Although I have previously published this article, there have been numerous complaints to the post in regards to motorists sharing the roadway with bicycles. Citizens complain the bicyclists are riding three or more wide, taking up the entire lane, causing traffic to slow down, and the bicyclists complain that motorists are unprofessional and crowd them on the roadway.

Michigan law allows bicycles to be operated on the roadway — MCL 257.657 says that bicycles on the roadway have all the same rights and duties as a vehicle. For the most part, they can ride on any roadway other than limited access highways, also referred to as freeways.

There are three other laws that come into play regarding the reader’s question. The first is MCL 257.660a, which requires cyclists to ride as far to the right as practicable, with certain exceptions. As long as it is safe, a cyclist should be riding as far to the right as possible in order to cause the least amount of interference with motor vehicle traffic.

Secondly, MCL 257.660b limits bicyclists to no more than “two abreast,” except on portions of the highway set aside for bicycles. It may seem difficult to comply with the requirement to ride as far to the right as possible, but the statute does allow cyclists to ride side-by-side, no more than two abreast.

Lastly, MCL 257.676b prohibits anyone from impeding the normal flow of traffic. This also applies to cyclists. If a motor vehicle has to slow down for a cyclist, that doesn’t automatically mean the cyclist is “impeding traffic.” Motorists commonly have to slow down for other vehicles and that is part of the “normal flow of traffic.” However, if a cyclist or group of cyclists is riding in a manner that creates a traffic backup or something else outside of the “normal flow of traffic,” they may be in violation of this law. A determination would have to be made based on the totality of the circumstances at the time the issue is occurring at the scene of the event.

I encourage everyone to respect each other’s use of the roadway and to observe the laws regarding the use of the road. I also urge all road users to keep their attention on the road and to remove/avoid any potential distractions. Cyclists are also urged to wear bright, reflective clothing and a properly fitted helmet.

Ashley Simpson is a Community Service Trooper for the MSP Alpena Post. If you have a question for Trooper Simpson, you can email her at asktroopersimpson@gmail.com or mail them to Ask A Trooper, Michigan State Police Alpena Post, 3283 W. Washington Ave, Alpena, MI 49707.