Bowen
Spring is in the air, warm weather has arrived and bicyclists are hitting the roads of Hamilton County. Every year the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office responds to numerous driving complaints involving bicyclists, especially packs of bikers. Bad behavior comes from both sides: Bikers riding as if they are exempt from traffic laws and motorists creating dangerous situations for riders. In an effort to promote bike safety, Sheriff Bowen, an avid bike rider himself, would like to remind bikers and motorists alike of Indiana laws. Courtesy goes both ways and should be extended by riders and drivers in order to keep our roadways safe.
Laws concerning bicycles can be found in Indiana Code 9-21-11 which sets the standards for all bicyclists on any Indiana roadway or path designated for bicycles.
- Bikers have the same duties and rights as the general motoring public. This includes obeying all traffic laws, including stopping at intersections controlled by lights and signs, yielding to pedestrians, signaling turns and traveling with the flow of traffic. Just as a motorist can be stopped and warned or ticketed for disobeying a traffic law, the same can be done for a person riding a bike.
- Bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast unless the path or roadway is set aside for the exclusive use of bicyclists. Bike courtesy is for riders to single-up or allow motorists to pass as soon as practical. Large packs of bikers should help facilitate vehicles moving around the group rather than holding up traffic. Motorists should exercise patience and wait until passing can be done safely. Please remember that bicyclists are much more vulnerable than drivers and are often harder to see.
- While Indiana does not have a bicycle helmet law, bikers should always ride wearing a helmet. State law dictates that all bikes be equipped with a bell or other device capable of giving an audible signal of a distance of 100 feet. If a bike is ridden between the hours of 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, the bike must have a white light in front and a red light to the rear. The lights must be visible for a distance of at least 500 feet. For safety, use of lights on bikes during the day as well as reflective or retro-reflective clothing and devices are encouraged.
- Bikers must be seated on a permanent seat and not carry anyone who is not seated upon a firmly attached and regular seat. Unless a bike is built to carry more than one person, only one person may ride on the bike at any one time. Carrying of packages and other items that keep a biker from riding with both hands on the handlebars is prohibited.
- Parents and guardians are responsible for their children and may not knowingly permit a child to violate Indiana bicycle laws. Make sure children understand and obey bike rules.
IC 9-21-8-5 specifies a Class C Infraction:
- A person who drives a motor vehicle overtaking a bicyclist shall provide at least three feet of clearance between the vehicle and bicycle if the vehicle is going 30 mph or less
- Add an additional foot for every additional 10 mph
Class B Misdemeanor:
- If the above is done “recklessly” it constitutes a Class B Misdemeanor
Remember that bikers may have to deal with pavement conditions and hazards that motor vehicles don’t so bikers may have to make sudden movements to avoid dangers. Motorists should wait until it is safe before attempting to pass a bicyclist or pedestrian.
By sharing the road together, bikers and motorists can both enjoy good weather while arriving safely at their destinations. Don’t allow a situation to develop into road rage. If assistance is needed for any incident, please contact the Communications Center at 317-773-1282 or 911 for an emergency.
Courtesy is contagious so please share it.