Sharing with bicyclists — Michigan Permit Test

Bicyclists may legally ride on Michigan roads, except limited-access freeways, and may ride anywhere in the lane as long as they ride with traffic.

A bicyclist in the middle of the lane is riding legally, often to avoid hazards at the edge.

Bicyclists may legally ride on Michigan roads, except limited access freeways.

Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.

A bicyclist is a road user like any driver, with the same duty to follow the rules.

Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.

Michigan law requires you to leave at least 3 feet between your vehicle and a bicyclist when passing; if that is impractical, pass at a safe distance and speed.

A small swerve by the rider or a gust from your car needs that much room to be survivable.

Michigan law requires that you leave at least 3 feet of space between your vehicle and a bicyclist when passing.

You may pass a bicyclist in a no-passing zone as long as it is safe to do so.

The law allows it so a slow bicyclist does not hold up traffic for miles.

You may pass a bicyclist in a no-passing zone as long as it is safe to do so.

Do not use the bicycle lane as a right-turn lane, and look for bicyclists coming from behind on the shoulder or in a bike lane before turning right.

A bicyclist riding straight on your right is hit when a driver cuts across to turn.

Look for bicyclists riding from behind on the road shoulder or in a bike lane before turning right at an intersection, into a driveway or pulling off the road.

After passing a bicyclist, do not return to your lane until well clear of them; large vehicles and those towing oversized loads should allow even more space.

Cutting back in too soon leaves the rider no room if they wobble or swerve.

After passing, don’t return to your lane until well clear of the bicycle or other vulnerable roadway users.

Bicyclists are not required to use a bicycle lane and may leave it to turn left or to avoid hazards.

A rider may need to move into traffic to turn or to dodge debris.

Bicyclists are not required to use a bicycle lane and may leave a bicycle lane to turn left or to avoid hazards.

Some cities have stricter laws requiring a 5-foot passing distance for bicyclists.

Local rules can ask for more room than the state minimum, so watch for them.

Some cities have stricter laws requiring a 5-foot passing distance.

Low-riding three-wheeled recumbent bicycles and handcycles also use Michigan roads; they often carry mirrors and tall orange flags but can be hard to see.

A low bike sits below a car's hood line, so look carefully for the flag.

but these cycles can be difficult to see due to their low profiles.

Where may bicyclists legally ride in Michigan?

On roads except limited-access freeways. A bicyclist in the middle of the lane is riding legally, often to avoid hazards at the edge. What Every Driver Must Know, p.57: “Bicyclists may legally ride on Michigan roads, except limited access freeways.”