I am concerned with the growing aggressiveness of drivers toward bicyclists riding the county roadways. Recently, (Sept. 17, 2009), I was riding along CR 450N with a colleague when a car passed within one foot of hitting us. We were traveling along, single file, at a speed of between 15 and 18 mph and keeping to the right of the road as is reasonably practicable for safety, with no oncoming traffic.
The point is there was no reasonable excuse for this driver to pass so closely. By passing in this way, he/she endangered us. I think it is necessary to educate the community, and local law enforcement, on the laws concerning bicyclists on Indiana roadways.
IC 9-21-11-2. Rights and duties of person riding bicycle. "A person riding a bicycle upon a roadway has all of the rights and duties under this article that are applicable to a person who drives a vehicle."
IC 9-21-11-6. Prohibition against riding more than two abreast - exceptions - 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 exclusive use of bicycles.
IC 9-21-8-2 (b) (2) As close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway; except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
IC 9-21-8-5 (1) A person who drives a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left of the other vehicle at a safe distance and may not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
Please allow me to summarize: (1) Bicyclists have the same rights to the road as cars. (2) We can ride side by side, legally, as long as we keep it to two abreast. (3) We will ride as far to the right as is safe, and we cannot be compelled to jeopardize our safety in order to remain to the right side of the road. (4) When cars pass, they must pass to the left at a safe distance - not within one foot.
I understand that some people get frustrated dealing with bicyclists on the roadways, but endangering our lives by passing too closely is not going to intimidate us or prevent us from pursuing the sport we enjoy. Additionally, it is the responsibility for all cyclists to obey these and all traffic laws, and to extend the same courtesy we would expect from others while we ride. That means we should keep right as is reasonably practicable for safety, and ride single file, if possible, when we become aware of traffic approaching from behind. It is best for everyone in this situation to follow the law, and give one another the same courtesy one would expect from any other vehicle on the roadways.
