Wisconsin Bike Laws

State Bike Laws

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/vehicle/bicycle/rules.htm
(Source: Wisconsin Department of Transportation)
Some of the most commonly referenced state statutes related to bicycling are: • Bicycle as a Vehicle – State Statute 340.01 (5) and 346.02 (4)(a) • Lane Positioning - State Statute 346.80 (1 and 2) • Riding Side-by-side - State Statute 346.80 (3) • Hand Signals – State Statute 346.34 (1)(b) and 346.35 • Motorist Passing Bicyclist – State Statute 346.075 • Bicycling at Night – State Statute 347.489
85.07 Highway safety coordination. (4) Bicycle rules. The department shall publish literature setting forth the state rules governing bicycles and their operation and shall distribute and make such literature available without charge to local enforcement agencies, safety organizations, and schools and to any other person upon request.
340.01 Words and phrases defined. In s. 23.33 and chs. 340 to 349 and 351, the following words and phrases have the designated meanings unless a different meaning is expressly provided or the context clearly indicates a different meaning: (5) "Bicycle" means every vehicle propelled by the feet acting upon pedals and having wheels any 2 of which are not less than 14 inches in diameter. (5e) "Bicycle lane" means that portion of a roadway set aside by the governing body of any city, town, village, or county for the exclusive use of bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, or other modes of travel where permitted under s. 349.23 (2) (a), and so designated by appropriate signs and markings. (5m) "Bike route" means any bicycle lane, bicycle way or highway which has been duly designated by the governing body of any city, town, village or county and which is identified by appropriate signs and markings. (5s) "Bicycle way" means any path or sidewalk or portion thereof designated for the use of bicycles and electric personal assistive mobility devices by the governing body of any city, town, village, or county. (15pm) “Electric personal assistive mobility device” means a self−balancing; 2−nontandem−wheeled device that is designed to transport only one person and that has an electric propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to 15 miles per hour or less. (24m) "In-line skates" means skates with wheels arranged singly in a tandem line rather than in pairs. (43) “Pedestrian” means any person afoot or any person in a wheelchair, either manually or mechanically propelled, or other low−powered, mechanically propelled vehicle designed specifically for use by a physically disabled person, but does not include any person using an electric personal assistive mobility device. (43m) "Play vehicle": (a) Means a coaster, skate board, roller skates, sled, toboggan, unicycle or toy vehicle upon which a person may ride. (b) Does not include in-line skates. (74) "Vehicle" means every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except railroad trains. A snowmobile or electric personal assistive mobility device shall not be considered a vehicle except for purposes made specifically applicable by statute.
346.02 Applicability of chapter. (4) Applicability to persons riding bicycles and motor bicycles. (a) Subject to the special provisions applicable to bicycles, every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway or shoulder of a highway is granted all the rights and is subject to all the duties which this chapter grants or applies to the operator of a vehicle, except those provisions which by their express terms apply only to motor vehicles or which by their very nature would have no application to bicycles. For purposes of this chapter, provisions, which apply to bicycles, also apply to motor bicycles, except as otherwise expressly provided. (b) Provisions which apply to the operation of bicycles in crosswalks under ss. 346.23, 346.24, 346.37 (1) (a) 2., (c) and (d) 2. And 346.38 do not apply to motor bicycles. (12) Applicability to electric personal assistive mobility devices. An electric personal assistive mobility device shall be considered a vehicle for purposes of ss. 346.04 to 346.10, 346.12, 346.13, 346.15, 346.16, 346.18, 346.19, 346.20, 346.23 to 346.28, 346.31 to 346.35, 346.37 to 346.40, 346.44, 346.46, 346.47, 346.48, 346.50 to 346.55, 346.57, 346.59, 346.62, 346.65 (5m), 346.67 to 346.70, 346.78, 346.80, 346.87, 346.88, 346.90, 346.91, and 346.94 (4), (5), (9), and (10), except those provisions which by their express terms apply only to motor vehicles or which by their very nature would have no application to electric personal assistive mobility devices.
346.05 Vehicles to be driven on right side of roadway; Exceptions. (1m) Notwithstanding sub. (1), any person operating a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device may ride on the shoulder of a highway unless such riding is prohibited by the authority in charge of the maintenance of the highway.
346.075 Overtaking and passing bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, and motorbuses. (1) The operator of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device proceeding in the same direction shall exercise due care, leaving a safe distance, but in no case less than 3 feet clearance when passing the bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device, and shall maintain clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device.
