Below, you will find all the Indiana state laws that have been formed that relate to all things bicycle. Feel free to Contact Us with any questions regarding these Indiana bicycle laws – we are happy to provide free consultations on the legal inetepreation of your situation. The lawyers at Caress Law group devote their practice to assisting victims of injuries and are the premier law firm representing those injured in bicycle accidents in Indiana.
What is a bicycle according to Indiana Law?
IC 9‐13‐2‐14 Bicycle
Sec. 14 “Bicycle” means any foot‐propelled vehicle, irrespective of the number of wheels in contact with the ground.
Ultimate Rights of Indiana Bikers and Pedestrians
9‐21‐11‐2 Riding on 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.
Except the following:
(1) Special regulations of this article
(2) Those provisions of this article that by their nature have no application.
IC 9‐21‐8‐37 Pedestrians and children; due care; caution
Sec. 37. Notwithstanding other provisions of this article or local ordinance, a person who drives a vehicle shall do the following:
(1) Exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian or a person propelling a human powered vehicle, giving an audible signal when necessary
(2) Exercise proper caution upon observing a child or an obviously confused, incapacitated, or intoxicated person.
Other Important Indiana Bicycle Laws
9‐21.11.1 Children and wards; bicycles; violations
Sec. 1 (a) The parent of a child and the guardian of a protected person may not authorize or knowingly permit the child or protected person to violate this chapter.
(b) Subject to the exceptions stated, the provisions of this chapter applicable to bicycles apply whenever a bicycle is
operated upon a highway or path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
9‐21‐11‐3 Seats
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.
9‐21‐11‐4 Passengers
Sec. 4 A bicycle may not be used to carry more persons at one (1) time than the number for which the bicycle is designed and equipped.
9‐12‐11‐5 Hitching Rides on Motor vehicles or street cars
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.
9‐21‐11‐6 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.
9‐21‐11‐7 Carrying articles
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.
9‐21‐11‐8 Bells or other audible signal devices
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.
9‐21‐11‐9 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.
9‐21‐11‐10 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.
9‐21‐11‐11 Traffic regulation and requirements
Sec. 11 A person who operates a bicycle upon a highway shall observe the regulations and requirements of this article.
9‐21‐11‐14 Violations
Sec. 14 A person who violates this chapter commits a Class C infraction.
IC 9‐21‐1‐3 Powers of local authorities; effective date of ordinances
Sec. 3 (a) A local authority, with respect to private roads and highways under the authority’s jurisdiction, in accordance with section 2 of this chapter, and within the reasonable exercise of the police power, may do the following:
(9) Regulate the operation of bicycles and require the registration and licensing of bicycles, including the requirement of a registration fee.
(b) An ordinance or regulation adopted under subsection (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(6), (a)(7), (a)(8), (a)(10), (a)(11), (a)(12),
(a)(13), or (a)(14) is effective when signs giving notice of the local traffic regulations are posted upon or at the entrances to the highway or part of the highway that is affected.