What do I do as a bicyclist?

Question

I know that you are supposed to ride your bike with traffic, but are you supposed to ignore that rule when there is a bona fide bike path on the other side, against traffic side, of the street? Or do you remain with traffic. Please be specific to Indiana.

Answer 1

Ride with the traffic though you will probobly get yelled at by idiots who forget that their drivers manuals tell them that bikes are vehicles as well. If you are out for just a ride the path is usually a good idea because it keeps you safe from idiots who purposly run bikes off the road. If you are going for a longer ride then ride on the roads and go with traffic especially for a road bike. If you are on a mountain bike or bmx bike we usually hit sidewalks or whatever to get around.

Answer 2

Remaining with the flow of traffic is usually best. Indiana does not appear to have any statewide regulation that requires cyclists to use bike paths adjacent to roads. However, some municipalities may have 'mandatory sidepath' ordinances that require bikes to ride on sidepaths where available. (Though what passes for a sidepath can be really questionable.) Most mandatory bike path regulations only require cyclists to use lanes or paths when it is safe to do so. Crossing the street to ride against traffic is less safe than riding with traffic, so you are probably safe there. Also, if there is a full fledged bike path, it may mean that the community as a whole is comfortable with cyclists, so you are more likely to be tolerated or respected on the road.

If there is no sign saying "bicycles prohibited from road" then I would stick with the road, unless there are other mitigating circumstances that make the path more convenient. (i.e. you turn left on to it, then turn left to get off, so using the path saves a couple left turns across traffic; or the bike path ends up continuing somewhere else where you would prefer to go.) If there is a sign, then it would be a matter to bring up with the local government.

Answer 3

here in wis. a designated bike lane legally accepts both way traffic by bicycle including one way streets, that does not mean it is mandatory or safe,i don't like riding against traffic,it's just too spooky for me.sometimes being in the bike lane does not make it safer.always look out for yourself and making eye contact with drivers is your greatest defense against an accident.but do ride righteously,we have a right to be there.

Answer 4

Remain with the traffic Its what everyone does. The rule for riding against traffic is for children on residential areas, so they can see if a car is coming.

Answer 5

The law in all 50something States is to ride with traffic. Remember to give yourself an edge. Old CD's make great reflectors.Back,front,in the spokes.