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Minnesota laws calls for cyclists to ride with the flow of traffic and as close to the right side of the road as practical, except in the following situations: 1) when overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction; 2) when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; and 3) when reasonably necessary to avoid roadside conditions (fixed or moving objects, vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, narrow lane widths) which make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge.



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From MN State Law, 169.222:
Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway or shoulder shall not ride more than two abreast and shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane.


so what Im reading here is a bicyclist is entitled to the whole lane. They are encouraged to ride to the far right side for saftey, but the way I view it the cycclist gets the whole lane. just like a Motorcyclist (which I am) only takes up half the lane but is entitled to the whole lane. In all reality, you should be passing a bicylist just the same as you would pass a motorcyclist. yo u change lanes, drive past them and then move back over. No where does it read Cyclist must ride single file, it states they should only ride in one lane on multi laned roads.

But, what does it mean when it says they "shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic".

I think that basically means to not intentionally block traffic. it almost sounds like one of those "catch alls" they toss in so a Cop has a reason to jump in if needed. in all reality, a lone biker will ride on the far right and cars will drive by.

Here is something I don't understand. We have spent millions on getting bike lanes and bike paths, but yet some cyclists still want to ride in traffic? I myself feel safer off the road than on. Now there have been some cyclists I have seen in Mpls., and they are awesome in traffic, but others, man I just don't see how they have not been seriously hurt by an automobile yet.

Me, give me a bike trail ANY day. I am afraid of cars. Btw, has anyone witnessed the brave soul who rides his mountain bike in the winter around Ft. Snelling? Now there is a hardy Minnesotan!

Bike trails are great unless they are clogged up by slower cyclists, walkers and runners. They can be very dangerous if that's the case. Roads can be plenty safe as long as you make yourself visible and follow the rules of the road. Cyclists are allowed to use the road the same as automobiles. If the trails don't get you to where you need to be, then you have no choice than to take to the roads.