Share The Road: 16 Tips For Biking & Driving Safely In Michigan

The open road can be inspirational and intrepid. It can also be perilous and hazardous.

Imagine: A car makes a right turn, not paying attention to the biker that was next to them. Or, a bicyclist zooms through a four-way stop, not seeing the driver across from them make a left-hand turn.

Do any of these sound familiar? Hopefully not. Unfortunately, this can be a dangerous reality for those who don't know how to share the road.

Don't be a road hog! Here are 16 tips for Michigan bikers and drivers. This information is a summary of the  League of Michigan Bicyclists' video, "The Legal Rights and Responsibilities of Michigan Bicyclists".

Photo credit: League of Michigan Bicyclists

Tips For Bikers:

• Bicyclists are required to obey all stop signs and stoplights and yield to pedestrians.
• People on bicycles must usually ride “as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge” of the road.
  • There are situations where the bicyclists can lawfully ride on the left-hand side or use the whole lane. For example, when passing or when the right-hand side is unusable.
• Two bikes are allowed to ride side by side on roads.
• Do not weave through parked cars; instead, bike in a straight line.
• Be aware of sidewalk restrictions. If on a sidewalk, bikers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
• Use hand signals to show your direction of travel.
• If you’re biking at dusk or dawn, front white lights and rear red reflectors are required.
• Do NOT ride against traffic - it reduces your visibility and is illegal.

Photo credit: League of Michigan Bicyclists

Tips For Drivers:

• When opening a car door in traffic, avoid “dooring” and u the “Dutch Reach.” Open the car door with your right hand, and you’ll be able to naturally turn and see any oncoming vehicles!
• Drivers should pass bikers with at least 3 feet of clearance, even if they’re in a bike lane.
• Drivers may legally pass a biker in a no-passing zone if it is safe to do so.
• If drivers cannot pass with at least 3 feet of clearance, they can pass with a safe speed and available distance.
• Those turning must watch for bikers, as bicyclists on the road can be hidden by other vehicles.
• Drivers must yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections.
• If in the event of a crash with a bicyclist:
  • Secure the bicycle so it can be brought to court
  • Take pictures of the bicycle and scene, including the road surface and shoulder.
  • Check for helmet or bike-mounted cameras and secure them.

Photo credit: League of Michigan Bicyclists

If you want to know more about biking in Michigan, follow this link to  download your copy of "What Every Michigan Bicyclist Must Know" from the League of Michigan Bicyclists. You can purchase your physical copy here.

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Do you still have questions about biking in Michigan? Feel free to reach out through email, chat, or phone. We’re happy to help!

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