Cycling safety in Indiana

Crash data

31 cyclist fatalities in 2023 .

In 2023, 31 bicyclists were killed on Indiana roads, out of 898 total traffic fatalities statewide that year (about 3.5%), per NHTSA FARS data. A clean statewide bicyclist-injury count could not be verified from an official Indiana source; the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute publishes annual Crash Fact Books and a 'non-motorists' fact sheet but did not present a confirmable standalone bicyclist-injury figure, so injuries are left null. (Note: IIHS 'Fatality Facts 2024' separately reports 18 bicyclist deaths in Indiana for 2024; year-to-year totals fluctuate.)

Official reports & data:

Cycling rules in Indiana

Helmets: Indiana has no statewide bicycle helmet law for riders of any age; the only helmet mandate is that riders under 18 on a Class 3 (higher-speed) e-bike must wear a properly fitted, fastened helmet. (source)
Passing distance: A driver overtaking a bicycle must allow at least three (3) feet of clearance and may not return to the original lane until safely clear of the bicycle (IC 9-21-8-5). (source)
Lights and reflectors at night: From one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise a bicycle on a highway must have a front white lamp visible for 500 feet and a rear red lamp or red reflector visible for 500 feet (IC 9-21-11-9). (source)
E-bikes: Indiana uses the standard three-class e-bike system and treats e-bikes as bicycles, not motor vehicles; a rider must be at least 15 to operate a Class 3 e-bike, Class 3 riders under 18 must wear a helmet, and while Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may use bicycle and multiuse paths, Class 3 e-bikes generally may not unless the path is along a roadway or a local authority permits it (IC 9-21-11-13.1). (source)
Where to ride / direction of travel: Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as other vehicle operators (so they ride with the flow of traffic) and may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or roadway parts set aside for bicycles (IC 9-21-11-6). (source)
Sidewalk riding: Indiana has no statewide statute governing bicycling on sidewalks; whether it is allowed or restricted is set by local city or town ordinance, so check the rules where you ride. (source)

Cities and counties often add their own rules (for example, where you can ride on sidewalks or boardwalks). Check the local ordinance for the specific town you're visiting.

Resources

Bike-friendly destinations in Indiana

Ride these with the rules above in mind:

In an emergency in the U.S., call 911. Read our general bike safety guide →