Roadwise States Indiana Driving lessons Bicycles Indiana driving lesson · Sharing the Road
Bicycles A 3-minute lesson from the Indiana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Sharing the Road
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 57, 58 On most roadways, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. Give them room, and watch for them at turns and when you open your door.
3 feet Minimum room when passing a bicyclist, and only when there's no danger from oncoming traffic
Handbook p. 57 ↗ Sharing the road with bicyclists: Yield the right of way to a bicyclist just as you would to another vehicle Bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast, except on paths or areas set aside for bicycles A bicyclist may use either the bike lane or the travel lane; the bike lane isn't required Avoid turning across a bicyclist's path Handbook p. 57 ↗ Turning near bicyclists: Turning left while a cyclist enters from the opposite direction: wait for the cyclist to pass Sharing a left-turn lane with a cyclist: stay behind until the cyclist has safely turned Turning right while a cyclist approaches on your right: let the cyclist go through first Handbook p. 58 ↗ Know the rule
After parking, check for bicyclists before opening your vehicle's doors.
Handbook p. 58 ↗ Know the rule
Bicycle paths and lanes are for bicycles only, unless signs allow joint use with pedestrians or the driver is on official duty, such as delivering mail.
Handbook p. 58 ↗ Rules for drivers at bike lanes: Don't drive or park in a bike path or lane, or place your vehicle where it blocks bicycle traffic Yield the right of way to anyone riding in a designated bike path or lane Don't move into a bike lane to prepare for a turn Cross a bike lane only to turn, or to enter or leave an alley, driveway, or private road Be careful opening a door or backing out from on-street parking Handbook p. 58 ↗ Sharrow A pavement marking of a bike with two arrows above it. It helps cyclists stay away from parked cars and alerts road users to expect cyclists in travel lanes.
Handbook p. 58 ↗ Know the rule
Green pavement may be used to make bike lanes more visible. Red pavement may mark bus or transit lanes for buses, taxis, or other public transit.
Handbook p. 58 ↗ Green bike lane and red bus lane pavement Put it into practice
You're turning right at a corner, and a bicyclist is riding up on your right in the bike lane. Don't cut across. Let the cyclist go through the intersection first, then make your turn.
A useful reminder Three feet to pass, no more than two bikes abreast, and the bike lane is optional for cyclists.
Check your understanding Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What is the minimum passing room drivers must give a bicyclist? One foot Three feet Six feet No minimum is specified Answer: Three feet
Drivers may pass a bicyclist only when there is a safe amount of room, minimum three feet, beside the bicyclist.
Handbook p. 57 ↗ How many bicyclists may ride abreast on most roadways? No more than one Up to four No more than two Up to three Answer: No more than two
Bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast except on paths set aside for exclusive bicycle use.
Handbook p. 57 ↗ Is a bicyclist required to ride in a designated bike lane if one is present? Yes, whenever a bike lane is present Only if the bike lane is clear No, they may use either the bike lane or the travel lane Only during daylight hours Answer: No, they may use either the bike lane or the travel lane
A bicyclist is not required to ride in a designated bike lane because they have the right to use either the bike lane or the travel lane.
Handbook p. 57 ↗ When may a driver cross a bicycle lane? Only when turning, or entering or leaving a driveway Any time no cyclist is visible To move into it before a right turn To park briefly for a delivery Answer: Only when turning, or entering or leaving a driveway
Cross a bicycle path or lane only when turning or when entering or leaving an alley, driveway, or private road.
Handbook p. 58 ↗ What should a motorist do before opening a car door after parking? Open the door slowly without looking First check for approaching bicyclists Turn on your hazard lights first Honk to warn nearby cyclists Answer: First check for approaching bicyclists
After parking and before opening vehicle doors, a motorist should first check for bicyclists.
Handbook p. 58 ↗ What must a driver do when turning left and a bicyclist is entering the intersection from the opposite direction? Turn quickly before the bicyclist arrives Wait for the bicyclist to pass before turning Turn if the bicyclist is in a bike lane Yield only if the bicyclist signals Answer: Wait for the bicyclist to pass before turning
When turning left and a bicyclist is entering from the opposite direction, the driver should wait for the bicyclist to pass.
Handbook p. 58 ↗ Previous lesson Motorcycles & motor driven cycles Next lesson Slow vehicles, horses, officers & processions About the source Roadwise’s Indiana course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 57, 58. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check Indiana’s BMV. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.
