil infraction.
(1) A vehicle shall not be driven to the left side of the center of a 2-lane highway or in the center lane of a 3-lane highway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the left side or center lane is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit the overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or the vehicle overtaken.
(2) A person who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction.
For more Information ...
If you have a comment or question about this site and the materials, contact the League of Michigan Bicyclists toll free at 888-642-4537 or email at
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2010-02-12
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