Do you feel like it would be better for bicyclists to ride on the sidewalks instead of in the streets?

Question

I think there are rules that they’re supposed to ride in the street. But I don’t get why. It’s dangerous for the cyclists and they often slow down traffic. To me, the sidewalk seems like it would be better, when both options are available.

NamerOfStars · Accepted Answer

I used to live in a very residential suburban area, and getting out of the development I lived in required passing through at least five streets with a stop sign at each end. That doesn't sound so bad, except that there were SCORES of bicyclists in the area, many of whom felt that stop signs were optional- I can't tell you how many times I'd be stopped at a stop sign, wait my three seconds, then start going, only to have a bicyclist shoot out past my front bumper without even slowing down. One of them was a guy on a RECUMBENT bike. His head is eighteen inches off the ground, but he still assumes everyone will be able to see him, and if I hit him, *I* go to jail.

Then, just last night, I was driving through a nearby college town, when Johnny Dumbfuck (probably not his actual name, but it fits) rides up on his bike on the sidewalk beside me, pulls it up into a mobile wheelie, and rides like that OFF THE SIDEWALK AND INTO TRAFFIC, CUTTING ME OFF. He then procedes to KEEP riding it that way, through street after street, occasionally hopping onto or off the curb, or weaving drunkenly between lanes of traffic. I try slowing down to let him get past me, but he slows down, too. I try speeding up, but the speed limit's so low that he can keep up with me. His bike has NO lights and NO reflectors, and he's not even wearing light-colored clothing. At one point, he's slightly ahead of me on the sidewalk, and I- finally!- see him turn to the right, and think I'll be free of him at last, but HE VEERS IN A CIRCLE AND POPS OUT IN FRONT OF ME ON THE ROAD AGAIN! And once more, I hit him- I go to jail.

So I do think we need SOME kind of licensing program to use a bike; they're supposed to be a means of transportation, recreation, and exercise, not suicide.

MuddyMole · Accepted Answer

They need to be banned from both.
Like horse-riding, it's fine as a hobby, but completely idiotic as a means of transport. I'd support building more velodromes and cycle trails - but cyclists have no business being anywhere near roads.

VinnyMac · Answer

I don't drive because of anxiety and have always gotten around by carpooling, busses, taxis and cycling. Depending where you live largely depends on how a person should ride. Obviously cycling in a small or big city is going to be different from a small or big town.

Depending where you live some places have Bike Lanes, which are ideal for a cyclist to use. If there are no bike Lanes you are left to ride on the side of the road or on a sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk or space on the side of the road then you don't have much choice other than to bike on the road.

Every country is going to be different. Within Canada, each province and places within are different, similar to the US where each state and other places will be different. There are many different scenarios to consider when trying to answer this question. You can give answer, but that answer is not going to apply everywhere.

In the scenario you described I would say that biking on the sidewalk is safer, because riding on the road slows down traffic and places you in a position that can put a cyclist in real danger. If cars are in danger of getting in an accident simply diving than so is a bike, but the margin of error for a bike puts the rider in a position where there's little room for mistakes. No matter if your riding a bike, motorcycle or driving a car accidents can always always happen and we must all do our part to keep that from happening.

The town where I used to live it was illegal to bike on the sidewalk. We had a RCMP officer who would pull over cyclist and issue a warning or at times a fine depending on the circumstances. I usually would abide by the rules when I saw him around and when he wasn't exercise my own discretion. What I found amusing us that he more often than not would not follow the law either. He would throw his weight around, popping up here and there and he was the one who was a hazard. The whole town viewed him like one of those cops who you see on TV that are just a complete joke. He was only ever a bicycle cop so it begged to question why that was.

Anyways, I believe every situation is going to be a little different depending where you are. I think the best thing to do is always be safe. As a cyclist you have to constantly be paying attention to your surroundings and how you need to be responding in every different scenario.

