Can Cyclists Ride on Michigan Sidewalks?
May 1st, 2013 at 9:14 am   starstarstarstarstar      
Can a cyclist legally ride a bicycle on Michigan sidewalks? Yes, and sometimes no. Here's why…
 
The state of Michigan does not classify a bicycle as a vehicle. A vehicle is defined as:
 
 
“Vehicle” means every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices exclusively moved by human power.
 
Therefore, anything human powered, such as a bicycle, is not a vehicle. This permits Michigan bicyclists to ride on sidewalks so long as:
 
 
1. An individual operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk or pedestrian crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.
2. An individual shall not operate a bicycle upon a sidewalk or a pedestrian crosswalk if that operation is prohibited by an official traffic control device.
3. An individual lawfully operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk or a pedestrian crosswalk has all of the rights and responsibilities applicable to a pedestrian using that sidewalk or crosswalk.
 
Although the state defines and sets its own bicycle laws, Michigan also allows its cities to create their own local ordinances when it comes to cyclists riding on sidewalks. Here are a few examples:
 
• Lansing- Permits cyclists on sidewalks provided they yield to pedestrians.
 
• Detroit- Permitted in most areas; areas in which it is not permitted, such as Hart Plaza, are designated by signage.
 
• Royal Oak- Permitted on neighborhood sidewalks, but not in the downtown area. 
 
• Ann Arbor- Permits bicycles on sidewalks, but suggests cyclists to consider themselves “guests” in the pedestrian lane. 
 
Before gearing up and heading out, make sure you know the laws in any Michigan city you ride, specifically sidewalk ordinances.
Posted in Uncategorized by Jason Waechter
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Robert J. Teitler says:
July 12th, 2020 at 9:16 pm   starstarstarstarstar      

I have been riding my bicycle on the sidewalks of 3rd Street, Oak, Second Street, Pine Street, the town Park and trails for 27 years.  When I encouter pedestrians I signal and sound my bike horn.  

 

For the first time one of my neighbors keeps arguing with me that I should ride in the street and not subject him and others to the risk of hitting him.  

 

During all these years I have hit no one.  

Robert J. TeitlerO says:
July 12th, 2020 at 9:18 pm   starstarstarstarstar      

One of my neighbors tells me that I should ride my bike on the road not the sidewalks.

Paul Veenendall says:
August 29th, 2020 at 3:49 pm   starstarstarstarstar      

Are bicyclists to stay off sidewalks after dark even if equipped with a light? Pedeatrains do not dress with light colored clothing to be seen in the dark almost hit someone a few mornings ago based on this fact. I will not ride early mornings before it gets light ever again cant see people.

My bicylce has a front headlight but still not bright enpough to see pedestrians on sidewalks.This happened in Walker, MI. Remembrance RD.

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