346.16 Use of controlled-access highways, expressways and freeways. (1) No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from a controlled-access highway, expressway or freeway except through an opening provided for that purpose. (2) (a)Except as provided in par. (b), no pedestrian or person riding a bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle and no person operating a moped or motor bicycle may go upon any expressway or freeway when official signs have been erected prohibiting such person from using the expressway or freeway. (am) Notwithstanding s. 349.105 and except as provided in par. (b), no person riding an electric personal assistive mobility device may go upon any expressway or freeway when official signs have been erected prohibiting persons specified in par. (a) from using the expressway or freeway. (b) A pedestrian or other person under par. (a) or (am) may go upon a portion of a hiking trail, cross-country ski trail, bridle trail or bicycle trail incorporated into the highway right-of-way and crossing the highway if the portion of the trail is constructed under s. 84.06 (11).
346.17 Penalty for violating sections 346.04 to 346.16. (2) Any person violating ss. 346.05, 346.07 (2) or (3), 346.072, 346.08, 346.09, 346.10 (2) to (4), 346.11, 346.13 (2) or 346.14 to 346.16 may be required to forfeit not less than $30 nor more than $300. (4) Any person violating s. 346.075 may be required to forfeit not less than $25 nor more than $200 for the first offense and not less than $50 nor more than $500 for the 2nd or subsequent violation within 4 years.
346.23 Crossing controlled intersection or crosswalk. (1) At an intersection or crosswalk where traffic is controlled by traffic control signals or by a traffic officer, the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian, or to a person who is riding a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device in a manner which is consistent with the safe use of the crosswalk by pedestrians, who has started to cross the highway on a green or "Walk" signal and in all other cases pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of electric personal assistive mobility devices shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles lawfully proceeding directly ahead on a green signal. No operator of a vehicle proceeding ahead on a green signal may begin a turn at a controlled intersection or crosswalk when a pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device crossing in the crosswalk on a green or "Walk" signal would be endangered or interfered with in any way. The rules stated in this subsection are modified at intersections or crosswalks on divided highways or highways provided with safety zones in the manner and to the extent stated in sub. (2).
(2) At intersections or crosswalks on divided highways or highways provided with safety zones where traffic is controlled by traffic control signals or by a traffic officer, the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device who has started to cross the roadway either from the near curb or shoulder or from the center dividing strip or a safety zone with the green or "Walk" signal in the favor of the pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device.
346.24 Crossing at uncontrolled intersection or crosswalk. (1) At an intersection or crosswalk where traffic is not controlled by traffic control signals or by a traffic officer, the operator of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian, or to a person riding a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device in a manner which is consistent with the safe use of the crosswalk by pedestrians, who is crossing the highway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. (2) No pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk, run, or ride into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is difficult for the operator of the vehicle to yield. (3) Whenever any vehicle is stopped at an intersection or crosswalk to permit a pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device to cross the roadway, the operator of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
346.25 Crossing at place other than crosswalk. Every pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked or unmarked crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.
346.30 Penalty for violating sections 346.23 to 346.29. (1)(b) 2 Any operator of a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device violating s. 346.23, 346.24 or 346.25 may be required to forfeit not more than $20.
346.34 Turning movements and required signals on turning and stopping. (1) Turning. (a) No person may: 1. Turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required in s. 346.31. 2. Turn a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway unless the vehicle is in proper position on the roadway as required in s. 346.32. 3. Turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety. (b) In the event any other traffic may be affected by such movement, no person may so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in s. 346.35. When given by the operator of a vehicle other than a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device, such signal shall be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. The operator of a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device shall give such signal continuously during not less than the last 50 feet traveled before turning. A signal by the hand and arm need not be given continuously if the hand is needed in the control or operation of the bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device. 2) Stopping. No person may stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in s. 346.35 to the operator of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give such signal. This subsection does not apply to the operator of a bicycle approaching an official stop sign or traffic control signal.
