Columbus, IN Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)

Section 10.56.100 of the Columbus Municipal Code is the core riding rule. Subsection A requires every person operating a bicycle on a roadway to ride as near to the right hand side as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. Subsection B bars riding more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Subsection C directs riders to a usable path for bicycles that has been provided adjacent to a roadway and forbids using the roadway in that case.

Other sections in Chapter 10.56 fill in the rest. Section 10.56.080 gives a bicycle rider on a roadway the rights and duties of a vehicle driver under state rules of the road and the city code. Section 10.56.090 requires obeying traffic control signals and signs, with a dismount-and-walk option at no-turn signs. Section 10.56.110 forbids a speed greater than reasonable and prudent. Section 10.56.120 requires yielding to pedestrians on a sidewalk, and to vehicles on the roadway, when emerging from an alley, driveway or building. Section 10.56.140 requires one hand on the handlebars, and § 10.56.130 forbids attaching a bicycle or rider to a vehicle on a roadway.

Sidewalks and parking get two rules. Section 10.56.160 bars riding on a sidewalk within a business district, and the chief of police with the city traffic engineer can sign any sidewalk or roadway against bicycles. Section 10.56.150 requires parking on the roadway against the curb, in a sidewalk rack, or against a building or curb in the way that gives the least obstruction to pedestrian traffic.

Equipment and licensing apply too. Section 10.56.170 requires a white front lamp and a red rear reflector at night and a working brake. Under §§ 10.56.030 through 10.56.050 a Columbus resident needs a bicycle license from the chief of police, effective January 1st through December 31st, for a one dollar fee. Section 10.56.010 reaches path riding and makes parents and guardians answerable for a child or ward who violates the chapter.