Minnesota Statutes

The operation of bicycles in Minnesota is regulated by Minnesota Statutes (M.S.), generally in section 169.222. Following are highlights of those laws.

Minnesota Bicycle Laws

1. Ride on the right with traffic; obey all traffic signs & signals; bicyclists have all rights/duties of any other vehicle driver. (M. S. Section 169.222, sub-section.
   
   
2. Legal lights and reflectors required at night. (Sub-section 6a)
   
   
3. Continuous arm signal required during last 100 feet prior to turn or lane change (unless arm needed to control bike) and while stopped waiting to turn. (8)
   
   
4. On roadways may ride two abreast but don’t impede normal and reasonable movement of traffic. Ride in single lane. (4b)
   
   
5. Ride as close as practicable to right hand curb or edge of roadway except:
• When overtaking a vehicle;
• When preparing for a left turn; or
• When necessary to avoid conditions that make it unsafe, such as fixed or moving objects, surface hazards, or narrow-width lanes. (4a)
  
  
6. Yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and crosswalks; give audible signal when necessary before overtaking. No riding on sidewalks within business districts unless permitted. (4c)
   
   
7. No hitching rides on other vehicles. (3)
   
   
8. Only one person on a bike unless equipped for more, or legal baby seat is used. (2)
   
   
9. Don’t carry anything that prevents keeping one hand on handlebars or proper operation of brakes. (5)
   
   
10. Brakes must allow skidding on dry, level, clean pavement. (6b)
    
    
11. Handlebars must not be above shoulder level. (6c)
    
    
12. Bicycle size must allow safe operation. (6d)
    
    
13. Parking on sidewalks is allowed, as long as 1) it does not impede normal and reasonable movement of pedestrian or other traffic, and 2) unless  it is locally restricted. (9a)
    
    
14. Legal parking on a roadway, that does not obstruct legally parked motor vehicles, is allowable. (9b)
    
    
15. Safe bicycle events approved by local authorities, which do not seriously inconvenience other highway users, are not unlawful. Traffic laws can be waived. (10)
    
    
16. When passing a bicycle or pedestrian, motor vehicles shall leave at least 3 feet clearance until safely past the bicycle or pedestrian. (M.S. 169.18)