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."
Last Updated on Friday, 30 September 2011 12:44