shider

Just to through my two cents in, and I don't know if this applies in this specific situation, but
1.) Each cyclist needs to yield at a yield sign regardless of what the cyclist in front of them does.
2.) The ride leader (either formal or just the cyclist(s) in the front) might want to consider whether the entire group can make the traffic gap before entering an intersection. It seems poor form IMHO (in non-race situations) for the leaders not to consider the needs of the entire pack.

Disclaimer: I don't know if the leaders could have known about the car and I don't know the dynamics of the ride group.

dekindy

In addition to the Fishers, IN police department I got consistent information from the Carmel, IN police department as follows:

Each individual bicyclist is required to independently follow the traffic rules and laws. Although most do follow the rules, some cyclists feel that all vehicles should yield to them and really put themselves in jeopardy of being injured. Bicycle groups are not given any special consideration unless it is a sanctioned event where traffic direction by police is present.

I am really glad that I pursued this. I learned a lot about cycling rules and viewed the roundabout educational tool and feel better about negotiating roundabouts in a car also.

Thanks for all the comments.

San Rensho 

I would check your facts, I have NEVER heard of a law that says that in a traffic circle, as opposed to a roundabout (and whats the difference?) traffic inside the circle yeilds to traffic entering the circle.

People are already confused enough over who has the right of way in a traffic circle for there to be two diametrically opposed laws regarding circle v roundabouts.

gurana

If it is the case that a group of cyclists should be treated as one entity entering the traffic circle, then you should obviously all yield to cars already in the circle. But to me, even though it might be read like that on paper, in practice it seems that it would produce awkward and/or unsafe situations...

The whole purpose of yielding to circle traffic is that vehicles in the circle (cars or bikes) shouldn't have to stop while in the circle. If you're riding in a large group you're going to have situations where the leader can simply enter the circle, and any cars that come around before the last cyclist enters will be forced to stop... this can create all types of problems for vehicles behind them. The only solution to that particular situation is to stop the entire group until there is enough time for everybody to get in before the next car comes from another direction. And that situation could further be aggrivated if there are cars piling up besides or behind your group waiting to get into the circle.

So, even though the laws in your particular jursidiction may say to act as one entity in the circle, it would probably be best to act individually, and plan accordingly with your group. Better yet, if at all possible, avoid the traffic circle all together.

DXchulo

What is the fascination with roundabouts in the area? I'm not trying to be a jerk, just curious.

DMF 

Supposedly roundabouts cut down on average speed along a road. Some people feel that cutting down on average speed is major political goal.

dekindy

Accidents at roundabouts tend to be lower speed with less damage and fatalities.

DMF 

I was going to make a smart-ass comment about certain political philosophies that begin with 'L' being dedicated to saving us from ourselves at all costs, but decided not to.

orcanova

Having re-read it I interpreted it opposite as it was intended. However, if a group is going through and a motorist challenges the group I think that is unsafe. The motorist could, regardless of who has right of way, simply yeild and let all the bikes go by, for their safety.

If the law says you have to act individually, regardless whether in a group or not, then I guess it is reasonable for bikes to yeild to the car, even though I think the group splintering creates more dangers than it solves. Regardless of which way the law goes, I think its a jugement call for the cyclist to do what they think is best for their safety, since many motorists wont.