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Bicycle safety

Bicycles are considered "vehicles" on Wisconsin roadways. That means bicyclists must obey the rules of the road like any other vehicle and must be treated as equal users by all other vehicles.

Bicycles are particularly vulnerable among road vehicles. There are several simple things bicyclists can do to greatly reduce their risk of crash, death or injury.

The best way is to avoid common bicyclist errors or to be prepared to avoid common motorist errors committed around bicyclists.

The most effective way to prevent head injuries, is to wear a properly fitting bicycle helmet. A helmet worn correctly, just above the eyebrows, on every ride is the best defense against serious injury in a fall or crash.

Beginning in April, WisDOT will host a series of workshops around the state to provide training for trainers of bicycle safety. More information about the workshops can be found in the following brochure.

• Teaching Safe Bicycling - 2013: Training for Trainers Workshops

What is a bicycle?

A bicycle is defined by Wisconsin law as a "vehicle propelled by the feet acting upon pedals and having wheels any two of which are not less than 14 inches in diameter."

The legal definition of bicycle in Wisconsin does not include very small two-wheeled bicycles, tricycles or motorized bicycles.

A bicycle is a legal vehicle whose operator is required to follow all traffic laws. This means stopping for stop signs and red lights if traveling in the street and riding on the same side of the road as other traffic that is going in the same direction.

You will need the Adobe Reader (provided free of charge) to view PDF files. For more information about getting your free copy of the Adobe Reader, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

Questions about the content of this page:
Larry Corsi, larry.corsi@dot.wi.gov
Last modified: February 1, 2013