05/18/2026
Did you know this? Knowing the law can keep us safer.
In Indiana, bicycles are legally classified as vehicles, meaning cyclists generally have the exact same rights and duties on the road as motorists.
Here is the fact check on three claims:
1. "Cyclist must ride as far to the right as is safe if a car is following"False. Indiana law does not require cyclists to ride as far to the right only when a car is following. Instead, the law states that cyclists must ride as far to the right as is practicable at all times, regardless of whether a car is behind them.However, the word "practicable" is key. It does not mean "as far right as physically possible." Cyclists are legally allowed to ride further out into or occupy the full lane to avoid hazards (like potholes, debris, or opening car doors), to make a left turn, or if the lane is too narrow to safely share side-by-side with a motor vehicle. Cyclists are also legally allowed to ride two abreast.
2. "All vehicles are required to pull off at the first safe opportunity if three cars are behind"True. Under Indiana Code 9-21-5-7, if a motor vehicle (including a bicycle) is driving slowly on a two-lane road (one lane in each direction) and is blocking three or more other vehicles that cannot safely pass, the slow-moving driver is legally required to pull off to the right at the earliest reasonable opportunity to allow the blocked vehicles to pass.
The Takeaway— While a cyclist is required to ride as far right as is safely practicable, they do not have to hug the shoulder just because a car approaches. But, if a cyclist is traveling well below the speed of traffic and creates a backup of three or more vehicles on a two-lane road, they are legally obligated to pull over at the first safe opportunity to let them pass.
Motorists are subsequently required by law to provide a minimum of 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicycle.§ 71.58 SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES. - American Legal Publishing Code LibraryAmerican Legal Publishing Code LibraryPark Safety - Noblesville, INCity of Noblesville, Indiana (.gov) Bicycle laws and rules of the road from IBPD.
3. A motorist can legally cross a solid double yellow line to pass a bicycle in Indiana, provided it is entirely safe to do so. The Passing Rule Breakdown:
The 3-Foot Law: Under Indiana Code 9-21-8-5, motorists are legally required to give bicyclists a minimum of three feet of clearance when passing them in the same direction.The Yellow Line Exception: To make sure drivers can actually give cyclists those three feet of space without breaking traffic laws, Indiana's safe passing framework permits motorists to cross a double yellow line in a no-passing zone.Oncoming Traffic Controls: You may only cross the yellow line if the oncoming lane is completely clear of traffic and you have clear visibility ahead. If there is oncoming traffic, a blind curve, or a hill, you must remain behind the cyclist at a safe distance until it is clear to pass.Key Enforcement Details Scenario Legality Required Action Oncoming lane is clear Legal Signal, cross the yellow line, leave 3+ feet of space, and return to the lane. Oncoming traffic is present Illegal- Wait behind the cyclist until traffic clears. Do not squeeze past them.Squeezing past without crossing Illegal Passing a cyclist closer than 3 feet is a traffic violation, even if you stay in your lane.
