Bicycles offer a healthy, fun, and eco-friendly way to travel. Indianapolis offers cyclists miles of trails, bike lanes, and shared roadways. Unfortunately, however, accidents are relatively common.
While avoiding collisions altogether is impossible due to the actions of negligent motorists, cyclists could significantly decrease the chance of harm by knowing and following the traffic laws and road rules. If you were in a crash or have questions, contact a skilled bike crash attorney at McCready Law to learn more about the traffic laws for bicyclists in Indianapolis.
Cyclists enjoy many of the same rights on the road as motorists, but they also have responsibilities, including obeying traffic laws and always remaining alert to changes in traffic flow. They also need to yield to pedestrians crossing the street at marked or unmarked crosswalks.
Cyclists must follow all traffic control devices, such as stop signs, lights, and lane markings, and use hand signals to alert other drivers that they are stopping or turning. Indiana safety organizations, such as the Indiana Department of Health, encourage bike riders to always prioritize safety and wear the appropriate safety gear. Cyclists must stay as far to the right as possible, obey traffic laws, ride in a single file straight line when riding with others, and yield to pedestrians.
Traffic laws in Indianapolis also require cyclists to navigate traffic like everyone else. That includes coming to a complete stop at signs or traffic lights and proceeding when the path is clear or the light turns green. They must exercise caution when passing standing or slow-moving vehicles.
Bike riders must not pass on the right unless in a bike lane. For group riding, they cannot ride more than two abreast, except on exclusive bike paths. Cyclists must always stay alert and avoid distractions, such as headphones, which could impair their hearing or traffic awareness.
Bicyclists have flexibility in where they are allowed to ride, but they need to prioritize safety and use designated routes. When traveling on roadways, they must ride as close as possible to the right side of the road, except when avoiding hazards, passing, preparing for a left turn, or using a bike lane. They may use designated bike lanes, but are not legally required to do so.
While riding on sidewalks is permitted, it is suggested that they use paths, bike lanes, and roads when possible. They should always remain alert for and yield to pedestrians and ride at a safe speed.
In conclusion, bike riders should use designated bike lanes or paths when available. On multi-use paths, they should ride single file or no more than two abreast. Bikes are not allowed to travel on interstates or highways in the state of Indiana. An Indianapolis lawyer knowledgeable about traffic regulations for bicyclists could answer any specific questions during a consultation.
State laws and other initiatives aim to keep the roadways safe for all users, and cyclists must learn and follow the rules of the road. Safety organizations also encourage bike riders to wear the available safety gear, such as helmets, gloves, and elbow and knee pads.
Strong knowledge and practice of these traffic laws could prevent avoidable accidents while enhancing your riding experience. The state also provides safety courses for new riders or those who wish to refresh their skills. Prioritizing safety means wearing protective gear, staying vigilant, and riding defensively. Call McCready Law to schedule an appointment with a skilled personal injury lawyer for more information about the traffic laws for bicyclists in Indianapolis.
