Cycling safety in North Dakota

Crash data

0 cyclist fatalities in 2023 .

In 2023, NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 0 pedalcyclist (bicyclist) fatalities in North Dakota; NHTSA's national report explicitly notes there were no pedalcyclist fatalities in Alaska, Maine, North Dakota, or South Dakota in 2023 (FARS 2023 ARF, Table 6). A clean statewide serious-injury figure was not confirmed here, so injuries are left null. A zero-fatality year reflects North Dakota's small population and low cycling exposure; single-year counts for a low-population state are volatile and can rise in other years.

Official reports & data:

Cycling rules in North Dakota

Helmets: North Dakota has NO statewide bicycle helmet law for regular bikes at any age. The only helmet mandate is for e-bikes: a person under 18 may not operate a Class 3 electric bicycle unless wearing a safety helmet (NDCC 39-10.1-09). (source)
Passing distance: A driver overtaking a bicycle traveling the same direction must leave a safe distance and maintain it until safely clear; 'safe distance' is defined as no less than three feet of clearance (NDCC 39-10-11.1). (source)
Sidewalk riding: No statewide statute in North Dakota's bicycle chapter (Title 39-10.1) governs sidewalk riding — it is a local (city ordinance) matter, so check the municipal code where you are riding. (source)
E-bikes: North Dakota uses the standard 3-class system (adopted from the PeopleForBikes model law in 2021). An electric bicycle has fully operable pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less: Class 1 = pedal-assist only, cuts off at 20 mph; Class 2 = throttle-capable, cuts off at 20 mph; Class 3 = pedal-assist only, cuts off at 28 mph. E-bikes are treated as bicycles (no registration/license/insurance) and may use bike and multi-use paths unless a local authority prohibits it; Class 3 operators under 18 must wear a helmet (NDCC 39-10.1-09). (source)
Lights & reflectors at night: A bicycle used at night must have a front lamp emitting a white light visible from at least 500 feet, plus an approved red rear reflector; a red rear lamp (visible 500 ft) may be added but does not replace the reflector. Every bicycle must also have a brake that can skid the wheel on dry, level pavement (NDCC 39-10.1-07). (source)
Direction of travel / where to ride: A cyclist on a roadway must ride as near to the right side as practicable (i.e., with the flow of traffic), using due care when passing standing or same-direction vehicles. Cyclists may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or road sections set aside for bikes (NDCC 39-10.1-05). (source)
Stop-as-yield: North Dakota HAS a stop-as-yield (safety stop) law with a unique lane restriction: at a stop sign on a roadway with two or fewer travel lanes, a cyclist must slow, stop if needed for safety, yield to traffic, then may proceed or turn without a full stop. At intersections with three or more lanes, the cyclist must come to a complete stop (NDCC 39-10.1-05.1). (source)
Riding under the influence (DUI): As of HB1506 (effective 2023), bicycles were removed from the definition of 'vehicle' for DUI purposes, so a cyclist can no longer be charged with DUI under NDCC 39-08-01 in North Dakota. An intoxicated cyclist may still face other consequences, but not a DUI charge. (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 North Dakota

Ride these with the rules above in mind:

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