When Can You Drive In A Bike Lane In Michigan?
What drivers need to know about bicycle lanes and preventing car accidents involving cyclists
More and more Michigan cities are becoming bicycle friendly — like Ann Arbor, Lansing, Ferndale and areas in Detroit. Several of our own attorneys are avid cyclists, and it’s not uncommon to see one or two of our attorneys riding their own bicycles to work, especially on Saturdays. Bicycling is a great sport; it’s great for our environment and for our own health and stress, and it’s why our attorneys so strongly support and make donations to the League of Michigan Bicyclists. As cycling use continues to grow, many drivers ask whether it’s ever legal to drive in a bike lane in Michigan. Understanding these rules is essential for keeping both drivers and cyclists safe on the road.
However, with more cyclists on the road, there are also more people on bicycles being hit by cars. Part of the uptick in bicycle accidents is that many drivers have no idea of the traffic laws. That’s why I wrote today’s blog about the law for driving a car and turning near bike lanes in Michigan. There’s a bike lane right outside of our Farmington Hills law office headquarters, and I see many drivers who use the designated bike lane for weaving in and out of traffic and for making turns. Many bike accidents involving cars are caused by drivers who ironically never see a bicyclist who’s lawfully riding in the designated bike lane (the lane that’s also designed specifically to keep bicyclists more safe!).
Bicyclists are involved in less than 1% of all traffic crashes in Michigan, according to Michigan.gov.
But proportionally, they represent a greater number of fatalities than any other group of roadway users. When a bicycle meets a car, the car wins. Sadly, the injuries I’ve seen as an accident attorney when a bicyclist is hit by a car are often catastrophic, and usually involve surgeries. Many also involve serious brain injuries – even with bicycle helmets. One important tip that bicyclists who are struck by passing cars might be unaware of is that they can recover medical bills and wage loss from the No Fault insurance of the vehicle that struck them in Michigan. In cases of very serious injury to bicyclists, this can also include attendant care benefits (nursing services) while they recover from injuries to assist them with bathing, dressing and other activities of daily living.
The inherent safety risk bicyclists carry is why it’s especially important for motorists to pass bicyclists at a safe distance and to always yield to a bicyclist before making turns. And nowhere is this more true than when a bicyclist is riding in a designated bicycle lane.
Here’s our answer to one common question of whether a motorist can drive in a bike lane in Michigan:
How should drivers and bicyclists operate when on a road with a bicycle lane?
In Michigan, motorists should not drive on or across a bike lane, except to enter or leave adjacent property. In fact, the Department of Transportation states that “[i]t is illegal to drive or park in a bicycle lane.” Similarly, the State Administrative Code R. 28.1322(1) states that a “person shall not operate a vehicle on or across a bicycle lane, except to enter or leave adjacent property.”
Importantly, “[t]his means that drivers are to make turns from the travel lane and not the bicycle lane.” (MDOT) This also means drivers should not be using the bicycle lane as a turn lane to drive past stopped traffic to make a turn ahead.
Michigan Administrative Code R. 28.1322(1) provides that a “person shall not park a vehicle on a bicycle lane, except where parking is permitted by official signs.” Also, the MDOT states that it is “illegal to park in a marked bicycle lane, except where permitted by official signs.”
Bicyclists are reminded to follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic control devices, including signals and stop signs.
(Source: Michigan.gov)
How do motorists make right turns when there’s a bicycle lane present?
The natural follow-up question is, how do motorists make right turns safely when there are bicycle lanes?
First, keep an eye out for “sharrows” and green pavement markings.
Some bicycle lanes use shared lane markings, or “sharrows,” near designated right-turn lanes. These markings and dashed lines are used to help the bicyclist and motorist navigate the “transition” area between bicycle lane and turn lane. While drivers are always required to share the road, sharrows alert drivers that they’re likely to encounter cyclists. They also indicate the proper lane position for bicyclists to make them more visible to drivers.
In addition, green pavement markings are used to bring attention to the transition areas at designated right-turn lanes. These markings are designed to alert motorists and bicyclists that they’re at a potential conflict area. In these areas, all road users should exercise heightened awareness.
To make a right turn when there’s a bicycle lane, follow these simple steps, as outlined from the State of Michigan.
- When turning right, a motorist should always yield to bicyclists going straight. Never pass a bicyclist and then “hook” them by making a turn immediately in front of them.
- Once the bicyclist passes through the intersection, the motorist should then begin the right turn.
- Only after the bicyclist clears the intersection or driveway should the motorist complete the turn.
As a bicycle accident lawyer, I have litigated several lawsuits involving bicyclists who were hit by cars. I often write about Michigan’s car-bicycle accident law and bicycle safety to help prevent these accidents, and as I have said, it’s the responsibility of motorists to protect vulnerable cyclists and be apprised of the traffic laws.
Can you drive a golf cart in a bike lane in Michigan?
You most likely cannot drive a golf cart in a bike lane in Michigan. To the extent that a golf cart is considered a vehicle, Michigan Administrative Code R. 28.1322(1) prohibits a person from operating a golf cart on or across a bike lane, except to enter or leave adjacent property.
Importantly, “[t]his means that drivers are to make turns from the travel lane and not the bicycle lane.” (MDOT)
Can you drive a moped in a bike lane in Michigan?
In Michigan, you most likely cannot drive a moped in a bike lane. To the extent that a moped is considered a vehicle, Michigan Administrative Code R. 28.1322(1) prohibits a person from operating a moped on or across a bike lane, except to enter or leave adjacent property.
Importantly, “[t]his means that drivers are to make turns from the travel lane and not the bicycle lane.” (MDOT)
How far can you drive in a bike lane in Michigan?
In Michigan, you cannot drive in a bike lane — only bicycles are allowed. Cars, golf carts, or mopeds may enter a bicycle lane only when necessary to access or exit property adjacent to the lane
How long can you drive in a bike lane in Michigan?
In Michigan, you cannot drive in a bike lane — only bicycles are allowed. Cars, golf carts, or mopeds may enter a bicycle lane only when necessary to access or exit property adjacent to the lane
How many feet can you drive in a bike lane in Michigan?
Although Michigan law does not specify a distance, cars, golf carts, and mopeds may only drive in a bike lane for as many feet as necessary to enter or exit property adjacent to the lane.
Injured in a bicycle crash and need legal help? Call our attorneys now for a free consultation
If you were injured while a driver was illegally driving in a bike lane in Michigan and caused your crash, call now at (800) 968-1001 for a free consultation with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website.
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