Minnesota has consistently been ranked in the top states for bicycling for years, coming in at #3 on The League of American Bicyclist’s Bicycle Friendly America program. It’s also home to 31 recognized bicycle-friendly communities. Moreover, Bicycling.com put Minneapolis at #4 on its list of best bike cities in America and Redfin.com named Minneapolis the most bikeable city in the US.
Representation in Minnesota Bicycle Crash Cases
Minnesota’s biking scene continues to grow thanks to the continued advocacy and efforts of organizations, businesses, and individuals at local and state levels. This advocacy has led to numerous benefits, including:
- Bike corridors throughout the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area)
- World-class mountain biking in regions such as Cuyuna Lakes, Theodore Wirth Park and Elm Creek Park Reserve
- Ever-expanding trail systems connecting southern Minnesota to the north shore, from Duluth on up the Lake Superior shoreline
Unfortunately, Minnesota is also home to incredibly high rates of bike crashes. In 2018 alone (the last reported date from Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety), over 600 bicycle accidents occurred with nearly 600 people injured and 7 people killed.
Dan Brazil
Dan Brazil is a seasoned personal injury and bicycle crash attorney. Located in Uptown, Minneapolis, he serves bicyclists throughout Minnesota who have suffered injuries in bike crashes.
Dan is not only the founder and principal attorney of Brazil Law Group; he is also an avid biker. A self-proclaimed “all-arounder,” Dan commutes via bike (in nicer weather!), mountain bikes, runs trails, rock climbs, practices yoga and even surfs. He cares deeply about helping like-minded outdoor enthusiasts who are injured while biking or individuals who have lost loved ones in fatal crashes.
After I got hit by a driver while biking through downtown Minneapolis, Dan was very helpful with navigating an unfamiliar process. He made sure I got checked out physically, so that if I had health issues later on, insurance would cover it. My bike was totaled in the crash, too, and he was especially great with navigating communications with an insurance company when I was worried about saying the wrong thing and having to replace the bike out of my own pocket. This was the first crash in my life — I was unsure what to do, and Dan made the whole thing easy.
-J.F.
Supporter & Educator of the Twin Cities’ Cycling Community
For years, Dan has been a proud supporter and sponsor of Our Streets Minneapolis (formerly known as Minneapolis Bicycling Coalition). He has provided numerous articles to educate the community on the Our Streets blog. He has also presented on bicycle safety and bike law several times at local bike shops, including South Minneapolis’ Angry Catfish, in addition to seminars provided by Hennepin County.
As a firm, Brazil Law Group adopted a stretch of the Midtown Greenway bike corridor and is a proud supporter of local bike events such as the annual Glow Ride and Bike to Work Week.
Dan has also created free resources for cyclists to download, including an infographic on Minnesota-specific biking rights and responsibilities. Get the infographic now!
Minnesota Bicycle Laws
It’s important to know your legal rights (and duties) when bicycling in Minnesota. It is especially important after a bicycle accident (we call them bicycle “crashes” and explain why here).
For any questions about Minnesota’s bike laws or about your rights to the road, contact attorney Dan Brazil directly.
Right to the Road
- Under Minnesota statute 169.222, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles.
- Bicyclists and drivers must yield the right-of-way to one another as they would any other vehicle on the road.
Prohibitions
- No bicycle shall carry more persons than what they’ve been designed to carry.
- No bicyclist may cling to any car or vehicle while riding.
Helmets
- Helmets are not required under Minnesota state law.
Alcohol
- Bicyclists cannot be charged with a DUI while operating a bicycle.
- Riding under the influence can lead to other charges, however, such as reckless endangerment or public intoxication.
Hurt in a Bike Crash in Minnesota?
If you’ve been hurt in a bike crash in Minnesota and would like to discuss potential compensation for your injuries, contact MN bicycle attorney Dan Brazil. You can reach him via email or via phone at 612-874-6109.
Minnesota Bike Law Speakers
If you would like Bike Law to come speak to your club or at your shop, please contact us.
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