• Minnesota considers bikes vehicles.cycle track image by Pefkos from Fotolia.com
  
  Minnesota, relative to other places in the U.S., is a safe place to ride a bicycle, according to the Share the Road Minnesota website. Even so, nearly 1,000 bicyclists are injured in crashes in Minnesota annually. In 2009, 10 riders lost their lives. While Minnesota requires cyclists to follow the rules of the road, there are laws specific to bicycles.
  
  

Definition

• According to the Minnesota Legislature, bicycles are human-powered vehicles with two wheels, except for scooters and similar devices. Minnesota uses "bicycle routes," which are roads or shoulders displaying signage meant to encourage bicycle traffic. Bicycle lanes are portions of a roadway set aside exclusively for bicyclists. Bike paths are situated separate from the roadway. Cyclists have "exclusive or preferential" rights to bike paths in Minnesota. Bicycle routes, lanes and paths all fall under the umbrella term "bikeway."
  
  

Riding in Traffic

• When you ride a bicycle in Minnesota, you must abide by the rules of the road that apply to other vehicles, including motor vehicles. You also have the same privileges as other drivers. Bicyclists, however, are expected ride as close to the right side of the road as practically possible. You can move away from the shoulder or curb when you are passing another vehicle going in the same direction or preparing to make a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. Minnesota also permits you to move away from the right side of the road if you need to avoid obstacles, including pedestrians, animals, fixed objects or other vehicles. If the shoulder is too narrow to safely accommodate a bicycle, you may move toward or into the traffic lane.
  
  Cyclists cannot ride more than two abreast in Minnesota, nor can they take up more than one lane of traffic. Minnesota prohibits "clinging to" or hitching a ride from another vehicle when you are on a bicycle.
  
  

Bicycle Equipment

• While Minnesota does not have a statewide helmet law, the legislature requires you to equip your bike with at least one brake. When riding at nighttime, you must use a white light on the front of your bike, which is visible from at least 500 feet away. The rear of your bicycle must include a red reflector that can be seen 100 feet away in all directions, and 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of another vehicle. The Legislature also requires reflectors on each side of your pedals if there is not sufficient light to see 500 feet ahead.