What Rights Do Cyclists Have in Indiana?
Cyclists in Indiana are granted a wide range of rights, all aimed at keeping cyclists safe and promoting motorist respect on the road. Bicycles are defined in law as vehicles, which in itself guarantees cyclists the same right to access as any motor vehicle on the road. Even if riding on the sidewalk is permitted by city ordinance, under Indiana law you have the right to ride on the road, even on roads where sidewalk access is granted . You have the right to use the rightmost lane of traffic, or the lane that is right of the center line, unless local ordinance prohibits it. If you are riding at night, you have the right to bike with visible white headlights and red reflectors. As with any vehicle or object that can lawfully occupy the road, you have the right to merge into traffic according to the local rules of the road, even if it means taking an entire lane.
Required Equipment for Riding a Bicycle in Indiana
As far as Wisconsin law, there are certain equipment requirements that bicycles must meet. Indiana is more strict in this regard and the law mandates that every bicycle be equipped with the following:
— A loud sounding device, such as a bell or horn, except for bicycles equipped with a bicycle racing device, generally known as a "klaxon" horn.
— A braking system that enables the bicycle to be stopped within 25 feet while traveling at 10 MPH on a dry, level, clean, hard surface, if the bicycle is not equipped with a fixed gear.
— Reflectors:
- (1) An amber reflector on the front of the bicycle
- (2) A red reflector on the rear of the bicycle
- (3) A white or yellow reflector on the seat post or fender
- (4) Reflectors on each pedal or each footrest if the bicycle is equipped with footrests.
— One of the following: (1) A white light, that is visible from a distance of 500 feet in front of the bicycle and that is mounted by the manufacturer and visible from each side of the bicycle.
(2) A yellow light mounted on the rear of the bicycle that is visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of the bicycle.
There are also certain strict requirements for when a bicycle must have functional lights and reflectors. According to the Indiana Code:
"Lights are required:
(1) If the bicycle is operated during the period from sunset until sunrise on a highway that is not lit by street lights;
(2) If the bicycle is operated during the period from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise on a highway during adverse weather conditions.
Use of Helmets While Cycling
As of this writing, Indiana law does not require helmet use or even a mandated helmet for an adult cyclist in most cases. However, the Indiana Code for Safety requires that any child under 18 years must wear a helmet while on a bicycle at any time. If they are caught doing so without a helmet, the parent/caregiver can receive a citation and be fined. It is also important to note that whether a cyclist is under 18 years of age or not, a helmet is not only a good idea, but it’s a legal requirement if the cyclist is not out of the roadway, which requires them to stay on the actual bike path. To be considered legal, there are certain types of helmets which the Indiana Code requires it to be. The statute states "A person may not operate or ride as a passenger on a bicycle or have charge of a child who is riding as a passenger on a bicycle unless the person and each child under one (1) year of age are wearing a protective helmet." For a helmet to be deemed acceptable for use by the court, the helmet must do the following: While helmets are not required for everyone if you are over the age of 18, choosing to wear one comes with many advantages. First, helmets are a preventable measure that help lower any injuries, traumas, lacerations, fractures, even traumatic brain injuries (like concussions). Second, if you were to get hit or involved in a bicycle accident, you would be able to prove that you took all reasonable precautions to ensure your safety while on your bike, which includes wearing your helmet.
Riding on Sidewalks and Interacting with Pedestrians
The Indiana Code makes specific limitations on what you can and cannot do when you are riding your bike on the sidewalk. You are permitted to ride our bike on the sidewalk in Indiana. However, if you are riding in a municipality, you must act as if you are in a vehicle on a roadway or road in these situations: You should always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. This means that if you are riding on the sidewalk and it is crowded, you may not be able to ride side-by-side with another cyclist. If you have misjudged a safe distance between you and a pedestrian on the sidewalk, then you must stop, and allow them to pass before continuing your ride. In many cases, it is safer practice for you to dismount and walk your bike on the sidewalk. It is not illegal, and most of the time, it will be more convenient for both you and the pedestrian.
Obeying Signs and Traffic Signals
Section 11. – Traffic Sign and Signal Compliance
All traffic signs and signals are to be observed and obeyed by bicyclists. The Indiana traffic code is applicable to bicycles. A bicycle, like a motor vehicle, shall stop for a red light and may not proceed until the light turns green (except when part of a right turn on red is permitted). A stop sign must be obeyed, whether it is on the roadway or on an intersecting path. If a red light controlling a bridge is flashing, a bicyclist must stop before entering the intersection. Otherwise, the bicyclist must obey the sign and may not proceed until the flashing light changes to green.
Bicyclists should not start across an intersection on a yellow light; they may only continue through the intersection on a yellow light if they have already started crossing when the light changes and stopping would create a more hazardous condition. If a bicyclist starts through an intersection on a yellow light and it turns red before he or she reaches the crosswalk , it is mandatory for them to complete the crossing before stopping and returning. A bicyclist who encounters a red light that does not change when tapped with a metal, is allowed to proceed through the intersection after waiting 30 seconds, unless traffic is opposing them.
Bicyclists must make a reasonable effort to stop for a stop sign or red light on an arterial highway. An arterial highway is any road that is part of the Indiana state highway system or has an annual average daily traffic count of 5,000 vehicles or more. If a stop cannot be safely accomplished, bicyclists must make every reasonable effort to stop as far from the road as possible depending on the road conditions, grade, visibility, or obstructions.
Fines and Penalties for Cycling Infractions
While cycling is a popular and legal means of transportation in Indiana, not all cyclists follow the laws. Law enforcement officers handle these violations in different manners, but there are several potential penalties a citation can bring. A first offense is a class C infraction, which, theoretically, can carry up to a $500 fine. However, most infractions carry a fine of $25 to $150. If you are pulled over for a bicycle infraction and pay the ticket, there is no record of it in the state court tracking system. It will not impact your driving record or insurance rates. If a habitual violation of Indiana bicycle laws is identified, a second, third or fourth violation could raise the infractions to a class A misdemeanor. A class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. A cyclist must be able to defend themselves in court, should an officer issue a citation, because that citation will likely become an unchallenged criminal record. Paying the citation in this case would be an admission of guilt and would earn the violation a place on your permanent record.
Bicycle Safety Tips and Advice
In addition to these legal requirements, there are a number of safety tips and recommendations that can help ensure that cyclists stay safe on the road. One of the most important things that every cyclist should do is wear a properly fitted helmet. Helmets are required by law in many states, but regardless of whether they are legally mandated, they can help reduce the risk of serious head injury in the event of an accident.
Other safety recommendations include using hand signals to indicate turns and changing lanes, obeying all traffic signs and signals, and riding in the same direction as motor vehicles . When riding at night, cyclists should use front white lights and rear red reflectors or lights to ensure they are visible to drivers. It is also important for cyclists to make eye contact with drivers before crossing intersections or merging into traffic.
While many of these safety tips and recommendations are not legally required, they can go a long way toward minimizing the risk of an accident or injury. In addition, by following the letter of the law when it comes to Indiana bicycle laws, cyclists can help to ensure not only their own safety, but the safety of others on the road as well.