Cyclists making clean commutes to work and enjoying Michigan’s scenery are a little bit safer after Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed into law SB 1224, which updates state law for safer bicycling on the road.
        The legislation brings Michigan’s Vehicle Code more in line with the standards utilized nationwide. Working closely with Sen. Michelle McManus in order to get the law passed were key organizations, including the League of Michigan Bicyclists, the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance and the Michigan Mountain Biking Association.
        The new law maintains the current standard for bicyclists and provides exceptions to the rule that bicyclists must ride as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of roadway. These include:

1. Passing another bicycle
2. Turning left
3. Avoiding obstacles in the lane
4. Riding on a one-way street (can be on either side of the road)
5. Going straight when the right lane is a turn lane.

        The new law also changes the following:

1. Gives bicyclists in the crosswalk, the same rights as pedestrians, requiring motorists to yield to bicyclists also
2. Allows bicycles to be parked on the sidewalk where it is not disallowed by signage and where the bicycle does not interfere with pedestrian traffic
3. Eliminates language allowing local ordinance to require bicyclists to use an adjacent side path.