Experienced Burnsville Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Last updated on February 23, 2026

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Burnsville, Minnesota, you may have suffered significant injuries. These injuries could lead to medical bills, lost wages and more hardships.

When you need to know how to obtain financial compensation, our team can help at Otten Law Offices. As bicycle accident attorneys, we have more than 35 years of experience and are known for meticulous preparation. Additionally, our lawyers offer free initial consultations.

Bicyclists Must Obey Traffic Laws

Cyclists have the same responsibilities as other vehicle operators. They must follow the rules of the road. Failing to do so could put an accident case in jeopardy because they may be deemed at least partially at fault. One point to note is that bicycle helmets are not required under state law, though they are recommended by the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota.

Bicycle Laws In Minnesota

Here are some main points under the law:

• Lane splitting is illegal.
• It is legal to ride a bicycle with a passenger if it has an attached child seat or was designed for multiple riders.
• Bicycles should ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Bikes are not always required to use bike lanes, although they may be safer.
• Bicyclists should stay to the right side of the traffic lane, and motorists need to give them three feet of clearance when passing.
• Bikes can ride single file or two abreast.
• Cyclists are not required to ride on sidewalks, and it is often more dangerous to do so.
• That said, riding on sidewalks is not strictly prohibited except by some city ordinances.
• Bicyclists can use crosswalks, and it is often safest to dismount and walk the bike, but it is not required.
• If a cyclist is turning, they often need to signal that turn to drivers around them.
• Cyclists can park bicycles on the street.
• Bikes are often allowed to use highways, but some freeways are prohibited.
• Cyclists are required to stop for school buses.
• Cyclists can be given violations by the police, and some moving violations can go on their record.

If you have any questions after a bicycle accident, our team would be happy to answer them when you meet with us.

E-Bike And Electric Scooter Laws In Minnesota

According to the Minnesota Statutes 2024, §169.222 and the Department of Natural Resources, any person who operates an “electric-assisted bicycle” (e.g., e-bike, electric scooter) must adhere to the following rules:

• Cyclists must be 15 years of age or older to operate an e-bike or an electric scooter.
• E-bike and electric scooter users may ride in the same manner as other bicycles, including but not limited to operation on the shoulder of a roadway, a bicycle lane and a bicycle route, as well as operation without the motor engaged on a bikeway or bicycle trail.
• Cyclists may ride a class 1 or class 2 electric-assisted bicycle with the motor engaged on a bicycle path, a bicycle trail or a shared use path.
• Cyclists may ride a class 3 or multiple mode electric-assisted bicycle with the motor engaged on a bicycle path, a bicycle trail or a shared use path unless the local authority or state agency who has jurisdiction over the path prohibits the said operation.
• The local authority or state agency who has jurisdiction over a nonmotorized trail or bike park that has a natural surface tread made by clearing and grading the native soil with no added surfacing materials may permit the use of electric-assisted bicycles.
• E-bike and electric scooter users may not ride on business-district sidewalks unless it is permitted locally.
• E-bike and electric scooter users must give an audible signal to pedestrians on their path when they are riding on state trails.
• E-bike and electric scooter users must yield to pedestrians and slower trail users when they are riding on state trails.

While following the rules of the road does not make you immune to accidents, it can help minimize your chances of getting seriously hurt from a potential crash.

How Long Do You Have To File A Bicycle Accident Claim?

Minnesota law sets specific deadlines for taking legal action after a bike crash. These time limits are critical to understand:

• For most bicycle injury claims, you have six years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit.
• If a loved one died in a bicycle accident, you must file a wrongful death claim within three years of their death.
• Claims against cities or counties may require a formal notice within 180 days of the accident.

These deadlines are strict. Courts will almost always reject claims filed after these time limits, even if your case is strong. Evidence also becomes harder to gather as time passes. Witnesses may forget details, and physical evidence can disappear.

Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation

You should contact our lawyers as soon as possible after a bicycle accident. This gives us time to build your strongest possible case and ensure all deadlines are met.

To schedule a free initial consultation for your case in Burnsville, Minnesota, reach out to our firm at 952-303-0702 or use our online contact form to leave us a message.