LANSING, Mich. (June 24, 2025) – Today, the Michigan Senate passed bipartisan legislation proposed by Sens. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) and Thomas Albert (R-Lowell) to help keep bicyclists, pedestrians, and others safe on the road. To address an inability to potentially issue stronger charges in motor vehicle drivers striking vulnerable roadway users, Senate Bills 216–217 would expand protections for these individuals — pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users, U.S. postal workers, and others — by increasing penalties for those who commit a moving violation against them.
“Whether walking to a friend’s house, cycling out on rural roads, or crossing the street in a wheelchair — everyone deserves to use our roads to get to where they need to go safe and sound,” said Sen. McCann. “By increasing accountability for drivers to share the roads with all who navigate them, we can prevent needless tragedies from occurring and ultimately save lives.”
The legislation also includes a comprehensive and simplified update to Michigan’s “move over” traffic law, requiring motorists to slow down and move over a lane when they encounter any stationary vehicle with flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights.
“This law will be easier to follow, communicate publicly and enforce once it is simplified and applies to every situation where a vehicle is pulled over and using its warning lights,” said Sen. Albert. “This change will help make roadways safer for all — especially those in or near stationary vehicles.”
“As an avid cyclist, former law enforcement officer and Interim Executive Director for the League of Michigan Bicyclists, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating toll traffic violence takes on our communities,” said Jeffrey Carek, Interim Executive Director of the League of Michigan Bicyclists. “The passage of the VRU bills will give my former colleagues the tools they need to hold drivers accountable when vulnerable road users are harmed or killed. These laws are a critical step toward safer streets for everyone, no matter how they move.”
According to the Michigan State Police, in 2024, there were a total of 2,131 pedestrian-involved crashes with 156 pedestrian fatalities. And there were 1,773 bicycle-involved crashes and 29 fatalities.
These bills are now headed to the House for deliberation. The House version of this legislation, House Bills 4334–4335, sponsored by Reps. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and Pauline Wendzel (R-Midland), also await consideration in their chamber.