An image coding method for coding an image on a block-by-block basis to generate a bitstream includes: deriving, as a first merging candidate, a merging candidate which is a combination of a prediction direction, a motion vector, and a reference picture index for use in coding of the current block; deriving, as a second merging candidate, a merging candidate having a motion vector which is a predetermined vector; selecting a merging candidate to be used for the coding of the current block from the derived first merging candidate and the derived second merging candidate; and attaching an index for identifying the selected merging candidate to the bitstream.