What blows my mind is how many people don't wear helmets. They may not be legal everywhere, but generally It's always better to be safe than sorry. I've had quite a few accidents over the years some worse than others and having a helmet is of utmost importance. Had I not had a helmet I could of been seriously injured or even dead.

Bottom line is that as a cyclist we always need to be careful and should always wear a helmet!

blackgaletiger · Answer

I used to ride on the sidewalk when i used to go to school or the gym. Nobody complained because i will be riding closer to the road or on the grass when i would pass someone. They just have to be aware of their surroundings for that. Roads are dangerous especially when its dark. Its more frustrating to say the least. Where I live the government implemented bike lanes on a lot of streets and downtown areas as covid brought more people to the biking community. I think bike lanes are a better alternative to the problem

Aerissa_Jade · Answer

I've seen people get hit on sidewalks by bicyclists at high speed, and since they do not have insurance, the person they hit ends up in the hospital missing weeks or months or work and now has to try and sue a rider who may have nothing to pay them back. I've also seen them hit by cars in crosswalks, which around here in the nearby city its illegal to ride anything with wheels through a cross walk, that isn't designed for handicapped people.

My cousin got hit while riding his bike through a cross walk and he got the ticket, cause he was breaking the law. He had to fix the car that hit him and pay for his own medical bills.

I could support riding on sidewalks if they were required to have insurance. Otherwise bike lanes are the best or with traffic.

Phoenix-gb · Answer

UK centric answer here. While I'm now a driver and can get a bit annoyed when stuck behind a cyclist when there's no space to overtake, having also been a pedestrian and struck by a cyclist using the pavement/sidewalk instead of the street, they're a danger to pedestrians in that situation.

They're supposed to behave like cars and slow down or go around the pedestrian, but most think it's fine to just barrel through expecting the pedestrians to get out of the way. (they claim they rang their bell but as most people wear headphones when walking these days, it's not always possible to hear)

Cycle lanes would be best, but as most roads these days are barely wide enough for two cars it would be impossible to fit them in without demolishing everything and starting from scratch. So while it's still annoying to get stuck behind them, the road is still the best place for them.

laurieluvsit · Answer

In the US, bicyclists are to stay as far to the right shoulder of the road as possible or in a bicycle lane if one is present, but out of traffic.

They are allowed to go into traffic to turn, if it is safe, or if they are able to ride at the speed of traffic.

Pedestrians would be at risk if bicyclists were to be on the sidewalk, especially with some of the speed demon guys I know riding them... lol

Do you feel like it would be better for bicyclists to ride on the sidewalks instead of in the streets?

artstatues · Answer

where I live, it is illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk! Few people know this. Certainly, the drivers who regularly shout at me to get on the sidewalk when I’m legally cycling on the road don’t know it

As a cyclist, I prefer to be on the road since my relative speed to cars is closer than my relative speed to pedestrians. Cars are also easier to predict, as they are following rules while moving. Pedestrians in the other hand, can do whatever they want, such as stopping abruptly, turning, falling, running after a ball, walking a puppy that behaves even more erratically with a leash attached between them, etc.

Guy13 · Answer

It would be better if those retards would get a car with a bike rack and stick the 🚲 on the back of it for multiple reasons:
Firstly, no self-respecting woman is going to go on “bike ride first date”.

Secondly, the fact you can ride those things and wave to a car says a whole lot about the size of your MANLINESS.

Thirdly, at least 🚙 with 🚲 rack communicates you know when to work and play…even if you are Big Green people.

Dead from crash or Cute and poor, what’s the difference ⁉️

dontgetafemalecanine · Answer

In most western countries, their driving law or road code say that cyclist are permitted on normal roads at speed of 50km/hr. sometimes even giving them cyclist lanes.

My point is there are cyclists who die every year from traffic incidents. My friend's younger brother (turning 18 this year), a cyclist died training for a fundraising event just 3 days ago. Sidewalk lanes would be safer. It may cause some disruption however a bell to alert others you are passing would be acceptable.