346.35 Method of giving signals on turning and stopping. Whenever a stop or turn signal is required by s. 346.34, such signal may in any event be given by a signal lamp or lamps of a type meeting the specifications set forth in s.347.15. Except as provided in s.347.15, such signals also may be given by the hand and arm in lieu of or in addition to signals by signal lamp. When given by hand and arm, such signals shall be given from the left side of the vehicle in the following manner and shall indicate as follows: (1) Left turn—Hand and arm extended horizontally. (2) Right turn—Hand and arm extended upward. (3) Stop or decrease speed—Hand and arm extended downward.
346.36 Penalty for violating sections 346.31 to 346.35. (2) Any operator of a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device violating ss. 346.31 to 346.35 may be required to forfeit not more than $20.
346.37 Traffic-control signal legend. (1) Whenever traffic is controlled by traffic control signals exhibiting different colored lights successively, or with arrows, the following colors shall be used and shall indicate and apply to operators of vehicles and pedestrians as follows: (a)Green. 1. Vehicular traffic facing a green signal may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a sign at such place prohibits either such turn, but vehicular traffic shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk at the time such signal is exhibited. 2. Pedestrians, and persons who are riding bicycles or electric personal assistive mobility devices in a manner which is consistent with the safe use of the crosswalk by pedestrians, facing the signal may proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. (b) Yellow When shown with or following the green, traffic facing a yellow signal shall stop before entering the intersection unless so close to it that a stop may not be made in safety. (c)Red.1. Vehicular traffic facing a red signal shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of an intersection, or if none, then before entering the intersection or at such other point as may be indicated by a clearly visible sign or marking and shall remain standing until green or other signal permitting movement is shown. 2. No pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device facing such signal shall enter the roadway unless he or she can do so safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic. 3. Vehicular traffic facing a red signal at an intersection may, after stopping as required under subd. 1., cautiously enter the intersection to make a right turn into the nearest lawfully available lane for traffic moving to the right or to turn left from a one-way highway into the nearest lawfully available lane of a one-way highway on which vehicular traffic travels to the left. No turn may be made on a red signal if lanes of moving traffic are crossed or if a sign at the intersection prohibits a turn. In making a turn on a red signal vehicular traffic shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of electric personal assistive mobility devices lawfully within a crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. (d)Green arrow. 1. Vehicular traffic facing a green arrow signal may enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by the arrow but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of electric personal assistive mobility devices lawfully within a crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. When the green arrow signal indicates right or left turn traffic shall cautiously enter the intersection. 2. No pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of electric personal assistive mobility device facing such signal shall enter the roadway unless he or she can do so safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic. (2) In the event an official traffic signal is erected and maintained at a place other than an intersection, the provisions of this section are applicable except as to those provisions, which by their nature can have no application. Any stop required shall be made at a sign or marking on the pavement indicating where the stop shall be made, but in the absence of any such sign or marking the stop shall be made at the signal.
346.38 Pedestrian control signals. Whenever special pedestrian control signals exhibiting the words "Walk" or "Don't Walk" are in place, such signals indicate as follows: (1) Walk. A pedestrian, or a person riding a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device in a manner which is consistent with the safe use of the crossing by pedestrians, facing a "Walk" signal may proceed across the roadway or other vehicular crossing in the direction of the signal and the operators of all vehicles shall yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian, bicyclist, or electric personal assistive mobility device rider. (2) Don't walk. No pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device may start to cross the roadway or other vehicular crossing in the direction of a "Don't Walk" signal, but any pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device who has partially completed crossing on the "Walk" signal may proceed to a sidewalk or safety zone while a "Don't Walk" signal is showing.
346.43 Penalty for violating sections 346.37 to 346.42. (1)(b) 2. Any operator of a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device violating s. 346.37, 346.38 or 346.39 may be required to forfeit not more than $20.
