Driving near bicycles
Basic rules when driving around bikes
Look before you turn
Failing to look for bicyclists before turning is illegal and unsafe.
- Forty percent of bicycle crashes in Minneapolis involve a driver failing to see or yield to a bicyclist.
- Please expect bicyclists on Minneapolis streets and be careful when turning.
Give bikes space when passing
Motor vehicles must pass at a safe distance, never less than three feet from a bicycle. (Minn. Stat. § 169.18 Subd. 3)
Open doors safely
Drivers must not interfere with the movement of other traffic when opening doors. This includes bicycles. (Minn. Stat. § 169.315)
Crossing bike lanes laws
When you can enter bike lanes
Motor vehicles may not enter or cross a bike lane except when:
- Turning
- Maneuvering to park
- Make room for oncoming cars
Reminder: Watch out for bikes before moving into the bike lane. Give bikes the right of way.
Only cross when it's safe
Vehicles may only cross a bike lane when it's safe to do so. They must also yield the right-of-way to bicycles.
Do not stop or park in bike lanes
Motor vehicles may not stop or park in bike lanes. (Minn. Stat. § 169.34, Subd. 1(a)(14)
Enter bike lane before you turn
When crossing a bike lane to turn: vehicles must drive into the bicycle lane before they turn. (Minn. Stat. § 169.18, Subd. 7)
Do not enter to pass vehicles on the right
Motor vehicles may not enter or cross a bike lane to pass another vehicle on the right. (Minn. Stat. § 169.18, Subd. 4)
Understand bike lane markings
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Kadence Novak
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