“Bicycle” means every device capable of being propelled solely by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or rear wheels. Bicycle includes an electric-assisted bicycle. “Bicycle” does not include scooters, motorized foot scooters, or similar devices, per Minnesota State Statute (MN 169.011, Subdivisions 4 and 27).

Yes, 3 feet is the minimum passing distance a motor vehicle must provide. More space is better and needed for safety at higher speeds. (MN 169.18, Subdivisions 3-5).

No, motorists may not drive, park, stop, stand, or load a vehicle in a bike lane, except when posted signs permit. Whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway, any person operating a motor vehicle on such roadway shall not drive in the bicycle lane except to perform parking maneuvers in order to park where parking is permitted, to enter or leave the highway or to prepare for a turn (MN 169.19, Subdivision 1; MN 169.34, Subdivision 1).

Yes, every person operating a bicycle shall have all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle by this chapter, except in respect to those provisions in this chapter relating expressly to bicycles and in respect to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature cannot reasonably be applied to bicycles (MN 169.222, Subdivision 1).

Yes, a bicyclist on the roadway in a traffic lane should ride in the direction of traffic, as should a bicyclist on the shoulder or in a bike lane. (MN Statute 169.222, Subdivision 1 and 4(b)).

No, there is no law which requires bicyclists to use a bike lane. Bicyclists may need to use adjacent lanes to pass another bicyclist, to avoid being too close to parked cars (if opening car doors could obstruct their path), to avoid obstructions or slippery conditions or to prepare for a turn. Whenever bicyclists enter or exit a bike lane or side path, they should signal and yield to motorists already in an adjacent travel lane.

No. Minnesota law does not require bicyclists to ride on the sidewalk; sidewalks are not designed for bicycle travel speed and sidewalk cycling is generally discouraged due to safety hazards to pedestrians.

Sometimes. Minnesota law does not prohibit sidewalk riding unless in a business district or where prohibited by city ordinance (MN 169.22, Subdivision 4). In Rochester, sidewalk riding is prohibited in the Downtown District and is indicated along the sidewalk via pavement markings.

Minnesota state law does not require bicyclists to wear helmets, though it is strongly recommended to wear one to prevent and reduce the severity of head and brain injuries in the event of a crash.

Yes, a bicycle or its operator must be equipped with a white light visible from at least 500 feet to the front, and a red reflector visible from at least 100 feet to the rear (Minnesota Statute 169.222, Subdivision 6). See and be seen!

• Wheel Reflectors & Reflective Strips on Tire Sidewalls
• Rear Light & Reflector
• Bright/Reflective Clothing
• Helmet
• Front Light & Reflector