346.47 When vehicles using alley or nonhighway access to stop. (1) The operator of a vehicle emerging from an alley or about to cross or enter a highway from any point of access other than another highway shall stop such vehicle immediately prior to moving on to the sidewalk or on to the sidewalk area extending across the path of such vehicle and shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian, bicyclist, or rider of an electric personal assistive mobility device, and upon crossing or entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on such roadway.
346.49 Penalty for violating ss. 346.44 to 346.485. (1)(b)Any operator of a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device violating s. 346.46 (1), (2m) or (4) may be required to forfeit not more than $20. (2m)(b) Any operator of a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device violating s. 346.44 may be required to forfeit not more than $40.
346.54 How to park and stop on streets. (1) (e) For the purpose of parking, mopeds and electric personal assistive
mobility devices shall be considered bicycles. Where possible without impeding the flow of pedestrian traffic, a bicycle, moped, or electric personal assistive mobility device may be parked on a sidewalk. A bicycle, moped, or electric personal assistive mobility device may be parked in a bike rack or other similar area designated for bicycle parking.
346.59 Minimum speed regulation. (2) The operator of a vehicle moving at a speed so slow as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic shall, if practicable, yield the roadway to an overtaking vehicle whenever the operator of the overtaking vehicle gives audible warning with a warning device and shall move at a reasonably increased speed or yield the roadway to overtaking vehicles when directed to do so by a traffic officer.
346.60 Penalty for violating sections 346.57 to 346.595. (5)(a)Any operator of a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device who violates s. 346.57 (duty to obey speed limits) may be required to forfeit not more than $20. (b) Any operator of a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device who violates s. 346.59 (duty to obey minimum speed) may be required to forfeit not more than $10.
346.70 Duty to report accident. (1) Immediate notice of accident. The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person, any damage to state or other government-owned property, except a state or other government-owned vehicle, to an apparent extent of $200 or more or total damage to property owned by any one person or to a state or other government-owned vehicle to an apparent extent of $1,000 or more shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of such accident to the police department, the sheriff's department or the traffic department of the county or municipality in which the accident occurred or to a state traffic patrol officer. In this subsection, "injury" means injury to a person of a physical nature resulting in death or the need of first aid or attention by a physician or surgeon, whether or not first aid or medical or surgical treatment was actually received; "total damage to property owned by one person" means the sum total cost of putting the property damaged in the condition it was before the accident, if repair thereof is practical, and if not practical, the sum total cost of replacing such property. For purposes of this subsection if any property which is damaged is held in a form of joint or multiple ownership, the property shall be considered to be owned by one person. (NOTE: this section does not apply to accidents involving only snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles or vehicles propelled by human power or drawn by animals. See section 346.66.)
346.77 Responsibility of parent or guardian for violation of bicycle and play vehicle regulations. No parent or guardian of any child shall authorize or knowingly permit such child to violate any of the provisions of ss.346.68 to 346.804 and 347.489.
346.78 Play vehicles not to be used on roadway. No person riding upon any play vehicle may attach the same or himself or herself to any vehicle upon a roadway or go upon any roadway except while crossing a roadway at a crosswalk. 346.79 Special rules applicable to bicycles. Whenever a bicycle is operated upon a highway, bicycle lane or bicycle way the following rules apply: (1) A person propelling a bicycle shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto. (2) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), no bicycle may be used to carry or transport more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed. (b)In addition to the operator, a bicycle otherwise designed to carry only the operator may be used to carry or transport a child seated in an auxiliary child's seat or trailer designed for attachment to a bicycle if the seat or trailer is securely attached to the bicycle according to the directions of the manufacturer of the seat or trailer. 3) No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars. 4) No person riding a bicycle shall attach himself or herself or his or her bicycle to any vehicle upon a roadway. 5) No person may ride a moped or motor bicycle with the power unit in operation upon a bicycle way.
