Cycling safety in South Dakota

Crash data

0 cyclist fatalities in 2023 .

In 2023, NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 0 pedalcyclist (bicyclist) fatalities in South 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 South 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 South Dakota

Helmets: South Dakota has NO statewide bicycle helmet law for riders of any age. The only helmet mandate is narrow: on a Class 3 electric bicycle, riders under 18 and all passengers (any age) must wear a helmet (SDCL 32-20B-14). Ordinary pedal cyclists are not required to wear helmets by state law. (source)
Passing distance: A driver overtaking a bicycle traveling the same direction must leave at least 3 feet of separation on roads posted 35 mph or less, and at least 6 feet on roads posted over 35 mph, measured from the vehicle (including mirrors) to the bicycle. Drivers may cross the centerline to pass safely. Violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor. (This graduated 3ft/6ft standard is unusual nationally.) (SDCL 32-26-26.1) (source)
Sidewalk riding: State law does not broadly ban sidewalk riding; where allowed, the cyclist has the rights and duties of a pedestrian, must yield to pedestrians, give an audible signal before overtaking, and stop before entering a crosswalk or roadway from a sidewalk (SDCL 32-20B-2 and 32-20B-3). Specific sidewalk-riding bans are set locally by individual municipalities, so rules vary by city. (source)
E-bikes: South Dakota uses the standard 3-class system (SDCL chapter 32-20B). E-bikes have motors of 750 watts or less: Class 1 (pedal-assist to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle to 20 mph), Class 3 (pedal-assist to 28 mph). Class 3 riders must be at least 16; Class 3 riders under 18 and all Class 3 passengers must wear helmets; Class 3 e-bikes are generally not allowed on bike/multi-use paths while Class 1 and 2 are. E-bikes meeting the definition are not treated as motor vehicles (no license/registration). (source)
Lights & reflectors at night: A bicycle operated in the dark must have a lighted white front lamp visible for at least 300 feet ahead, plus a red or yellow rear reflector or lamp visible for at least 200 feet to the rear. Violation is a petty offense. (Correct citation is SDCL 32-17-25, in the Vehicle Lights chapter.) (source)
Direction of travel / where to ride: Bicyclists ride WITH the flow of traffic (on the right), not against it. A cyclist moving slower than traffic must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, with exceptions for passing, turning left, or avoiding hazards (SDCL 32-20B-5). Riders must signal turns during the last 100 feet before turning (SDCL 32-20B-6). (source)
Stop-as-yield: South Dakota does NOT have a stop-as-yield / 'Idaho stop' law for bicycles. Cyclists are subject to the ordinary rules of the road and must obey stop signs and traffic signals like other vehicles. (Note: it is neighboring North Dakota, not South Dakota, that adopted a bicycle stop-as-yield law.) (source)
Riding under the influence: South Dakota has no bicycle-specific DUI statute. The state DUI law (SDCL chapter 32-23) applies to operating a 'vehicle' while impaired; whether it reaches a person on an ordinary bicycle is not clearly settled, so riding impaired is strongly inadvisable and could expose a rider to other charges. Treat as unconfirmed rather than a definite bicycle DUI 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 South Dakota

Ride these with the rules above in mind:

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