Michigan Bike Hand Signals: What You Need To Know
In Michigan, bike hand signals are the legal and manual gestures cyclists use to communicate intent to motorists and other riders on the road. Because bicycles lack built-in brake or turn lights, these signals are required under state law (MCL 257.648) to indicate a left turn, a right turn, or an intended stop.
Most cyclists understand the importance of wearing a helmet, and it is one of the best things you can do to reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash. But safe cycling involves more than protective gear. Knowing and using proper bike hand signals is one of the most important ways to communicate with drivers and reduce the risk of collisions on Michigan roads.
Riding a bicycle safely is every cyclist’s responsibility, and learning how to ride defensively can go a long way toward preventing bicycle-car accidents. That includes understanding and using the proper signals required by state law to clearly communicate your intended movements to motorists.
Here’s a simple video I found on how to use hand signals on a bicycle:
Using Michigan’s bike hand signals
Under Michigan law, before a bicyclist who is riding on the roadway turns or stops, he or she must (1) make sure it is safe to do so and (2) give a bike hand signal using his or her hand and arm to indicate whether he or she is turning right, turning left or stopping. (MCL 257.648(1) and (2))
You should begin to signal when you are approximately 50 yards from the location where you intend to turn or stop.
In short, here are the basic hand signals that all bicyclists need to know to stay safe:
What Are The Legal Bike Hand Signals in Michigan?
- 1. Left Turn• How To Do It: Extend your left arm straight out horizontally to the left side of your bicycle.• Legal Reason: Required by MCL 257.648 to alert overtaking traffic and oncoming vehicles before turning left across lanes.
- 2. Right Turn (Method 1)• How To Do It: Extend your left arm upward, bending your elbow at a 90-degree angle with fingers pointing to the sky.• Legal Reason: The traditional legal signal. Essential if your right hand is actively maintaining balance or braking.
- 3. Right Turn (Method 2)• How To Do It: Extend your right arm straight out horizontally to the right side of your bicycle.• Legal Reason: Explicitly permitted under MCL 257.648(4)(b). Often more intuitive for drivers to see and recognize instantly.
- 4. Stop / Slow Down• How To Do It: Extend your left arm downward, bending your elbow at a 90-degree angle with your palm facing backward.• Legal Reason: Alerts trailing motorists that you are decreasing speed, preventing rear-end collisions on shared roadways.
- 5. Timing Requirement• How To Do It: Give the appropriate signal continuously for at least 50 yards (150 feet) before executing your turn or stop.• Legal Reason: Protects your injury claim. Failing to signal early allows insurance companies to argue “comparative negligence” to reduce your payout.
More on state laws
Left turn signals
In Michigan, the bike hand signal to show that he or she is going to make a left turn, a bicyclist “shall extend his or her left hand and arm horizontally.” (MCL 257.648(4)(a))
Right turn signals
In Michigan, the bike hand signal to show that he or she is going to make a right turn, a bicyclist “shall extend his or her left hand and arm upward,” i.e., raise your left arm with your elbow bent upward at a 90 degree angle and your hand and fingers pointed toward the sky. (MCL 257.648(4)(b))
A right-hand turn may also be signaled by the bicyclist extending “his or her right hand and arm horizontally.” (MCL 257.648(4)(b))
Signals for stopping
To signal that he or she intends to stop (or decrease speed) their bike, a bicyclist “shall extend his or her left hand and arm downward,” i.e., raise your left arm with your elbow bent downward at a 90 degree angle and your hand and fingers pointed toward the pavement. (MCL 257.648(4)(c))
SAFETY TIP: Drivers of cars and motorcyclists whose brake lights are not working can also use the same signals.
LAWYER TIP: I’m now seeing defense insurance lawyers in Michigan bike-car accident lawsuits alleging comparative fault and putting comparative negligence on the verdict forms for an injured bicyclist not using bike hand signals – even when it is clear that fault lies with the driver of the car.
Safe riding everyone!
Injured in a bicycle accident? Call the attorneys at Michigan Auto Law
Though you may use bike hand signals, bike car accidents can still happen. If you were injured in a bike car accident, call now (800) 968-1001 at 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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