Planning Department	Planning Main Page Non-Motorized Transportation Program
NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM "Did You Know" ... Bike, Pedestrian, & Traffic facts

“Did You Know” section on interesting facts relating to Non-Motorized Transportation             WISCONSIN BICYCLE LAWS [adapted from the bracketed Wisconsin State Statutes] Vehicular Status – The bicycle is defined as a vehicle.  [340.01(5)] The operator of a vehicle is granted the same rights and subject to the same duties as the driver of any other vehicle. [346.02(4)(a)] Lane Positioning – Always ride on the right, in the same direction as other traffic. [346.80(2)(a)] Ride as far to the right as practicable (not as far as possible).  [346.80(2)(a)] Practicable generally means safe and reasonable.  [346.80(2)(a)] lists a few situations where it is not practicable to ride far to the right: When overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction; When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or driveway, and; When reasonably necessary to avoid unsafe conditions.   One Way Streets – Bicycles on a one-way street with 2 or more lanes of traffic may ride as near the left or right-hand edge of the roadway as practicable (in the same direction as other traffic). [346.80(2)(b)] Use of Shoulders – Bicycles may be ridden on the shoulder of a highway unless prohibited by local authorities.  [346.05(1m)] Riding 2-Abreast – Riding 2-abreast is permitted on any street as long as other traffic is not impeded.  When riding 2-abreast on a 2 or more lane road, bicycles must be in a single lane. [346.80(3)(a)] Hand Signals – Bicyclists are required to use the same hand signals as motorists. [346.35] Passing – A motorist passing a bicyclist in the same lane is required to give the bicyclist at least 3 feet of clearance until safely past. [346.075] A bicyclist must provide the same clearance to a stopped or moving vehicle. [346.80(2)(c)] Use of Sidewalks – State Statutes allow local units of government to permit vehicles on sidewalks. [346.94(1)]  When bicycles are allowed on sidewalks they must yield to pedestrians and give audible warning when passing pedestrians traveling in the same direction.  [346.804] At intersections or other crossings, bicyclists have the same rights and duties as pedestrians.  [346.23; 346.24; 346.25; 346.37; 346.38] Bicycling at Night – Bicycling at night requires at least a white front headlight and a red rear reflector.  These are required whether the bicyclists are on a street, a sidewalk, or a path. [347.489(1)] Duty to Report a Crash (accident) – [346.70] The operator of a vehicle involved in a crash resulting in injury to or death of any person or damage to property of any individual totaling $1000 or more shall immediately report the crash to police. Red Traffic Signal: [346.37(1)(c)4] allows a bicyclist facing a red signal at an intersection, after stopping as required, for not less than 45 seconds, to proceed cautiously through the intersection before the signal turns green if no other vehicles are present at the intersection to actuate the signal and the operator believes the signal is vehicle actuated. The bicyclist shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicular traffic when proceeding through the green signal at the intersection.

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