One of the most complicated elements of being a cyclist is where exactly you can cycle your bike. Sometimes cycling on the road isn’t always possible or safe because of traffic, other road users, or the road condition.
Therefore can you cycle your road bike on the sidewalk or pavement?
Typically, bikes are not allowed on the sidewalks or pavement of some cities and towns. Major cities such as San Francisco and New York have laws banning road bikes from sidewalks. However, in the UK, cycling on the pavement is illegal, but the Police have discretion and may not issue a fine.
It’s essential to read the laws of the cities and towns where you ride.
Each one could be different.
What’s more, is knowing tips for cycling on sidewalks politely.
This post is about exploring the official and unofficial rules you should know for riding your road bike on a sidewalk. Keep reading to find out more.
Can Road Bikes Be Cycled on the Sidewalk or Pavement?
You can ride your bike on a sidewalk or pavement when there isn’t a law saying otherwise.
Many cities have written laws banning road bikes from their sidewalks for several reasons.
The intention is to keep pedestrians on the sidewalks and pavement safe. However, they will build dedicated cycle lanes for cyclists to move through towns and cities carefully.
Each state and city has its own set of bike laws. Sometimes it’s obvious whether you can ride on the sidewalk or not. Regardless, it would help if you always looked up the cycling regulations when you’re riding somewhere new.
You can do this on state, county, and city government websites. The League of American Bicyclists also has information about this.
In the UK, cycling on the pavement is illegal, but this law was created in 1840 and is within the same law that stops motorists from parking their cars on pavements.
Although there is a law in place as long as you are not riding dangerously and putting pedestrians at risk, the Police use the power of discretion and will not fine you.
Therefore, you can cycle on the pavement, but you must be cautious.
To discover how to ride your bike through busy streets and cities, check out this article that explains cycling safety on the roads.
How To Cycle On A Sidewalk Or Pavement Carefully
If you are going to cycle on the sidewalk or pavement, there are some things you should know that will make your ride better. Pedestrians typically don’t want bikes on the sidewalk.
It makes them feel unsafe.
So, while you feel safer, they feel less secure.
Many cyclists report pedestrians to the local authorities and openly display their frustrations. They’ll make rude comments, display easy-to-understand gestures, and clarify that you are not wanted on the sidewalk or pavement.
If this happens, find the nearest cycle lane or move onto the road. If you feel uneasy about cycling on the road, plan your route and use cycle paths or bike lanes.
Most cyclists ride on the sidewalk or pavement because it seems like a safer option to the road. But it isn’t always as safe as you may think.
You need to be hyper-vigilant when you’re coming down off the sidewalk to cross a road or pass over a driveway. Drivers won’t be looking for you on a bike when you’re on the sidewalk. It’s up to you to look out for them.
Therefore, cycling on the road is the best option because you can move with the traffic flow, making it a lot easier than weaving through pedestrians on the street.
But if you decided to cycle on the sidewalk, be polite and understanding and treat pedestrians on the sidewalk as if you’re borrowing their space. Give them as much space as possible.
Don’t pass them at high speeds and with little margins. It’s rude, and it’s dangerous.
Always have a bell or some way of alerting people on the pavement that you are coming, and never wear headphones.
Put yourself in their shoes and understand that sidewalks are meant for walking. You are a guest there, so be gracious and empathetic.
You can ride road bikes on the sidewalk if there aren’t laws in place forbidding it. Many cities have dedicated bike lanes to keep cyclists safe and off their sidewalks.
Make sure you know the rules wherever you’re riding to avoid getting penalised.
