Rochester, MN Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)

Section 11-1-5 defines a 'bicycle way' as any path, sidewalk or portion of one that carries official signs marking it as reserved exclusively for bicycles, other human-powered vehicles, or pedestrians, and bars any motor vehicle, including a motorized bicycle as defined by Minn. 011, subd. 45, from driving or operating on that reserved way anywhere in the city; the only exceptions are authorized emergency vehicles and people using self-propelled wheelchairs. Separately, chapter 11-3 governs ordinary bicycle riding on streets, roadways and public paths generally: § 11-3-1 applies the chapter whenever a bicycle is ridden on a street, roadway or public path, § 11-3-2(a) bars riding anywhere signs specifically prohibit bicycles, and § 11-3-2(b) singles out the city's downtown business district, precisely bounded by the centerlines of Bear Creek, the Zumbro River, Second Street Northeast, Fourth Avenue Northwest and Sixth Street Southwest, where sidewalk riding is banned outright regardless of signage.

Outside a sign-restricted area or the business district, § 11-3-2(c) confirms a rider may use any street, sidewalk, roadway, public path or public property. Riders emerging from an alley, driveway or building onto a sidewalk must yield to pedestrians already on the sidewalk, and then yield to approaching vehicles when entering the roadway, under § 11-3-3.