City of Shakopee
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Shakopee is home to more than 80 miles of trails, including the Minnesota Valley State Trail, which connects to both the Louisville Swamp and Minnesota River Bottoms off-road cycling areas.
Cycling Safety
Before you pedal, brush up on these safety tips for bicyclists – and motorists – from the Shakopee Police Department and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
Bicyclists
- Follow the law. Obey all traffic signs and signals. Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Be predictable. Maintain a straight course and avoid weaving between parked cars.
- Communicate your intent. Look, yield to traffic and signal before turning or changing lanes.
- Use extreme caution near commercial vehicles. Pass only on the left and recognize drivers’ blind spots.
- See and be seen. Wear bright colors, reflective gear and use head and tail lights.
- Protect yourself. Wear a helmet.
- Always yield to pedestrians. Call out or ring a bell when passing a pedestrian on sidewalks and trails.
- Avoid distracted bicycling. Put away mobile devices and headphones.
Motorists
- Be patient when passing a bicyclist. Slow down and pass only when it’s safe. Allow clearance of at least 3 feet.
- Look before you merge. Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
- Be on the lookout. Watch for and yield to bicyclists before making a turn.
- Use extra caution around young bicyclists. Children’s movements can be unpredictable.
- Be respectful. Don’t speed past a bicyclist to make an upcoming right turn. It’s easy to misjudge how fast bicyclists are traveling.
- Exit your vehicle safely. Look for bicyclists before opening your car door.
- Think before you honk. Honking may startle a bicyclist and cause a crash.
- Stay alert and avoid distracted driving. Put away mobile devices, food and makeup.