FAQs • East Lansing, MI • CivicEngage

Can I ride in the middle of a car lane?: If you are riding your bicycle in the street, you must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as possible. You should also exercise caution when passing a standing vehicle proceeding in the same direction. As stated above, your safest option is to ride in the bicycle lane if one is available.

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Bike Registration & Safety

1. Where in the City can I park my bicycle?: Unless otherwise prohibited, you may park a bicycle on a sidewalk and secure it to any publicly-owned pole or post (except a tree, fire hydrant, police or fire call box) in any manner that does not obstruct or present a safety hazard to pedestrians or other traffic.

There are a number of bike parking option in the downtown.

2. May I ride my bicycle on the sidewalk?: According to the East Lansing City Code, cyclists who ride on sidewalks have the same rights as pedestrians. However, if you are riding across a roadway on a crosswalk, you must not exceed walking or pedestrian speed. Furthermore, upon crossing a roadway at a crosswalk, you must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian along with providing an audible sign before overtaking and passing pedestrians. The optimal choice for a cyclist is to ride in the bicycle lanes where available. If you do need to ride on the sidewalk, remember that you must yield to pedestrians.

3. Are there any rules regarding carrying a passenger or some kind of baggage while operating my bicycle?: Yes, there are rules regarding carrying passengers or cargo on a bicycle. You may not carry more persons than the number for which your bicycle is designed or equipped. However, an adult cyclist may carry a child securely attached to his/her person in a backpack or sling. Also, you may not carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the use of both hands in the control or operation of the bicycle.

4. I have a sturdy bicycle and like to do tricks sometimes: is this permitted?: No this is not permitted. You may not ride a bicycle in a careless, reckless or acrobatic manner on any public right-of-way or publicly-owned property. You must also keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. It is strictly prohibited to attach yourself to another vehicle on a roadway while operating a bicycle.

5. Can I ride in the middle of a car lane?: If you are riding your bicycle in the street, you must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as possible. You should also exercise caution when passing a standing vehicle proceeding in the same direction. As stated above, your safest option is to ride in the bicycle lane if one is available.

6. Can I ride next to someone else?: Yes you may, with some limitations. First, you cannot ride more than two abreast. Second, you may not, in any way, impede the flow of traffic. Also, if you are riding on a multi-lane roadway, you may only occupy a single lane. Cyclists riding a three-wheel bicycle or a bicycle with a trailer attached are legally obligated to ride in single-file.