Shared Roads, Shared Responsibility: Advice for Motorists and Cyclists from A Grand Rapids Car Accident Attorney
With the return of warmer weather, Michigan roads are once again filled with a surge of bicyclists. To ensure both cyclists and motorists share the road safely, it’s vital for everyone to stay up-to-date on the laws. These laws aren’t just legal requirements—they save lives. Grand Rapids car accident attorney Tom Sinas of Sinas Dramis Law Firm recently shared essential insights on Fox 17’s “Know the Law.” Here’s what both drivers and riders need to know.
Motorists: Be Alert. Give Space. Pass Safely.
- Cyclists have a legal right to use the road—they’re not limited to bike lanes or sidewalks. Be on the lookout for cyclists, no matter the time of year.
- Maintain at least 3 feet when passing a bicycle. Michigan law mandates this minimum distance (“give ‘em three feet”), but many cities, including Grand Rapids, require 5 feet.
- Do not “buzz” cyclists. If you can’t safely give bicyiclists the required space, slow down and wait—never squeeze by.
Cyclists: Know Your Rights and Your Rules
- Follow the same laws as vehicles. Obey traffic signals and signs, ride in the same direction as cars, signal your turns, and ride no more than two abreast.
- Ride “as close to the right curb as practicable”—except when necessary to pass, turn left, or avoid obstacles.
- Equip yourself—wear a properly fitted helmet, ensure brakes work, and use a white front light plus a red rear reflector and light when riding in low-light conditions.
- Check local sidewalk ordinances. While state law allows sidewalk riding, local regulations may prohibit it.
If a Vehicle Hits a Cyclist: No-Fault Coverage Applies
- State law—not local rules—governs auto-bicycle crashes. If a cyclist is injured in an incident involving a motor vehicle, the cyclist is entitled to No-Fault benefits for such things as medical bills and lost wages.
- A cyclist may claim No-Fault benefits through their own auto insurance. If the cyclist doesn’t own a car and, therefore, doesn’t have coverage, they may still access benefits via a relative’s policy or the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan (MACP), capped at $250,000.
What This Means in Real Life
- Drivers: Watch for cyclists, slow down, and pass with space and care.
- Cyclists: Ride defensively, follow the rules of the road, signal your moves, and protect yourself with helmets, lights, and proper insurance.
Why This Matters: Safety, Rights & Coverage
Following these laws fosters safer roads and ensures you’re protected—legally and financially—if a collision occurs. Whether you’re behind the wheel or on a bike, respecting shared space keeps Michigan moving safely.
Facing questions after a collision? Need advice on Michigan’s Auto No-Fault Law or bicycle-related accidents? Grand Rapids car accident attorney Tom Sinas and the Sinas Dramis team offer free personal injury consultations—visit sinasdramis.com or call 616.301.3333.
Free Resource for Cyclists
Download “A Legal Handbook for Michigan Cyclists,” a free guide from Sinas Dramis Law Firm’s Michigan Bicycle Law initiative—offered for both recreational and community riders.