The bill that modernizes the Indiana cycling law has been approved by a Senate committee and sent to the Senate floor. In my opinion, this is a great day for Hoosier cyclists.
Prior to approval, some of the more controversial parts were removed, while leaving non-contentious and important provisions intact. Among the provisions retained were:
- the definition of Bicycle Lanes, and how they should be treated by both motorists and cyclists;
- provision to allow a cyclist to proceed through a red-light if the bike is unable to trigger the traffic control sensor;
- codification of hand signals routinely used by cyclists (including allowing a right turn to be signaled by extending the right arm);
- requirement of a red tail-light at night;
- cyclists have all the rights and responsibilities of pedestrians, but must yield to pedestrians;
- several minor ‘clean-up’ provisions, (for example a biker may now carry a whistle, may stand up and pedal, and child seats and tag-alongs are legal);
- increased penalties when a motorist causes bodily injury to a bicyclist.
The provisions removed were:
- motorist must allow 3 foot clearance when passing a bike;
- cyclist must carry identification on their person;
- mandatory helmets for children on bikes;
- the proposed ‘no-liability’ provision;
- the new crime of harassing a cyclist.
For more details see
