Bicycle Safety Education Campaign
BIKE FM's ongoing bicycle safety education campaign is an important effort to teach both drivers and bicycle users the rules of the road, safety advice and awareness. The campaign began in 2017.
Education through this web page is one way we reach out to educate the public. Other means include: classes, advertisements (billboards), participation at local events, forms of media, and more.
Education through this web page is one way we reach out to educate the public. Other means include: classes, advertisements (billboards), participation at local events, forms of media, and more.
Rules of the Road
We encourage everyone to watch this 6-minute video which explains general rules of the road and provides important safety information.
The 5-minute video below explains how to ride the bike lanes in Fargo.
Click on the following link for bicycle education for the youth: http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/bicyclesaferjourney/index.html. This tool provides three separate bicycle safety videos for ages 5 - 9, ages 10 - 14, and ages 15 - 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to wear a helmet?
Both North Dakota and Minnesota state laws don't require cyclists to wear helmets. However we highly encourage all riders to wear helmets no matter the circumstances. Anyone who has been in an accident while wearing a helmet does not regret it. Accidents could happen to anyone at any time.
Am I allowed to ride on the sidewalk?
Fargo - You are allowed to ride on sidewalks except for the sidewalks of Broadway between NP Ave and 6th Ave N in downtown Fargo (Fargo Ordinance 8-1418-C, Bicycling Downtown).
Moorhead - You are allowed to ride on the sidewalk except when riding within a business district (Minnesota Statue 169.222 subd. 4 (d)). Also, when passing a pedestrian on the sidewalk, bikers are supposed to either get off the sidewalk or dismount and walk past the pedestrians. (Moorhead City Code 5.3.3 (c)).
West Fargo - You are not allowed to ride on any sidewalk unless under the age of 12, supervising a rider under 12, or delivering newspapers. Also, you are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk of a business district or on a sidewalk if it is part of an underpass regardless of age (West Fargo City Ordinance 13-1813). Please note that there is a difference between a sidewalk and a shared-use path. Bikers are allowed to ride on all shared-use paths. See below for the definition of a shared-use path.
Dilworth - You are not allowed to ride on any sidewalk (Dilworth Code of Ordinances 91.003).
Please check out this video for guidance about riding on sidewalks. SIDEWALK RIDING VIDEO
Moorhead - You are allowed to ride on the sidewalk except when riding within a business district (Minnesota Statue 169.222 subd. 4 (d)). Also, when passing a pedestrian on the sidewalk, bikers are supposed to either get off the sidewalk or dismount and walk past the pedestrians. (Moorhead City Code 5.3.3 (c)).
West Fargo - You are not allowed to ride on any sidewalk unless under the age of 12, supervising a rider under 12, or delivering newspapers. Also, you are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk of a business district or on a sidewalk if it is part of an underpass regardless of age (West Fargo City Ordinance 13-1813). Please note that there is a difference between a sidewalk and a shared-use path. Bikers are allowed to ride on all shared-use paths. See below for the definition of a shared-use path.
Dilworth - You are not allowed to ride on any sidewalk (Dilworth Code of Ordinances 91.003).
Please check out this video for guidance about riding on sidewalks. SIDEWALK RIDING VIDEO
What is a shared-use path?
A shared-use path is a path designed for all non-motorized users. This includes bikes, rollerblades, walkers, wheelchairs, and more. Share-use paths (also called multi-use trails or simply trails) are often between 8 ft and 12 ft in width and can be either concrete or asphalt. Shared use paths can be found along major roadways (such as along 45th St) or can be found in parks or along the river. Shared-use paths are ADA compliant and often have gentle curb cuts for the safety and comfort of users. Shared-use paths are different from sidewalks which are 4 to 6 feet in width and don't accommodate various users as comfortably. The FM Bikeways Map shows all shared-use paths in the area.
When riding on the street, do I ride with traffic or against traffic?
In the past many people were taught to ride against traffic because they could see oncoming cars. However, it is now advised to ride with traffic because this gives the drivers more time to react and also, if an accident does occur, the severity of the impact is less if the cyclist is traveling in the same direction as the vehicle.
Do I need to register/license my bicycle?
West Fargo - Residents of West Fargo are required to license their bicycles. The purpose of the license is to find the bike if it is lost or stolen. Licenses only cost $1 and are valid for the lifetime of the bike. To obtain a license visit the West Fargo Police Department.
Fargo - Fargo residents are not required to register/license their bikes. However it is encouraged to register your bicycles through the "My Property" program. This online program allows you to create an account, enter information about your property such as serial numbers or pictures, and later retrieve the information if you become a victim of theft or other loss, such as a fire. For more information click here.