(side note: I prefer no highway/motorway, no walking, no cycling (i tell people i can't ride them when I actually can). Me driving a protective vehicle has a better chance for me to live than killed by some idiots or teenagers (crime) driving recklessly. )

BluishGaze · Answer

I used to ride a bike (mountain bike) to work in Florida, USA.

I preferred to use the road when few cars were present, since it gave me a chance to really speed up, but as soon as I noticed a car behind me, I would often change to the sidewalk when ever I could.

If it's a really busy road, I would opt to stay on the sidewalk. And if pedestrians were around (which wasn't often), I would get off my bike and walk until it was clear again. Never had any issues with law enforcement, so I kept at it.

I've had a few experiences riding with other cyclists and they were ALWAYS so slow and careless, even when riding expensive looking road bikes, and fully geared up.

KatieB713 · Answer

As someone who has had more near misses from bikes than cars, bikes are safer on the street as they are going in one direction and there is less chance of collision.
In the UK, it is actually illegal to bike on the pavement (not that anyone listens to that). Where I use to live there was a one way system and people on bikes would just go the wrong way down the system but go up onto the pavement so they could go the way they wanted to. The pavement wasn't wide, so they almost hit people and if a pedestrian was infront they would just try and ride wrong rather than slowing down. Had to pull a school kid out the way once as they were almost hid by a bike

lrina · Answer

yeah, however the bicyclists shouldn't be allowed to ride over a certain speed. riding on a bike in the road really isn't safe. however they can also pose a risk to people who take the sidewalks in some cities. so i think it'd be best to have a certainly speed limit for bikers but allow them to ride on teh sidewalk.

DonkeyDan · Answer

I do think they should stick to the roads, but I also think cyclists should have to pass a test same as drivers do, and be insured same as motor vehicle drivers are. Cyclists are a menace to pedestrians on pavements (sidewalks) but untrained cyclists are also a menace to road users. Quote a few roads in the UK have cycle lanes which helps with the problems, but the biggest issue with cyclists on the roads is their entitled attitude.

The_Shadow_Dweller · Answer

I saw a video regarding New York cycle post deliveries.
These guys were on a bicycle, in a heavily trafficked area, and they were skipping signals like bicyclists skip over speed breakers.
There were many scenes in which they were this close to cause a major accident.

Mandatory, separate, even if narrow roads are there; these roads must be there.

wheresmrcunnunglis · Answer

Im in the US and the state that I'm in is very cyclist conscious and has great scores when it comes to cyclist safety. with that said my answer is NO! A bike is a vehicle and capable of damaging a person like a car depending on how fast it goes. I have a full on steel 50 pound dutch bike do I would definitely hurt someone if I'm not careful when riding on the sidewalks which I rarely do. There are bike lanes for a reason. I use them whenever I can or take shortcuts through the bike trails in the parks to get to my destination. Pedestrians should not have to look out for me or me for them. With that said, i do get irritated now when pedestrians J-walk or cross the street when it clearly says "don't cross" or is a green light. So damn dangerous!

muscularbumblebee · Answer

No way. There’s so many crazy cyclists youngsters speeding with their loud music on side walks as it is when they shouldn’t.. I agree roads are quite dangerous and so that’s why I don’t cycle much myself but where I am anyway there’s a special path on the side of the ride for bikes only it’s quite common I think that’s best. But to answer your question if I had to choose between the two then roads I guess

SnakeBoop · Answer

meh i think depends on location. in the uk its law they need to travel on road. but in a busy town it seems safer to ride on the sidewalk provided no pedestrians/wide enough to accomidate both users.

josephinelcajon · Answer

WoW! This really depends on conditions of location. I think bicycle lanes in the street are the best option and on fast busy streets I have seen barricades used to protect the bikes from the cars. BUT the amount of bike riders MUST be enough to warrant the expense

douride2 · Answer

in my opinion bicycles should be mixed in with vehicles on the street. It's a hazard. Especially for the cyclist. A collision between a motor vehicle of any type & a bike. The bike loses every time. I know that first hand.

