Ask a Trooper

Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I have seen numerous times where a bicyclist will not stop at a stop sign, if they are sharing the road with automobiles. I have seen a couple of close incidents where the bicyclist is almost hit as well. Are bicyclists under the same rules if they are sharing the road with automobiles?

Answer: There was a state law change back in August of 2023. It states, “a bicycle operator who approaches a stop sign must slow to a speed that allows for stopping before entering the intersection or the nearest crosswalk. If there is not a vehicle in the vicinity, the operator may make a turn or proceed through the intersection without stopping.” Nothing in this subdivision changed the right-of-way requirements. It is important to note that bicyclists must still stop at intersections controlled by a red light, a peace officer, or a person authorized to control traffic.
Essentially, the bicyclist can yield or perform a “rolling stop” at a stop sign if they don’t violate anyone else’s right of way. When approaching a stop sign, the bicyclist should be traveling slow enough to stop before the crosswalk if necessary. However, after yielding, if there is not a pedestrian crossing in front of them or other traffic approaching near enough to constitute an immediate hazard, they may continue without making a full stop.

A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on X @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).