Driving near bicycles

It's important to look out for bike riders when you drive.

Share the road safely

You might have noticed more people on bicycles around Minneapolis. From 2007-2014 the number of trips made by bicycle in Minneapolis increased by 73%. All road users need to know how to safely share the road with bicyclists. The city has thousands of bike riders. It's important to look for bicyclists when driving.

Driving rules and laws 

Basic rules for driving around bikes

Crossing bike lane laws

Understand bike lane markings

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.

(MN State Statue 169.19)

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.

(Minn. Stat. § 169.18, Subd. 7)

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. 

(Minn. Stat. § 169.19, Subd. 1)

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

Know the road and the laws of the City's bike lanes.
Downtown cars bus pedestrians

Parking and driving

Find information to help you drive and park in the city. Learn about road closures, street sweeping, Snow Emergencies and more.

Contact us

Kadence Novak

Transportation Planner - Ped/Bike Coordinator
Public Works

Phone

612-673-3692

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 410
Minneapolis, MN 55415