Indiana Bicycle Laws: Where Can You Legally Ride in Evansville?

The weather is warming across Indiana, and we will soon begin seeing more and more Hoosiers out on bicycles, but where should they be riding?

Cycling on the Sidewalk and Disobeying the Traffic Light

I recently was driving in downtown Evansville when I noticed a man on a bicycle riding on the sidewalk beside me. As I approached a red light, I stopped my car and watched in dismay as he road through the intersection, not stopping for the red light - and into the crosswalk.

It's Dangerous And Illegal

My immediate thought was, "well, that's dangerous!' As it turns out, it's also technically against the law in Indiana.

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Bicycles Don't Belong on Sidewalks in Indiana

When riding a bicycle, you actually are not supposed to ride on sidewalks. As their name implies, they are for walking. According to Indiana law, bicyclists are meant to share the road with motorists.

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Indiana Law Says Bicyclists Must Follow Traffic Laws

In fact, the Evansville Police Department recently shared a reminder to its followers on social media.

According to Indiana Code 9-21-11-2, bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles. Additionally, IC 9-21-11-3 requires bicyclists to ride as close as practicable to the right-hand side of the roadway, except when:
Overtaking another bicycle or vehicle
Preparing for a left turn
Avoiding hazards or unsafe conditions

Evansville Police Make Safety Recommendations for Cyclists

The EPD recommends that bicyclists wear bright colors to ensure visibility, use lights on their bikes when riding at night, and to signal their turns. Additionally, they say bicyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic, and follow all posted signs and signals as motorists.

Indiana Motorists Should Watch Out for Bicycles

As for Evansville motorists, EPD says they should watch for cyclists in bike lanes and intersections, and be sure to give them at least 3 feet of space when passing.

The bottom line is that whether you're behind the wheel or on a bicycle, be safe and look out for each other.

[SOURCE: Evansville Police Department via Facebook]

40 Evansville, Indiana Parks and Where to Find Them

When you're ready to get the kids outside to play, Evansville offers a plethora of parks. Whether you're looking for playgrounds for the littles or basketball courts for the bigger kids, here's where you can find 40 of Evansville's parks.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals