Indiana BMV updates bike lane rules for driver's manual - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

The City of Indianapolis and the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles announced changes to the Indiana Driver's Manual that address bike lanes.

One of the biggest complaints the city received after installing new bike lanes in 2011 was that they were confusing for drivers. In fact, there was little guidance from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles driver's manual.

Now a new section in the state's driver's manual addresses those questions. The section focuses on lane markings and what drivers need to keep in mind. For example, you should only cross the solid white line of a bike lane when you are turning. The manual also states and cyclists are not required to use the lanes. They may choose to use the designated bike lane or the travel lane.

The BMV worked with the city and Bicycle Indiana to help create the educational material and increase the number of bike lane-related questions on the driver's written knowledge test.

The manual provides additional information for motorists and their interaction around bike lanes and cyclists as well as the additional study questions. The BMV driver's knowledge test will now choose from a pool of six questions about bike lanes, doubling the previous number. The changes will be effective by the end of July.

The new manual is available online.

As of July 2012, The City of Indianapolis currently has 64 miles of on-street bike lanes. With the Indianapolis Bikeways Plan, a total of 200 miles of bike lanes will be installed over the next 12 years.

See more information on the City of Indianapolis Bikeways program.