Cycling safety in Michigan

Crash data

29 cyclist fatalities in 2024 · about 1,369 cyclist injuries.

In 2024 (most recent full-year data), 29 bicyclists were killed on Michigan roadways and 1,369 bicyclists were injured, out of 1,790 bicyclists involved in crashes. Figures are from the official Michigan Traffic Crash Facts (MTCF) program, compiled by the Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning and UMTRI. The fatality count of 29 is confirmed by the 2024 MTCF At-a-Glance sheet ('Bicyclist Fatalities 29') and cross-checked against IIHS, which also reports 29 Michigan bicyclist deaths for 2024. The injury total of 1,369 is stated in the 2024 MTCF Fact Sheets (e.g., '227 (16.6%) of the 1,369 bicyclist injuries' and '153 (11.2%) out of the 1,369 injured bicyclists'). For context, this was up from 24 bicyclist deaths in 2023.

Official reports & data:

Cycling rules in Michigan

Helmets: Michigan has no statewide bicycle helmet law for riders of any age; helmets are strongly recommended but not legally required (some local rules may differ). (source)
Passing distance (3-foot law): A driver overtaking a bicycle going the same direction must pass at least 3 feet to the left of the bicycle; if 3 feet is impracticable, the driver must pass at a safe distance and safe speed (Michigan law effective 2018, MCL 257.636/257.637). (source)
Sidewalk riding: State law generally allows riding on sidewalks, but this is largely governed by local ordinance and many cities restrict or prohibit it (especially in business districts). Where allowed, cyclists must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing. (source)
E-bikes (3-class system): Michigan uses the standard 3-class e-bike system (motor 750W or less): Class 1 = pedal-assist only, motor cuts off at 20 mph; Class 2 = throttle-assist, cuts off at 20 mph; Class 3 = pedal-assist only, cuts off at 28 mph. Class 1 e-bikes are broadly allowed on roads and many paved trails; Class 2 and 3 access to nonmotorized trails can require local authorization. E-bikes are treated much like regular bicycles on roadways. (source)
Lights & reflectors at night: From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, a bicycle must have a front white lamp visible from at least 500 feet and a rear red reflector visible from 100 to 600 feet; a rear red lamp may be used in addition to (not instead of) the reflector (MCL 257.662). (source)
Direction of travel / where to ride: Cyclists must ride with the flow of traffic (never against it) and, when moving slower than traffic, ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, with exceptions for passing, turning left, avoiding hazards, or when the lane is too narrow to share safely. (source)
Stop signs / signals (no 'Idaho stop'): Michigan has NOT adopted a stop-as-yield ('Idaho stop') law. Cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers and must obey all traffic signals and stop signs. (source)
Hands on handlebars / phone use: A cyclist must keep at least one hand on the handlebars and may not carry any package that prevents this (MCL 257.661). Michigan's 2023 hands-free/distracted-driving law is written for operators of motor vehicles, so it does not clearly apply to bicycles; regardless, riding while distracted is discouraged. (source)
Riding under the influence: Whether Michigan's OWI/DUI statute (MCL 257.625) reaches bicyclists is legally unsettled because a bicycle is a 'vehicle' but not a 'motor vehicle'; an impaired rider can still face other charges. Riders should never bike while impaired. (Treat as a hedge, not a settled rule.) (source)

Cities and counties often add their own rules (for example, where you can ride on sidewalks or boardwalks). Check the local ordinance for the specific town you're visiting.

Resources

Bike-friendly destinations in Michigan

Ride these with the rules above in mind:

In an emergency in the U.S., call 911. Read our general bike safety guide →