My Motorist Exchange...

[HoosierGiant]

Good job. Next time you might want to "suggest" the driver to read their DMV manual about cyclist's road rights. Maybe tell them what page to look up (since you're all into memorizing numbers and stuff!)

I'm all for that... except for the fact that the Indiana BMV Driver's Manual only has this to say about cyclist's road rights (underline added):

Bicycle Safety
Drivers must routinely share the roadway with bicycles. Bicycles are entitled to the same right of way and are required to observe the same traffic laws as operators of automobiles. However, with a large percentage of bicyclists being children, a driver cannot assume a child will adhere to the laws. The safe and wise driver of fourwheeled vehicles will adjust for this and allow more room for the bicyclist. Be aware that poor nighttime visibility presents special problems to drivers of four-wheeled vehicles where, in some cases, bicyclists will not have proper reflectors or lights.

Bicycle Safety TipsBiking is fun and a great way to stay in shape. However, biking can become very dangerous on roadways, so stay safe by following these tips.
• Always Wear a Helmet: Bike helmets come in different shapes and sizes. When you shop for a helmet, be sure to look for:
o A CPSC sticker, which indicates the helmet meets safety standards.
o Proper fit. The helmet should sit level on your head and touch it all around.
o A bright color to make you more visible to motorists.
• Follow Traffic Rules: Cyclists are required to follow the same traffic rules as
automobiles when traveling on a roadway:
o Obey all stop signs, traffic signals and other laws of driving.
o Ride on the right side of the road, the same direction as traffic.
o Use hand signals to indicate turns and slowing down.
• Be Visible: It is crucial that motorists and other cyclists can see you while riding. Always make sure you are properly visible:
o Wear bright colored clothing and helmet.
o At night, use a headlight; put reflectors on your pedals and wheels, and wear reflective clothing or tape.
o Ride in the right third of the right travel lane so motorists will see you.
• Ride Defensively: Sharing the road with cars means you need to be alert and
ride defensively:
o Always check for oncoming traffic before entering an intersection or merging
onto a road.
o Look behind you before changing lanes.
o Remember that pedestrians have the right of way.
o Beware of motorists turning left; many may misjudge your speed and turn
too soon.
o Be cautious of cars passing on the right of a vehicle turning left.
Following these safety tips may help you prevent crashes or reduce your risk of injury in case of an accident. For more information about bicycle safety, check the National Bicycle Safety Network Web site at www.cdc.gov/ncipc.

Bicycle Facts
• In Indiana, the majority of bicycle accidents occurs during the five spring
and summer months of May – September.
• Nationwide a bicyclist is killed in a traffic accident every 10 hours.

One tiny reference to cyclists having the same right of way; the rest a lecture on what cyclists need to do to ensure their own safety. I understand that bicycles are considered vehicles and need to be included in the manual, but the whole thing seems rather lopsided to me.