Indianapolis Bicycle Helmet Laws

Safe cycling requires understanding the bike laws in your area, including those concerning helmet use. Indiana bicycle laws do not require riders to wear safety helmets. No regulations require children or adults to wear them, but the protective gear offers numerous benefits to everyone.

Furthermore, if you were not wearing a helmet while riding and suffered harm due to the negligence of another motorist, you may face additional challenges in obtaining a fair settlement. If you need help with a case, contact a skilled motorbike accident attorney for more information regarding Indianapolis bicycle helmet laws.

Why Should Cyclists Wear Helmets?

Helmet laws in Indianapolis do not legally require anyone on a bicycle to wear protective gear. However, wearing a bike helmet while riding significantly reduces the high potential of severe head trauma and brain injuries during accidents. Extensive studies continuously show that those wearing safety gear, including head protection, reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries by nearly half.

Helmets can also substantially increase visibility for other drivers while protecting cyclists from flying debris, rain, and the sun. Even if the law does not require adults to wear protective gear, experts strongly recommend wearing all available gear whenever riding.

Properly Fitting Helmets

Wearing just any helmet while riding is not enough to keep cyclists safe; helmets must also fit properly. The research, studies, and guidance of the medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic show that bicyclists can ensure headgear fits properly and provides maximum protection by checking the following:

• The helmet’s fastened strap should fit snugly yet still be comfortable, preventing the helmet from moving too far side-to-side, up, or down
• The strap should hold the headgear firmly on the head while allowing enough space for one finger
• The cyclist should see the rim of the helmet when looking forward
• Headgear must sit level on the bike rider’s head, rather than tilting forward, back, or to one side
• The straps must be even, forming a Y shape that comes together at the bottom of each earlobe
• The edge of the helmet must be no more than the width of two fingers above the cyclist’s eyebrows

The League of American Bicyclists encourages all cyclists to wear a safety helmet that meets these standards, regardless of whether helmet laws are mandatory in the rider’s location.

Safety Gear for Cyclists

Though no state mandate requires cyclists to wear helmets or other safety gear, state agencies strongly recommend them at all times. Safety gear is the most effective way for riders of all ages to protect themselves from avoidable injuries. Other effective bicycle safety gear includes:

• Reflective accessories and clothing
• Safety lights
• Padded gloves
• Eye protection

Cyclists should also have a basic repair kit available so they can make minor repairs on the bike while they are out cycling. A knowledgeable Indianapolis lawyer could review the complete list of gear and answer questions about bicycle helmet regulations during the consultation.

Call an Attorney for More Information About Helmet Laws While Cycling in Indianapolis

While state laws do not require anyone to wear a helmet or any other gear while cycling, proper safety equipment could save your life. Safety helmets for cyclists have advanced considerably throughout the years, and finding the proper fit, which is easy to adjust, is much simpler than it used to be.

Whether required by law or not, wearing protective headgear is the most effective way to keep yourself safe while riding. If you have questions about Indianapolis bicycle helmet laws or need help obtaining a fair settlement after a crash, call today to schedule a consultation.