Updated City Code Improves Safety for Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Bloomington, Ind. -  City Council’s recent code updates to Title 15, the municipal text that regulates vehicles and other traffic, will improve safety and increase legal protections for pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders, and other vulnerable road users.  

Significant changes to the code include the following additions:

• Commonly referred to as the 3-foot passing law, vulnerable road user protections require motor vehicles to maintain at least three feet while passing vulnerable road users including pedestrians, construction workers, motorcycles, and bicyclists.

• Motor vehicle drivers and passengers must show caution when opening doors or leaving doors ajar so as to not impact bicyclists, pedestrians, or other motor vehicles.

• Motor vehicles are prohibited from driving in, parking in, or obstructing a bike lane.

• To promote common courtesy and reinforce pedestrian safety, bicyclists and skateboarders on multi-use trails, multi-use paths, and sidewalks must take the following precautions:

1. Bicyclists and skateboarders must always yield to pedestrians.

2. Bicyclists and skateboarders must give an audible signal and maintain a distance of at least three feet when passing a pedestrian. The general rule of thumb: If the sidewalk is too narrow, don’t pass a pedestrian.

3. Bicyclists, skateboarders and other users must slow down when crossing or passing through driveways and intersections.

4. Bicyclists and skateboarders must dismount in zones designated by signs on the sidewalk.

• Because bicyclists are no longer required to register bicycles with the City, the code encourages cyclists to register bicycles with online systems in which registration remains in good standing throughout bicycle ownership.

As always, the City encourages all forms of traffic, whether pedestrian, bicycle or motor vehicle, to remain vigilant and courteous while on roads, sidewalks, and other paths. Residents are encouraged to report traffic violations or dangerous situations to the police.  

To read Title 15 in its entirety, please visit bloomington.in.gov/council/legislation/2017.

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