Riding a bike, walking or using a wheelchair on your neighborhood sidewalks can be a safe and convenient way to get around, but only if everyone follows the laws. Whether you are on the sidewalk or driving near a bicyclist or pedestrian, always be aware of your surroundings and keep the state laws in mind. 

Bicycle laws 

If you’re riding a bicycle, you must: 

• Ride on the road and in the same direction as traffic. Never ride facing oncoming traffic. 

• Obey all traffic control signs and signals, just as you would when driving. 

• Use signals to let people behind you know when you are turning. 

• Use good judgment. Remember that you are sharing the road, and it is important to be predictable to avoid a crash. 

• Use a headlight and rear reflectors when it's dark. 

If you are driving near a bicyclist, you must: 

• Stay three feet away when passing. 

Read more about Minnesota’s bicycle laws.    

Pedestrian laws 

• If you are driving, you must stop for pedestrians crossing the street. Treat every corner and intersection as a crosswalk, whether it’s marked or unmarked, and let pedestrians cross. 

• If you are a pedestrian, you must obey traffic control devices, such as traffic lights, signs and barricades.