Bicycling in Indiana can be a healthy and efficient way to get around, but just like drivers, cyclists need to know and follow the rules of the road. Indiana’s bicycle laws cover many different aspects, including where and when they can ride. Knowing these laws helps keep riders safer and protects you legally if you’re ever in a crash. Below are some of the most important Indiana bicycle laws that you should be aware of. If you are injured in a bicycle accident, an experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Rights and Duties
Bicyclists have the same legal rights and responsibilities as drivers of cars and trucks, meaning they must follow stop signs, traffic lights, yield rules, and signaling. Any general road law that applies to vehicles applies to bikes unless a law specifically carves out an exception. Roadways; rights and duties Sec. 2. A person riding a bicycle upon a roadway has all the rights and duties under this article that are applicable to a person who drives a vehicle…
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Proper Seating
A cyclist must always ride sitting on a seat that is firmly attached to the bike. Passengers are only allowed if the bike is specifically designed and equipped for more than one person – no riding on handlebars, pegs, or a friend’s shoulders. Operation; seats; passengers Sec. 3. (a) A person propelling a bicycle may not: (1) ride other than upon the permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle; or (2) carry any other person upon the bicycle who is not seated upon a firmly attached and regular seat on the bicycle. (b) A person may not ride upon a bicycle unless seated under this section.
No Hitching Rides
It’s against Indiana law to hold onto, grab, or attach your bike or body to another moving vehicle or streetcar. Attachment to street car or vehicle; prohibition Sec. 5. A person upon a bicycle, a coaster, roller skates, or a toy vehicle may not attach the bicycle, coaster, roller skates, or toy vehicle or the person to a street car or vehicle upon a roadway. This rule keeps cyclists from being dangerously towed or dragged alongside cars and other vehicles.
Hands on Handlebars
Indiana law requires cyclists to keep both hands on the handlebar, and prohibits them from carrying any objects that prevent them from doing this. Packages, bundles, or other articles preventing proper use of handlebars Sec. 7. A person who rides a bicycle may not carry a package, a bundle, or an article that prevents the person from keeping both hands upon the handlebars.
Riding Two Abreast
You and another cyclist are allowed to ride side-by-side, but cannot ride more than 2 abreast in one lane unless you’re on a path or part of the road that is specifically for bicycle use. Lane use restrictions; riding two abreast Sec. 6. A person riding a bicycle upon a roadway may not ride more than two (2) abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
Audible Signals
Your bike must have a bell, horn, or similar sound device audible at a distance of at least 100 feet to alert others. However, you cannot use a siren or whistle. Bell or other audible signaling devices; sirens; whistles Sec. 8. A person may not ride a bicycle unless the bicycle is equipped with a bell or other device capable of giving a signal audible for a distance of at least one hundred (100) feet. A bicycle may not be equipped with and a person may not use upon a bicycle a siren or whistle.
Lights and Reflectors
From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, your bike legally needs a white lamp in front shining 500 feet and either a red lamp or reflector on the rear seen from 500 feet away. Lamps and reflectors Sec. 9. A bicycle operated on a highway from one-half (1/2) hour after sunset until one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise must be equipped with the following: (1) A lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred (500) feet to the front. (2) A lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the rear or a red reflector visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the rear.
Brakes
All bikes must be equipped with brakes capable of stopping enough to make the tires skid on flat, dry pavement. Brakes Sec. 10. A bicycle must be equipped with a brake that will enable the person who operates the bicycle to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement. Clear knowledge of these laws helps prevent citations, ensures safer rides, and can help your case if you’re ever hurt and need to establish that another party broke the law and caused your accident.
What Happens When a Cyclist Is Hit by a Car?
When a cyclist is hit by a car in Indiana, the state’s fault-based insurance system comes into play. This means that the person who caused the crash is responsible for any damages and injuries. Bicycle laws become especially important here because they help determine who acted negligently. If a driver fails to yield to a bicyclist following the rules, runs a stop sign, or otherwise breaks Indiana traffic laws, they should be considered at fault. On the other hand, if the cyclist ignored traffic signs or was riding where it wasn’t allowed, they could be held partly or entirely responsible. Proving who followed the law is an essential step in figuring out who has to pay damages after a collision because if you’re somewhat responsible, it will reduce the damages you can recover. If it’s determined that you are more than 50% responsible, that would bar you from recovering any compensation at all.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Injured Cyclists
If you’ve been injured while riding your bike, having a personal injury lawyer on your side can make a difference in how your case is handled and what you recover. A lawyer can assist you in the following ways:
Gathering Evidence
Obtaining evidence is essential. Your lawyer will look for video footage (including traffic or security cams), track down witnesses, and collect police reports. All of these can clarify fault, strengthen your claim, and give insurance companies less room to argue.
Determine if Traffic Laws Were Broken
An Indianapolis bicycle accident lawyer can look into whether any traffic violations occurred by someone involved in the accident. This could include failing to yield, improper passing, or distracted driving. This can be key in proving liability.
Negotiating With Insurers
Insurance companies aren’t on your side and may offer unreasonably low settlement offers. The right attorney knows how to push back and demand payment that fully covers your losses. Don’t face insurance companies and complicated legal deadlines on your own. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident and have questions about fault or your legal options in Indiana, contact us today for a free consultation.
