In the effort of becoming a bicycle friendly community, the Warsaw Police Department has begun to increase the enforcement of state and local ordinances that pertain to bicyclists and motorists.

Under Indiana law, bicyclists are recognized as vehicles and have all the rights and duties of any other vehicle. Thus, cyclists must obey all traffic laws, and drivers of motor vehicles must treat cyclists as equal users of the public way.

Patrol officers may cite motorists and bicyclists for violations of state laws and local ordinances. The following infractions will be given extra attention by patrol officers who are seeking the safety and well-being of all road users.

For Cyclists:

• Wrong Way Riding- Cyclists should travel in the same direction as all other traffic.
• Turning Left from Right Lane or far right side of the lane.
• Not Obeying Traffic Control Signals and Signs (including Stop-Signs).
• Failure to have a front white light visible from 500 feet from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunset and a red rear reflector or light visible from 500 feet for the same time period.
• Riding more than two abreast.

For Motorists:

• Turning Left in front of a cyclist who is headed in the opposite direction. (Failure to yield right of way)
• Passing a cyclist, traveling in the same direction, and making an immediate right turn in front of the cyclist, or stopping.
• Disregarding Traffic Control devices (Running Stop Signs & and Red Light running).
• Opening vehicle door in front of cyclist.
• Failing to yield the right of way to other vehicles, including cyclists.
• Distracted driving: Under Indiana Law it is illegal to send, read or write text messages while operating a moving motor vehicle.

The Warsaw Police Department encourages cyclists to be courteous to other road users and for motorists to be patient with all road users. Vehicles and cyclists have the right to be on the public way, but they also have the responsibility to obey all traffic laws. Stay safe.