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RULES OF THE ROAD

How to guide to biking in Rochester

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How to guide to biking on rural roads

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Walk Bikes on Sidewalks.jpg

Where to Walk Bikes on Sidewalks

(click for Rochester City Ordinance)

Minnesota Bike Statutes Section 169 condensed:

  • On roadways, ride in the same direction as traffic (169.222, subd. 4b)

  • Ride as close as conditions allow to right hand curb or edge of roadway, except when passing a vehicle moving in the same direction, when preparing to turn left at an intersection or into a driveway, or when necessary to avoid objects or hazardous conditions (169,222, subd. 4)

  • Signs and signals that are displayed for motorists must be followed by bikers as well (169.222, subd. 1)

  • Ride two abreast only if not impeding normal and reasonable traffic flow (169,222, subd. 4c)

  • On trails and bikepaths that cross roadways, obey all stop signs and warning devices (169.222, subd. 1)

  • Ride with lamps and reflective gear on at night and in dim light (169.222, subd. 6)

  • Only ride a bicycle with working brakes (169.222 subd. 6b)

  • Don’t ride a bicycle if its size doesn’t allow the operator to stop, support and restart bike safely (169.222, subd. 6 d)

  • When passing a bicyclist or person on a bikeway, maintain a safe distance from the bicycle or person being passed (169.222, subd. 4 e)

  • Don’t hitch a bicycle to another vehicle for a ride (169.222, subd. 3)

  • Do not operate a bicycle with a greater number of users than bike or attached equipment (baby seats, etc.) is designed for (169.222, subd. 2)

  • Don’t carry things that prevent you from holding the handlebars with at least one hand or from property operating brakes (169.222, subd. 5)

  • Don’t ride a bicycle with handlebars that are above shoulder level (169.222, subd. 6 c)

  • Hold arm signal continuously for 100 feet before turning or when stopped waiting to turn, unless arm is needed to control bike (169.222, subd. 8)

  • Use left arm to signal turns. When turning right, holding arm straight out to right is also okay (169.19, subd. 8)
     

Rochester Specific Law:

  • In the downtown area of the city, bicycles are not legally allowed to ride on sidewalks

     

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