Biking Safety

There is no law that 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.

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).

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.

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!

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 by pavement markings.

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)).

Every person operating a bicycle shall have all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under 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).

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).

Bikes must be walked on sidewalks in the Downtown Business District.

For the safety of pedestrians and cyclists alike, bicycle riding on sidewalks is not allowed in the Downtown Rochester Business District. Cyclists are required to walk their bicycles on sidewalks or ride their bicycles in the street when in this zone. Signs and sidewalk stencils will help designate this area. Violations are subject to a $75 fine, plus the associated court costs.

• View the Rochester Code of Ordinances Section 11-3-2

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

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