Bozeman, MT Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)

Bozeman Municipal Code § 36.10.050 sets the core riding rules for bicycles on streets and paths. Every person operating a bicycle on a street or roadway rides as near to the right-hand side of the roadway as practicable and exercises due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. Riders may not ride more than two abreast, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. When a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a street or roadway, riders must use the path and are barred from the street or roadway.

The rest of Article 10 fills in the duties around that rule. Under § 36.10.020 a person riding on a street has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, and § 36.10.030 requires obeying traffic control signals and no-turn signs unless a police officer directs otherwise. Section 36.10.070 requires a rider emerging from an alley, driveway or building to yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk area and to vehicles on the roadway. Section 36.10.080 bars attaching a bicycle or rider to any vehicle, and § 36.10.090 bars carrying anything that prevents keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.

Sidewalks are restricted. Section 36.10.110 prohibits riding on any sidewalk in the main business district, and no person over the age of 15 may ride on any sidewalk within the city. Anyone riding on a sidewalk must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing.

Parking and equipment are covered too. Under § 36.10.100 a bicycle is parked against the curb on the roadway, in a sidewalk rack, or against a building so as to afford the least obstruction to pedestrian traffic, and never against a glass window. Section 36.10.120 requires a front lamp emitting a white light visible from at least 200 feet at night, a red rear reflector visible from 50 feet to 300 feet, and a brake able to skid the braked wheel on dry, level, clean pavement.