Contact Information

Development Services & Infrastructure Center
4001 West River Parkway NW
Suite 100
Rochester, MN 55901

Phone: 507-328-2400
Fax: 507-328-2401
TTY/TDD: More Information

Bike Rochester

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Rochester is a great city to explore on two wheels. Whether you ride to work, school, or just for fun, this page is your go-to spot for bike events, safety tips, theft prevention, and resources to help you enjoy every ride.

Bike Smart: Rules of the Road

Whether you’re riding downtown or on a neighborhood street, knowing the rules keeps everyone safe.

what is the definition of a bicycle?

“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).

Are there passing laws motor vehicles must follow when passing a bicyclist? What if there is a no passing zone?

Can a motorist park or drive in a bike lane?

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).

Does a bicyclist have to obey the same traffic laws as a motorist?

Does a bicyclist have to ride with the direction of traffic?

Must a bicyclist ride in a bike lane or a side path?

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.

Must a bicyclist ride on the sidewalk?

Is it legal for a bicyclist to ride on the sidewalk?

Does a bicyclist have to wear a helmet?

Does a bicyclist have to use lights when it’s dark?

Additional Information:

Parking & Theft Prevention

Any lock can be broken, given enough time and the right tools, but there are ways to reduce theft risk:

If possible, take your bike indoors with you. Your next best option is locking it where you can still see it. Otherwise, lock your bike in a highly visible, well-lit area as close to your destination as possible.
Always lock your bike, even if you are only going to be gone for a minute. Stealing an unlocked or improperly locked bike only takes a few seconds.
Take anything removable with you – unlocked wheels, seats, computers, lights, bike bags, etc. If you can remove it, so can a thief.

Safety Equipment

Ten Habits of Safe Bicyclists

Always wear a well-fitting helmet and use lights at night.
Obey all traffic laws, ride with traffic with slowest traffic farthest to the right.
Be predictable and be seen! Make eye contact with motorists.
Use a white front light, and a red back light or reflector. Flashing lights are especially effective in alerting drivers.
Perform a thorough safety check of your bike before every ride.
Scan for traffic and signal lane changes and turns.
Wear reflective clothing, use bike reflectors and a bell.
Be prepared for emergencies with proper tools and keep current on biking know-how.
Don't use earphones or cell phones, because you won't be able to hear what is happening around you.
Have fun!

Active Transportation