EAST LANSING, Mich. — With bicyclists out in full force this spring and summer, the East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) would like to remind motorists and bicyclists to safely share the roadway.
According to the Michigan Vehicle Code (MVC), any person riding a bicycle upon a roadway has all the rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle*. To ensure the safety of bicyclists on roadways, motorists are required to pass bicyclists at a safe distance and only from a left lane. Passing on the right is illegal. When following a bicyclist on a roadway, motorists are also required to operate their vehicle at a safe speed and should have enough space to react safely if the bicyclist had to stop and/or make an emergency maneuver.
Bicyclists are reminded that, when riding their bicycle on a highway or street, they are required to always ride with traffic and, when traveling slower than motorists, they should ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway*.
“We are asking all community members, whether they are driving cars or riding bikes, to safely share the road by abiding by all applicable state and local laws,” said ELPD Lt. Scott Wriggelsworth.
Community members can learn more about Michigan laws pertaining to bicyclists here. Community members can find local laws pertaining to bicycle safety here; search “bicycle.”
*Some exceptions do apply to these sections of the MVC. Community members can find these exceptions on the Michigan State Legislature website.