Cycling is a prevalent and historically admired past time for people of all ages and genders. Riding your bike is a great way to get some healthy exercise and enjoy yourself at the same time. It is also a convenient and economical means of transportation for thousands all around the world. But when you are on a bike, are you considered pedestrian or a driver? Furthermore, our bicyclists legally permitted to ride in the road with other vehicles or are they required to remain on designated sidewalks and writing paths?

Continue reading to learn whether riding a bicycle makes you pedestrian or driver, and what to do if you are injured in a pedestrian accident in Indiana.

Bicyclists Versus Drivers

The determination of a bicyclist being a driver or pedestrian largely depends on the local jurisdiction, which will vary greatly among municipalities. This makes it difficult to determine the proper categorization without first reviewing local and state laws. It is important to do so in order to ensure such ordinances are aligned with your cycling practices.

Although bike riding laws and ordinances vary among jurisdictions, the general consensus among most municipalities is that bicycles are a type of vehicle, and therefore, anyone riding a bike on the road is considered a driver. Accordingly, bicycle riders must adhere to all traffic rules and laws, or at least the majority of them. Some states actually require bicycles to have registered license plates if they ride on the road.

Here in Indiana, bicycle riders are considered drivers, which means they must obey all stop signs, stop lights, traffic signals, and road rules. Bicyclists must also remain on the very right outer edge of the road when cycling off the sidewalk.

Some municipalities are even enacting laws restricting bike riders from using their cell phones or texting, as it is considered a dangerous form of distracted driving that can lead to serious car accidents and pedestrian accidents.

Pedestrian Laws and Rights

Pedestrians also have rules they must follow in Indiana, including obeying all traffic signals and crosswalk signals. Pedestrians must also refrain from obstructing the flow of traffic and only use marked crosswalks and authorized crossing paths. When using marked crosswalks and designated crossing paths, pedestrians and cyclists have the right of way.

Justice for Injured Cyclists and Pedestrians

Although bicyclists are not necessarily considered pedestrians, they are still just as vulnerable and exposed to dangers when out on the open road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 6,000 people lost their lives in pedestrian accidents in 2018 alone. In the same year, 115 Hoosiers in Indiana lost their lives in pedestrian accidents.

For these reasons and more, pedestrians and cyclists alike are protected under the law from wrongful accidents and injuries. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident in Indiana, it is vital that you contact a reputable personal injury law firm before time runs out on your case or all evidence is lost to support your claim.

Get started on your Indiana pedestrian accident injury claim right now! Contact Carl Brizzi LAW at 317-636-7497 and schedule a free case evaluation with a skilled Indianapolis Indiana pedestrian accident lawyer you can trust. Our law firm serves clients all throughout the state of Indiana.

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