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Driving safety guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Sharing the Road with Bicycles in Indiana
Drivers routinely share the road with bicyclists, and on most roads they have the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else. Here is what the Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says about passing, turning and parking around bicycles.
3 feetminimum room beside a bicyclist when passing (Indiana BMV)
Same rightsas other roadway users on most roads (Indiana BMV)
2 abreast maxfor bicyclists, except on bike-only paths (Indiana BMV)
Either lanecyclists may use the bike lane or the travel lane (Indiana BMV)
The short answer
The BMV manual's guidelines: pass a bicyclist only with at least three feet of room and no danger from oncoming traffic, yield to cyclists as you would to another vehicle, avoid turning across their path, stay out of bike lanes except to cross them when turning or entering or leaving an alley, driveway or private road, and check for bicyclists before you open your door.
Bicyclists have the same rights on most roads
The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says drivers must routinely share the roadway with bicyclists, and on most roadways bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users. Drivers must yield the right of way to a bicyclist just as they would to another vehicle.
Bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. A bicyclist is not required to ride in a designated bike lane, because the bicyclist has the right to use either the bike lane or the travel lane.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (bicycles), read November 3, 2026.
Passing a bicyclist: three feet minimum
The BMV manual says drivers may pass a bicyclist when there is a safe amount of room beside the bicyclist, a minimum of three feet, and when there is no danger from oncoming traffic.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Turning near bicyclists
The BMV manual gives drivers these guidelines for turning:
Do not cut across
Avoid turning across the path of a bicyclist.
Left turns
When you are turning left and a bicyclist is entering the intersection from the opposite direction, wait for the bicyclist to pass before you turn.
Shared left-turn lane
If you share the left-turn lane with a bicyclist, stay behind the cyclist until he or she has safely completed the turn.
Right turns
If you are turning right and a bicyclist is approaching on the right, let the cyclist go through the intersection first.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Bike lanes and paths
The BMV manual says bicycle paths and lanes are for bicycles only, unless signs specify joint use with pedestrians or a driver is on official duty, such as delivering mail. Other rules for drivers:
Keep out
Do not drive or park in bicycle paths or lanes, or place your vehicle where it may impede bicycle traffic.
Yield
Yield the right of way to anyone riding a bicycle on a designated bicycle path or lane.
No early merge
Do not move into a bicycle path or lane in preparation for a turn.
Cross only when needed
Cross a bicycle path or lane only when turning or when entering or leaving an alley, driveway or private road.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Sharrows and colored lanes
Sharrow markings are pavement markings of a bike with two arrows above it. The BMV manual says they help cyclists position themselves away from parked cars and alert other road users to expect cyclists in travel lanes.
Green colored pavement may be used to make bike lanes more visible. Red colored pavement may be used for bus or transit lanes.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Parking: check before you open the door
The BMV manual says that after parking and before opening vehicle doors, a motorist should first check for bicyclists, and be careful opening a car door or backing out when using on-street parking. For more on low-light driving, see our night driving tips.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation, read November 3, 2026.
Keep your brakes, tires and battery ready
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 3, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Sharing the road with bicycles FAQ
How much room do I need to give a bicyclist when passing?
The Indiana BMV Driver's Manual says drivers may pass a bicyclist when there is a safe amount of room beside the bicyclist, a minimum of three feet, and when there is no danger from oncoming traffic.
Do bicyclists have the same rights as drivers in Indiana?
The BMV manual says that on most roadways, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users, and drivers must yield the right of way to a bicyclist just as they would to another vehicle.
Does a cyclist have to use the bike lane?
No. The BMV manual says a bicyclist is not required to ride in a designated bike lane, because the bicyclist has the right to use either the bike lane or the travel lane.
Can bicyclists ride side by side?
The BMV manual says bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
Can I drive in a bike lane to make a right turn?
The BMV manual says not to move into a bicycle path or lane in preparation for a turn, and to cross a bicycle path or lane only when turning or when entering or leaving an alley, driveway or private road.
What is a sharrow?
A sharrow is a pavement marking of a bike with two arrows above it. The BMV manual says sharrows help cyclists position themselves away from parked cars and alert other road users to expect cyclists in the travel lane.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a brake inspection, tire rotation and pressure check, and battery test, at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Bicycle guidance is from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver's Manual, read November 3, 2026. Laws change; this page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Safe Vehicle Operation (bicycles, bicycle lanes and sharrows), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, PDF modified July 7, 2026, read November 3, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 3, 2026