PROVIDED BY: NEW WHITELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
The following are the Indiana statutes regarding bicycles.
“Motorized bicycle” means a two (2) or three (3) wheeled vehicle that is propelled by an internal combustion engine or a battery powered motor, and if powered by an internal combustion engine, has the following:
(1) An engine rating of not more than two (2) horsepower and a cylinder capacity not exceeding fifty (50) cubic centimeters.
(2) An automatic transmission.
(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 a path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A bicycle operated on a highway from one-half (½) hour after sunset until one-half (½) 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
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.
A person who operates a bicycle upon a highway shall observe the regulations and requirements of this article.
A motorized bicycle may not be operated under any of the following conditions:
(1) By a person less than fifteen (15) years of age.
(2) By a person who has not obtained an identification card under IC 9-24, a permit under IC 9-24, an operator’s license under IC 9-24, a chauffeur’s license under IC 9-24, or a public passenger chauffeur’s license under IC 9-24.
(3) On an interstate highway or a sidewalk.
(4) At a speed greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.
A person less than eighteen (18) years of age who operates or rides a motorized bicycle on a street or highway shall do the following:
(1) Wear protective headgear meeting the minimum standards set by the bureau or a helmet that meets the standards established by the United States Department of Transportation under 49 CFR 571.218 in effect January 1, 1979.
(2) Wear protective glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield.
(3) A maximum design speed of not more than twenty-five (25) miles per hour on a flat surface.