Legal or Illegal to Ride Your Bike on Michigan Roads?

There was a huge conversation happening on Reddit.com/Grand Rapids, about the legality of riding your bike on the road.

👇 BELOW: MICHIGAN LAWS. LEGAL OR ILLEGAL? 👇

So many people weighed in totally frustrated with cyclists riding on the roads, but, as you can see, there is so much confusion with the Michigan laws and a lack of understanding.

Some people wrote:

"If not motorized, why do bicyclists ride on the street when there's literally a sidewalk right there."

"This drives me nuts. Common sense guys. Would you rather hit a person walking and scrape your knee or get hit by a car and possibly die?" 

"It's against the law to ride your bike on a side walk.... they have to ride on the street if there isn't a bike lane...."

"If bikes are allowed on the street I'm allowed on the sidewalk... no?"

So much confusion here! What IS legal?

Is it legal for cyclists to only ride on a sidewalk, if there is one, and not causing a traffic hazard on the road?

Or, is it legal for cyclists to be on the road and not on the sidewalk?

Actually, both are correct, sort of, and legal, according to Michigan Bicyclists Laws on Michigan.gov.

The law states:

"Bicyclists have the same rights on the road as motorists. Bicyclists also must obey the laws and rules of the road the same as motorists. Bicyclists must use proper hand signals when stopping or turning. Ride as close to the right-hand edge of the road as possible, except when… » Passing. » Turning left. » Conditions on the right-hand edge are unsafe. » Proceeding straight at an intersection. » Riding on a one-way street, where a bicyclist may legally also ride on the left-hand edge."

However, the Michigan law also states:

"A bicyclist may ride on a sidewalk or crosswalk, if… » There are no rules prohibiting it in that area. » The bicyclist yields the right-of-way to pedestrians. » The bicyclist gives an audible signal before passing a pedestrian. » The bicyclist follows the same laws and rules for pedestrians."

Clear as mud, right!

Be safe, and courteous!