346.80 Riding bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device on roadway. (1) In this section, "substandard width lane" means a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device and a motor vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. (2)(a) Any person operating a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb of the unobstructed traveled roadway, including operators who are riding 2 or more abreast where permitted under sub. (3), except: 1. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction. 2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. 3. When reasonably necessary to avoid unsafe conditions, including fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to ride along the right-hand edge or curb. (b)Notwithstanding par. (a), any person operating a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device upon a one-way highway having 2 or more lanes available for traffic may ride as near the left-hand edge or curb of the roadway as practicable. (c)Any person operating a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device upon a roadway shall exercise due care when passing a standing or parked vehicle or a vehicle proceeding in the same direction, allowing a minimum of 3 feet between the bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device and the vehicle, and shall give an audible signal when passing a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device rider proceeding in the same direction. (3)(a)Persons riding bicycles or electric personal assistive mobility devices upon a roadway may ride 2 abreast if such operation does not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. Bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device operators riding 2 abreast on a 2-lane or more roadway shall ride within a single lane. (b) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway may not ride more than 2 abreast except upon any path, trail, lane or other way set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles and electric personal assistive mobility devices. (4) No person may operate a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, or moped upon a roadway where a sign is erected indicating that bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, or moped riding is prohibited. (5) Except as provided in ss.346.23, 346.24, 346.37, and 346.38,[related to crosswalks] every rider of a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device shall, upon entering on a highway, yield the right-of-way to motor vehicles.
346.803 Riding bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device on bicycle way. (1) Every person operating a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device upon a bicycle way shall: (a) Exercise due care and give an audible signal when passing a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device rider or a pedestrian proceeding in the same direction. (b) Obey each traffic signal or sign facing a roadway which runs parallel and adjacent to a bicycle way. (2) Every person operating a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device upon a bicycle way open to 2-way traffic shall ride on the right side of the bicycle way. (3) Every operator of a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device entering a bicycle way shall yield the right-of-way to all bicycles and pedestrians in the bicycle way.
346.804 Riding bicycle on sidewalk. When local authorities under s.346.94 (1) permit bicycles on the sidewalk, every person operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall exercise due care and give an audible signal when passing a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device rider or a pedestrian proceeding in the same direction.
346.805 Riding electric personal assistive mobility device on sidewalk. Except as provided in ss. 346.94 (18) (a) 2. and 349.236 (1) (b), a person may operate an electric personal assistive mobility device upon any sidewalk. Every person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device upon a sidewalk shall yield the right−of−way to any pedestrian or bicyclist and shall exercise due care and give an audible signal when passing a bicycle or other electric personal assistive mobility device or a pedestrian proceeding in the same direction.
346.82 Penalty for violating sections 346.77 to 346.805. (1) Any person violating ss.346.77, 346.79 (1) to (3), or 346.80 to 346.805 may be required to forfeit not more than $20. (2) Any person violating s. 346.78 or 346.79 (4) may be required to forfeit not less than $10 nor more than $20 for the first offense and not less than $25 nor more than $50 for the 2nd or subsequent conviction within a year.
346.94 Miscellaneous prohibited acts. (1) Driving on sidewalk. The operator of a vehicle shall not drive upon any sidewalk area except at a permanent or temporarily established driveway unless permitted to do so by the local authorities.
11) Towing sleds, etc. No person shall operate any vehicle or combination of vehicles upon a highway when such vehicle or combination of vehicles is towing any toboggan, sled, skis, bicycle, skates or toy vehicle bearing any person. (12) Driving on bicycle lane or bicycle way. No operator of a motor vehicle may drive upon a bicycle lane or bicycle way except to enter a driveway, to merge into a bicycle lane before turning at an intersection, or to enter or leave a parking space located adjacent to the bicycle lane or bicycle way. Persons operating a motor vehicle upon a bicycle lane or bicycle way shall yield the right-of-way to all bicycles and electric personal assistive mobility devices within the bicycle lane or bicycle way. (17) In-line skates on roadway. (a) A person riding upon in-line skates may go upon any roadway under the jurisdiction of a local authority, subject to any restrictions specified by municipal ordinance enacted under s. 349.235. (b) Any person riding upon in-line skates upon any roadway shall ride in a careful and prudent manner and with due regard under the circumstances for the safety of all persons using the roadway. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection or s. 349.235, no person riding upon in-line skates may attach the in-line skates or himself or herself to any vehicle upon a roadway or, except while crossing a roadway at a crosswalk, go upon any roadway under the jurisdiction of the department. (18) Electric personal assistive mobility devices on roadways and sidewalks. (a) 1. Except as otherwise prohibited in this chapter, a person may operate an electric personal assistive mobility device upon any roadway or sidewalk that is under the jurisdiction of the department. 2. Except as provided in s. 349.236 (1) (c), the department may by rule prohibit electric personal assistive mobility devices upon any roadway under its jurisdiction for which the speed limit is more than 25 miles per hour, and may by rule prohibit such devices upon any sidewalk under its jurisdiction. This subdivision does not apply upon any sidewalk at a permanent or temporarily established driveway. (b) A person may operate an electric personal assistive mobility device upon any roadway under the jurisdiction of a local authority, subject to any prohibitions specified by municipal ordinance enacted under s. 349.236.
346.95 Penalty for violating sections 346.87 to 346.94. (1) Any person violating s. 346.87, 346.88, 346.89 (2), 346.90 to 346.92 or 346.94 (1), (9), (10), (11), (12), or (15) may be required to forfeit not less than $20 nor more than $40 for the first offense and not less than $50 nor more than $100 for the 2nd or subsequent conviction within a year. (6) Any person violating s. 346.94 (17) or (18) may be required to forfeit not less than $10 nor more than $20 for the first offense and not less than $25 nor more than $50 for the 2nd or subsequent conviction within a year.
347.489 Lamps and other equipment on bicycles, motor bicycles, and electric personal assistive mobility devices. (1) No person may operate a bicycle, motor bicycle, or electric personal assistive mobility device upon a highway, sidewalk, bicycle lane, or bicycle way during hours of darkness unless the bicycle, motor bicycle, or electric personal assistive mobility device is equipped with or, with respect to a bicycle or motor bicycle, the operator is wearing, a lamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front of the bicycle, motor bicycle, or electric personal assistive mobility device. A bicycle, motor bicycle, or electric personal assistive mobility device shall also be equipped with a red reflector that has a diameter of at least 2 inches of surface area or, with respect to an electric personal assistive mobility device, that is a strip of reflective tape that has at least 2 square inches of surface area, on the rear so mounted and maintained as to be visible from all distances from 50 to 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red or flashing amber light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to but not in lieu of the red reflector. (2) No person may operate a bicycle, motor bicycle, or electric personal assistive mobility device upon a highway, bicycle lane, or bicycle way unless it is equipped with a brake in good working condition, adequate to control the movement of and to stop the bicycle, motor bicycle, or electric personal assistive mobility device whenever necessary. (3) No bicycle, motor bicycle, or electric personal assistive mobility device may be equipped with nor may any person riding upon a bicycle, motor bicycle, or electric personal assistive mobility device use any siren or compression whistle.
347.50 Penalties. (5) Any person violating s. 347.489 may be required to forfeit not more than $20.
349.06 Authority to adopt traffic regulations in strict conformity with state law. (1)(a) Except for the suspension or revocation of motor vehicle operator's licenses or except as provided in par. (b), any local authority may enact and enforce any traffic regulation which is in strict conformity with one or more provisions of chs. 341 to 348 and 350 for which the penalty for violation thereof is a forfeiture. (2) Traffic regulations adopted by local authorities, which incorporate by reference existing or future amendments to chs. 340 to 348 or rules of the department shall be deemed to be in strict conformity and not contrary to or inconsistent with such chapters or rules. This subsection does not require local traffic regulations to incorporate state traffic laws or rules by reference in order to meet the requirements o s. 349.03 or sub. (1).
349.105 Authority to prohibit certain traffic on expressways and freeways. The authority in charge of maintenance of an expressway or freeway may, by order, ordinance or resolution, prohibit the use of such expressway or freeway by pedestrians, persons riding bicycles or other nonmotorized traffic or by persons operating mopeds or motor bicycles. The state or local authority adopting any such prohibitory regulation shall erect and maintain official signs giving notice thereof on the expressway or freeway to which such prohibition applies.
349.18 Additional traffic-control authority of counties and municipalities. (2) Any city, town or village may by ordinance enacted pursuant to s. 349.06 regulate the operation of bicycles and motor bicycles and may by ordinance require registration of any bicycle or motor bicycle owned by a resident of the city, town or village, including the payment of a registration fee. (3) Any county, by ordinance, may require the registration of any bicycle or motor bicycle owned by a resident of the county if the bicycle or motor bicycle is not subject to registration under sub. (2). Such ordinance does not apply to any bicycle or motor bicycle subject to registration under sub. (2), even if the effective date of the ordinance under sub. 2 is later than the effective date of the county ordinance. A county may charge a fee for the registration. Cities and villages cannot license bicyclists, create bicycle courts, or impound bicycles in the absence of express legislative authorization. 66 Atty. Gen. 99.
