Rules of the Road
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has made bicycle and scooter safety a top priority. For a refresher on your rights and responsibilities visit their website.
Plan a sensible route
From shared traffic lanes to car-free greenways, choose a route that suits your comfort level. Use the Nice Ride mobile app to map out a route to your destination, and we’ll show you the safest route using bike lanes whenever possible.
Do a pre-ride check
Before you start a ride: adjust the seat to fit your height, squeeze the brakes to make sure there’s resistance, and check the tires to make sure they’re not flat. If there’s a problem with the bike, just dock it and hit the red “wrench” button, then choose a different bike.
Wear a helmet
All Nice Ride bike and scooter riders are encouraged to wear a helmet while riding. Make sure yours fits snugly, wear it level on your head, and always buckle the chin strap. Freewheel Bike offers 20% off Bontrager helmets to all Nice Ride members and pass holders (bring your Nice Ride key or a receipt from any Nice Ride station). Pick-up a helmet at Freewheel's West Bank store or the Freewheel Midtown Bike Center.
Obey traffic laws
The same laws apply to scooters and bicycles as to motor vehicles in Minnesota – including obeying all traffic lights and signs.
Ride with traffic
Bicycle and scooter riders are required by law to ride in the same direction as cars. Riders should use a bike lane when available. If there is no usable bike lane, riders should ride as far to the right as possible, while staying at least 3-4 feet from the curb or parked cars.
Stay off sidewalks
Riders should ride in a bike path or on the right side of the road, leaving the sidewalk for pedestrian traffic only. Exceptions are made for young riders under parental supervision, or when the road conditions are not safe for cyclists.
Yield to pedestrians
Like motor vehicles, scooter and bicycle riders must yield the right of way to pedestrians when the law requires it, such as at crosswalks and intersections. If you have the light, use your bell to alert pedestrians of your presence when necessary.
Use hand signals
Bicycle and scooter riders are required to use hand signals to let drivers and other riders know where they’re going. Stick your left arm straight out to indicate a left turn. For a right turn, extend your right arm straight out, or raise your left arm and bend it upward at the elbow. To stop, hold your left hand by your side pointing toward the ground.
Never ride distracted
Don’t text and ride! Pull over if you have to send a message or talk on the phone. It is also illegal to ride with two headphones in; one is permitted, but it’s always safer to ride without any. Being aware and predictable reduces the chance of an accident.
Want to see how it's done?
Check out this video featuring League of American Cyclist certified instructors demonstrating techniques for urban riding.
Cycling Resources
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has made bicycle safety a top priority. For a refresher on your rights and responsibilities visit their website.