Moorhead - Moorhead residents are not required to register/license their bikes. However the Moorhead Police Department encourages residents to registering their bike with the National Bike Registry. If they decide not to register their bike with NBR, residents are encouraged to fill out the Bicycle Information Checklist. This checklist helps identify your bike if lost or stolen.
Dilworth - The Dilworth Police Department requests all bicycles be licensed in the City of Dilworth. This assists the police in returning your bicycle to you if it is lost or stolen. By having your bicycle registered on file with a serial number, if stolen, it can be entered into a National Data Base. Bicycle licenses are free and available at the Dilworth Police Department (located at 500 Center Ave. West) Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. If bicycles are found with no license, they are impounded at the Dilworth Police Department. If no one claims them, they are sold at police auction in the Spring.
Fargo - Fargo residents are not required to register/license their bikes. However it is encouraged to register your bicycles through the "My Property" program. This online program allows you to create an account, enter information about your property such as serial numbers or pictures, and later retrieve the information if you become a victim of theft or other loss, such as a fire. For more information click here.
Moorhead - Moorhead residents are not required to register/license their bikes. However the Moorhead Police Department encourages residents to registering their bike with the National Bike Registry. If they decide not to register their bike with NBR, residents are encouraged to fill out the Bicycle Information Checklist. This checklist helps identify your bike if lost or stolen.
Dilworth - The Dilworth Police Department requests all bicycles be licensed in the City of Dilworth. This assists the police in returning your bicycle to you if it is lost or stolen. By having your bicycle registered on file with a serial number, if stolen, it can be entered into a National Data Base. Bicycle licenses are free and available at the Dilworth Police Department (located at 500 Center Ave. West) Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. If bicycles are found with no license, they are impounded at the Dilworth Police Department. If no one claims them, they are sold at police auction in the Spring.
League Cycling Instructors
The League of American Bicyclists designates experts around the country who are certified to teach Smart Cycling classes to interested children and adults. These experts, known as League Cycling Instructors, provide education with the goal of helping people feel more secure about getting on a bike, creating a mindset that bikes are treated as vehicles, and ensuring that people on bikes know how to ride safely and legally. To find a current list of League Cycling Instructors in the area or to find current list of classes, visit the League's Smart Cycling page at http://www.bikeleague.org/ridesmart
Locking Your Bike
Bicycles are one of the top stolen items in Fargo-Moorhead. You should always lock your bike when it is unattended. When locking your bike always lock the main frame of your bike and not just one of the tires. If possible, lock the tires and the main frame. Cable locks allow you to lock to a variety of objects but can be cut with bolt cutters. There are a variety of stronger locks that make stealing bikes much harder. These locks can include U-shape locks, chain locks, or folding locks.
Bike Lockers
Rentable bike lockers are available in Fargo currently at two downtown locations:
Bike Lockers
Rentable bike lockers are available in Fargo currently at two downtown locations:
- MATBUS Ground Transportation Center (GTC) - 502 NP Ave
- NDSU Renaissance Hall parking lot - 605 NP Ave
Bicycle Safety Education Campaign Efforts
2017
- BIKE FM designed a billboard promoting safe vehicle passing of bicyclists. The billboard was displayed in downtown Fargo throughout the summer of 2017.
- Members of BIKE FM taught various bicycle safety education classes as part of the Moorhead Community Education program.
- BIKE FM coordinated public service announcements regarding bicycle safety education
2018
- BIKE FM brought the message of bicycle safety and rules of the road to both NDSU and MSUM this Spring by setting up booths to distribute safety information and educate the students.
- BIKE FM designed a billboard to encourage both motorists and bicycle riders to follow the rules of the road. The billboard was on display this summer on Broadway in downtown Fargo.
- BIKE FM had a booth at the June Streets Alive event. At the event, safety information was distributed and safety quizzes were provided to those along the event route.
- BIKE FM brought the message of bicycle safety and rules of the road to NDSU's ActivateU - an orientation activity for freshmen students. An estimated 500 students stopped at the BIKE FM / Great Rides booth at this August event!
2019
- BIKE FM taught interested citizens about bike maintenance and bicycling safety at the second annual Outdoor Gear and Bike Market. This event was held next to Wild Terra in downtown Fargo on May 11th.
- BIKE FM had a booth at both the June and August Streets Alive events. At both events, bicycle safety information was distributed and safety quizzes were provided to those along the event route. In addition BIKE FM promoted the new Fargo-Moorhead Bike Map App (http://www.fmmetrocog.org/fmbikemap)
- BIKE FM brought the message of bicycle safety and rules of the road to West Fargo at the Downtown West Fargo Halloween Treat Street event. BIKE FM handed out healthy treats as well as bicycle safety information to both kids and parents. An estimated 370 kids stopped by the booth as well as hundreds of parents!