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Mackinac Island is famous for banning vehicles. If you've taken the ferry or a plane ride to the island, the only ways you're getting around are by walking, biking, or horse-drawn carriage. It's part of the charm, and since the island's only highway (yes, there's technically a highway on Mackinac Island) is only 8 miles long along the perimeter, you don't need a car.

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But just because you don't need to worry about getting flattened by a speeding vehicle doesn't mean vehicles aren't speeding on the roads, and a recent change seems ironic until you hear why: Mackinac Island now has a speed limit.

Why Mackinac Island Has A Speed Limit

For most of its life, M-185 has been a speed-limit-free highway. The only signage along the highway was wooden mile markers, but in 2024, metal speed limit signs were put up along M-185 and in the downtown area. So, what led to a speed limit being enacted after all these years? Electric bikes.

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According to MCL 257.662a, e-bikes have become too fast and now pose a safety concern to others sharing the streets. They were already not allowed unless someone had a mobility issue (who could ride a Class 1 e-bike), but it's been difficult to enforce as more e-bikes have been brought to the island.

So to prevent speedsters on e-bikes from endangering walkers and fellow cyclists, a 15 mph speed limit has been put in place on M-185, and a 10 mph speed limit has been put in place in the downtown area. Those who break the speed limit will get a $100 fine and could have their bike impounded (yes, there's a bike impound lot).

How well this will be enforced when there are only two full-time officers and one seasonal officer on staff at a given time, none of whom are standing with a radar gun, remains to be seen. Remember, this is still a city with everyday residents and kids going to school, so please watch your speed.