An overview of Wisconsin's bicycle laws, reviewed and cited to primary sources. Use the sections below to jump to a specific rule, or the Sources block at the end for the full citation list.
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with your state DOT or a licensed attorney before relying on this for any legal matter. Read full disclaimer.
Wisconsin generally prohibits sidewalk cycling: Wis. Stat. § 346.94(1) bars driving any vehicle upon a sidewalk except to enter or leave an adjoining property, and § 340.01(5) defines 'vehicle' to include bicycles. However, § 349.23(2)(a) authorises local governments to permit bicycle operation on sidewalks; Madison, Milwaukee, and several other cities allow sidewalk riding outside their central business districts. Always check the municipal code before riding the sidewalk.
Wisconsin's operating-while-intoxicated statute (Wis. Stat. § 346.63) applies only to a person who operates a 'motor vehicle' under the influence. Because a bicycle is not a motor vehicle in Wisconsin, the OWI statute does not reach bicycle riders. An impaired cyclist may still be cited for public intoxication or reckless conduct.
Lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front.
Rear requirement
Rear reflector or light
Rear spec
Red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the Department of Transportation, visible from 50 to 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper-beam headlamps. A flashing or steady red rear lamp visible from 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the reflector.
Wis. Stat. § 346.80(3)(b) permits persons riding bicycles upon a roadway to ride no more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Riders riding two abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and on a laned roadway shall ride within a single lane.
Wis. Stat. § 346.075 and Wis. Admin. Code Trans 276 prohibit bicycles, pedestrians and other non-motorized traffic on Wisconsin Interstate highways and other expressways designated as freeways. I-39, I-41, I-43, I-90, I-94 and I-535 are signed closed at on-ramps.