Question: Does traffic have to wait for someone on a bicycle trying to cross at an intersection?

Answer: Bicyclists and motorists are equally responsible for safety on the road. The number one contributing factor to bicycle-vehicle collisions is failure to yield the right-of-way — by bicyclists and drivers alike.

If the bicyclist is off their bicycle at an intersection and walks across, they have all the rights at the intersection as a pedestrian would.  Motorists must stop for crossing pedestrians at every intersection, even those without crosswalks or stoplights. Motorists should stop far enough back so drivers in other lanes can also see the pedestrian in time to stop.

Those riding a bicyclist is must obey all traffic control signs and signals, just as motorists.

Bicycle-vehicle collisions are due to a variety of behaviors by the rider, such as disregarding a traffic sign or signal, inattention and distraction.

Each year in Minnesota, approximately 40 pedestrians and 8 bicyclists are killed as a result of collisions with motor vehicles.

·     As a group, pedestrians and bicyclists comprise nearly 10 percent of all traffic fatalities each year —67 percent of these fatal crashes occur in urban areas.

·     40 percent of pedestrians and 21 percent of bicyclists killed had consumed alcohol.

·     19 percent of pedestrians killed were not crossing properly.

Rules of the Road and Safety Tips

·     Bicyclists may ride on all Minnesota roads, except where restricted.

·     Bicyclists should ride on the road, and must ride in the same direction as traffic.

·     Motorists must at all times maintain a three-foot clearance when passing a bicyclist.

·     Bicyclists must signal their turns and should ride in a predictable manner.

·     Bicyclists must use a headlight and rear reflectors when it's dark. To increase visibility, add a rear flashing light.

·     Motorists must drive at safe speeds and be attentive — look for bicyclist sand check blind spots.

·     Drivers should use caution and look twice for riders when turning.

·     Drivers should use caution when opening door upon parking on side of road.

This is a great question and topic to talk about.  I have seen an increase in bicycles on our roadways, so we all need to be extra cautious to prevent bicycle/pedestrian collisions with vehicles.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us) Twitter:   MSPPIO_SOUTH

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