Michigan Bicycle Riding Laws and Accident Injuries

Michigan is a bike-friendly state. Cycling has become more and more popular as communities in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor add more dedicated bike lanes. In Detroit alone, the city just added 19 miles to its 145-mile-long protected bike lane. As the state borders open up post-pandemic, more Michigan residents are riding outdoors to commute to work or enjoy healthy exercise after the prolonged winter quarantine.

Responsibility of Cyclists On The Road

When sharing the road with four-wheel vehicles, cyclists must observe the following protocols to avoid accidents.

Stay alert
Avoid distraction
Do not ride drunk or intoxicated
Ride alongside the direction of traffic
Yield when required
Wear complete protective gear including reflective clothing and an appropriate helmet
Equip your bike with the reflective lighting
Avoid weaving in and out of traffic
Ride away from the curb and sidewalks
Stay within bike lanes

Michigan traffic rules for motorists also apply to cyclists, including guidelines for roundabouts and intersections.

Always wear protective gear, stay alert, and know how to act quickly in case of a crash. If you are involved in a road accident and the other driver flees the scene, contact law enforcement immediately.

Responsibility of Motorists on The Road

Motorists must also observe safety rules when sharing the road with cyclists. Bike accidents often happen in intersections, at parking lot entrances, and when bicyclists are coming from behind a vehicle.

The most common reasons why motorists and cyclists get involved in accidents are:

Failure to yield to a bicycle
Tailgating
Driving too close
Turning immediately in front of a bicycle
Speeding
Opening a vehicle door along a bicycle path
Running a red light
Driving while distracted (texting)
Driving while intoxicated or impaired
Blasting a horn
Harassing cyclists

If you are a motorist, it can be terrifying to hit a bicycle. But fleeing the scene will only make the situation worse. If you try to flee, the accident will be considered a hit and run, which carries severe penalties.

Even if you thought you weren’t caught, witnesses will be able to provide details about your vehicle to the police and you will eventually be found. Thus, the best thing to do after a road accident is to call for immediate medical help for the injured cyclist.

What Is The 3-Feet Rule?

According to MCL Section 257.657, there must be a minimum driving distance of 3 feet between cyclists and motorists. This was set into law to protect cyclists from quick turns, collisions with a side view or car door, or the wind pushing the bike over.

Motorists should still observe the proper speed limit even with the 3-feet rule. If a car is speeding, the driver might not have ample time to react to an approaching bicycle.

Remember that speed limits are imposed for a reason – to support your reaction time to hazardous situations and provide safer control.

When To Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

When cars and bicycles collide, motorists are often found at fault if they are speeding, driving distracted, or driving too close. These poor driving decisions are highly likely to result in side-swiping or read-ending a bicycle. And due to their sheer size difference, the bicycle is always at the worst end.

Personal injury attorneys are always called to bike accidents that result in:

Concussions
Traumatic brain damage
Shoulder dislocations
Dog bites
Neck, spine, and back injuries
Muscle-related injuries
Broken arms, hips, and legs
Bone fractures
Internal injuries
Death

When it comes to bike safety, wearing a helmet remains the most critical measure for any cyclist to protect themselves from severe injury against negligent and careless motorists. Moreover, consulting with a Michigan accident lawyer is the best chance for financial recovery in the event that you get hit by a car while riding your bike.

Know Your Rights. Ask a Michigan Lawyer Today.

Most bicycle accidents are caused by the negligence of other motorists and not the biker. Riders on two wheels tend to be more careful when sharing the road with four-wheel vehicles.

The problem is the lack of independent witnesses to debunk the story given by the car or truck vehicle driver to the police. In most cases, the officer on the scene puts the blame on the biker who is often too injured to give their own account of the accident.

If you are injured or have lost a loved one to a car crash involving a bicycle, schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorneys at The Clark Law Office today. We have represented accident victims for decades and have helped their families claim rightful compensation, including medical bills and property damage. Text us at (517) 347 6900 for inquiries.

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Matthew Clark

Content checked by Matthew Clark, personal injury attorney with The Clark Law Office. Matthew is the owner of The Clark Law Office and represents injury victims all over the State of Michigan. He has collected multiple million dollar verdicts and settlements for victims of auto accidents, dog bites, slip and fall, and medical malpractice. The main office is in Okemos, MI but you can also find us in Lansing and Eaton Rapids.