Cycling safety in Montana

Crash data

2 cyclist fatalities in 2024 .

In 2024, 2 bicyclists were killed on Montana roads (source: IIHS Fatality Facts state-by-state tables, which are built from NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System / FARS). Montana's bicyclist death count is very small and swings year to year (NHTSA's national 'Bicyclists and Other Cyclists: 2023 Data' report shows only a handful of Montana pedalcyclist deaths annually), so single-year figures should be read as low-count data, not a trend. A clean, current statewide bicyclist serious-injury total was not confirmed here, so it is left null rather than estimated.

Official reports & data:

Cycling rules in Montana

Helmets: There is NO statewide helmet law in Montana, for either bicycles or e-bikes. One local ordinance exists: Billings requires helmets for riders under 16. Check the local code wherever you ride. (source)
Passing distance: Montana does NOT set a specific passing distance (no 3-foot rule). State law requires a driver to overtake and pass a bicyclist only when it can be done safely without endangering the rider (MCA § 61-8-320), and Montana is among the states that let a driver cross the center line to pass a cyclist when it is safe to do so. (source)
Sidewalk riding: State law generally allows sidewalk riding: a cyclist on a sidewalk has the rights and duties of a pedestrian, must yield to pedestrians and give an audible warning before passing. Local jurisdictions can prohibit it with official signage (MCA § 61-8-608) — this is largely a local matter, so check the city code. (source)
E-bikes: Montana does NOT use the 3-class (Class 1/2/3) e-bike system. An 'electrically assisted bicycle' is defined as a two-wheeled cycle whose electric motor cannot propel a 170-pound rider faster than 20 mph on a paved, level surface; it is treated as a bicycle, with no registration, license, or plate required (MCA § 61-8-102; HB 261, 2023). (source)
Lights & reflectors at night: When ridden at dawn, dusk, or night a bicycle must have a front lamp showing a white light visible at least 500 feet ahead, and either a red rear lamp or a red rear reflector visible at least 500 feet behind, plus side reflective material visible 500 feet from each side. A working brake (stop within 25 feet from 10 mph) is also required (MCA § 61-8-607). (source)
Direction of travel / where to ride: Ride with traffic, never against it. A cyclist moving slower than traffic must ride as near to the right as practicable, and may lawfully use a paved shoulder (MCA § 61-8-605). (source)
Stop-as-yield (Idaho stop): Montana has NOT adopted a stop-as-yield / 'Idaho stop' law. Because bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of vehicles (MCA § 61-8-602), you must come to a full stop at stop signs and red lights like any other vehicle. (source)
Rules of the road (bikes as vehicles): Bicycles are treated as vehicles on Montana roads: riders must obey all traffic signs and signals, use hand signals for turns and stops, and ride no more than the roadway allows. Clinging to (hitching a ride on) a moving motor vehicle is prohibited (MCA §§ 61-8-602, 61-8-604). (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 Montana

Ride these with the rules above in mind:

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