It’s summer time again, and with that there are not only more cars on the road, but also bicyclists and people walking. I’d like to remind everyone on the road about several motor vehicle laws to keep everyone safe.

Now that the snowbanks are gone and we have the full shoulder of the roads available again, many people have started passing on the right shoulder when the vehicle in front of them is turning left. MCL Code 257.637 addresses this situation and reads that the driver may pass another vehicle on the right when overtaking and passing is safe to do and the vehicle passing does not drive off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway. This eliminates the majority of roads in our area, except multi-lane highways where several lanes of traffic are moving in the same direction or a designated passing lane like the one located near the airport.

There are many bicycles on the road during the summer, and keeping them safe is important. This responsibility not only falls on the vehicles on the road, but also on the bicyclists. MCL Code 257.660a states that a person operating a bicycle upon a highway or street at less than the existing speed of traffic shall ride as close to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. There are exceptions to this including when the bicyclist is making a left hand turn or overtaking another bicycle. This section of law also states that individuals operating a bicycle shall not ride more than two abreast on a highway except on a path or highway that is designated for bicycles. This part of the law does not supersede the portion of the law stating that the operation of the bicycle must be done as close to the right-hand curb of the road.

Finally, with more people walking during the nice weather there are a couple of rules that everyone needs to remember. When a sidewalk is provided, a pedestrian shall not walk upon the main traveled portion of the highway. When a sidewalk is not provided, pedestrians shall, when practicable walk on the left side of the highway facing traffic (MCL 257.655). When pedestrians are utilizing a stop light to enter an intersection they have the right of way to cross when the stop light is green in the direction they are crossing (MCL 257.613). If the light is red, they shall not enter the roadway unless it is safe and they do not interfere with traffic. This same portion of law also applies to crosswalks not marked with a stop light with a good example being the crosswalks near MTU as you come into Houghton. With that said, motorists need to pay attention and have patience with pedestrians crossing the street. Accelerating your vehicle as a person crosses the road in front of you is a prime example of what not to do and will end up getting you a ticket.

As the Fourth of July approaches and you are enjoying time with family and friends, please keep these safe driving tips in mind and have a fun and safe holiday.

Jason Wickstrom is a sergeant at the Michigan State Police, Calumet Post.