349.23 Authority to designate bicycle lanes and bicycle ways. (1) The governing body of any city, town, village or county may by ordinance: (a) Designate any roadway or portion thereof under its jurisdiction as a bicycle lane. (b) Designate any sidewalk or portion thereof in its jurisdiction as a bicycle way. (2) A governing body designating a sidewalk or portion thereof as a bicycle way or a highway or portion thereof as a bicycle lane under this section may: (a) Designate the type and character of vehicles or other modes of travel which may be operated on a bicycle lane or bicycle way, provided that the operation of such vehicle or other mode of travel is not inconsistent with the safe use and enjoyment of the bicycle lane or bicycle way by bicycle traffic. (b) Establish priority of right-of-way on the bicycle lane or bicycle way and otherwise regulate the use of the bicycle lane or bicycle way as it deems necessary. The designating governing body may, after public hearing, prohibit through traffic on any highway or portion thereof designated as a bicycle lane, except that through traffic may not be prohibited on any state highway. The designating governing body shall erect and maintain official signs giving notice of the regulations and priorities established under this paragraph, and shall mark all bicycle lanes and bicycle ways with appropriate signs. (c) Paint lines or construct curbs or establish other physical separations to exclude the use of the bicycle lane or bicycle way by vehicles other than those specifically permitted to operate thereon. (3) The governing body of any city, town, village or county may by ordinance prohibit the use of bicycles and motor bicycles on a roadway over which they have jurisdiction, after holding a public hearing on the proposal.
349.235 Authority to restrict use of in-line skates on roadway. (1) The governing body of any city, town, village or county may by ordinance restrict the use of in-line skates on any roadway under its jurisdiction. No ordinance may restrict any person from riding upon in-line skates while crossing a roadway at a crosswalk. (2) The department of natural resources may promulgate rules designating roadways under its jurisdiction upon which in-line skates may be used, except that no rule may permit a person using in-line skates to attach the skates or himself or herself to any vehicle upon a roadway.
349.236 Authority to regulate operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices. (1) The governing body of any municipality or county may, by ordinance, do any of the following: (a) Prohibit the operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices on all roadways under its jurisdiction having a speed limit of more than 25 miles per hour or only on certain roadways, or portions of such roadways, under its jurisdiction having a speed limit of more than 25 miles per hour that are designated in the ordinance. (b) Prohibit the operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices on all sidewalks under its jurisdiction or only on certain sidewalks, or portions of
such sidewalks, under its jurisdiction that are designated in the ordinance. This paragraph does not apply to the operation of such devices on any sidewalk at a permanent or temporarily established driveway. (bm) Prohibit the operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices on all bicycle paths under its jurisdiction or only on certain bicycle paths, or portions of such bicycle paths, under its jurisdiction that are designated in the ordinance. This paragraph does not apply to the operation of such devices on any bicycle paths at a permanent or temporarily established driveway. (c) Designate and mark locations for electric personal assistive mobility devices to cross a state trunk highway or connecting highway that is not a controlled−access highway and on which the department has prohibited the operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices under s. 346.94 (18) (a) 2. A municipality or county may erect official signs or otherwise mark a crossing designated under this paragraph only as directed by the department. (2) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, ch. 346, and s. 59.84 (2) (j), the governing body of any municipality or county may not restrict the operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices on any roadway or sidewalk under its jurisdiction. Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Safety HS226 3/05.

Search State Statutes

http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/stats.html

State Bike Map

http://www.dot.state.wi.us/travel/bike-foot/bikemaps.htm

League State Advocacy center

http://capwiz.com/lab/state/main/?state=WI&view=myofficials

Driver's manual

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/docs/e-handbook.pdf

state bicycle & pedestrian coordinator

Web: www.dot.state.wi.us/
Tom Huber
Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Box 7913
Madison WI 53707-7913
608-267-7757; Fax 608-267-0294
E-mail: thomas.huber@dot.state.wi.us

Larry Corsi
Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Program Manager
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Box 7936
Madison, WI 53707-7936
608-267-3154; Fax 608-267-0441
E-mail: larry.corsi@dot.state.wi.us