Jamie05rhs · Answer

I think there should be a minimum speed limit for bikes on streets and a maximum speed limit for bikes on sidewalks. Then let the bicyclists choose which one they want to ride on. And hiking trail rules for horses would apply to the bikes on sidewalks.

Staximus · Answer

There was a fixed gear bicycle riding craze in my city a few years back and all these idiots were riding bicycles with no brakes in traffic and getting hit by cars. Sometimes when one would die, their friends or family would spray paint a bicycle all white and chain it up to the nearest tree, post, pole, etc. and put candles around it. For a couple of years there were quite a few white bicycles. It was sad and stupid.

AviatorTom · Answer

Bicycles should be in teh street, ideally in a dedicated bike lane.

Bicycles on streets at least come close to doing the same speed as cars, and they are in the same lane as cars, going in one direction only, making collisions less likely. Bicycles would be going in opposite directions on the same sidewalk, making a collision more probable, and they'd be going much faster than pedestrians walk on the sidewalk, meaning a collision would be very damaging.

Varanus · Answer

It's highly dependent on where you live. In a dense city with slow traffic and a lot of pedestrians, it's safer to have bicycles on the street. In the suburbs where traffic is faster and few people walk, bicycles should keep to the sidewalks.

dustybiker · Answer

Better for cyclists, but is it better for the people already on the sidewalk? Or entering and exiting stores? Not really. Luckily my town has a lot of cycle routes that loop around town away from traffic.

Morning_Cereal · Answer

I bicycle to work and street is more space sidewalk I have to watch out for people. Usually there is a lane just for bicycles on the street but not always. I don’t like biking it’s just for me to get to work.

Redstang88 · Answer

Yeah. They’re a hazard to themselves and everyone around them when they’re on the road

collie22 · Answer

around here bicycle riders are idiots. they don't follow traffic laws or common sense or even self preservation running traffic lights and stop signs cutting in front of cars and causing general mayhem. i can't think of a safe place for them

Bratsondanielle · Answer

It's very rare to see a bike where I live but they usually ride on the shoulder

exitseven · Answer

I sometimes ride on the sidewalks but they are pretty dangerous with mailboxes and trees as well as driveways and what about people walking?

FunkyMonkee · Answer

Walks are nearly always safer for the rider but sometimes not so safe for the walkers!

XXblack88 · Answer

I rather be on sidewalk then the street with a bike 🚴

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

Yes, the street sounds bad. The sidewalk would be better.

NathanDavis · Answer

sidewalks are more dangerous, by chance... that's where people walk and kids play, dogs hang out and what not... lol

Bubbles16 · Answer

Yeah I think a sidewalk would be better because I actually read that its illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk

Surely · Answer

Bicycles need to ride single file. Not tie up traffic. Obey stop signs and be written up for violating laws the same as motorists!

Still-alive · Answer

They are trying to add more bike lanes everywhere near me. But nah i think the street is still safer unless the sidewalk is deserted

Iron_Man · Answer

I’ve never rode my bike on the highway way too dangerous I always ride on the sidewalk

Mangospacho · Answer

Nooooo. Bicycles are vehicles, just slower than cars. I am in favor of bike lanes, though.

ragooo8 · Answer

If cyclists were restricted to 5 mph but what happens is pedestrians get hit by cyclists

GMANN56 · Answer

I ride for exercise which means I ride fast. So I need the road. I obey traffic laws and completely agree with ticketing those who don't.

Likes2drive · Answer

Yeah if no pedestrians but it’s dangerous if they are there

TheBigGuy9 · Answer

Ride on the street close to the curb. We never had a problem before. Dirt bikes you can ride on sidewalk, but not mountain bikes

Jerre · Answer

Sidewalk better if your streets don’t have a marked bicycle trail

SurströmmingLover · Answer

Please, let them be as far as possible from the sidewalk. I don't want those irresponsible people to drive like nuts next to me.

Twalli · Answer

What if both options aren't available? It's hard to switch.

Wise4myage · Answer

No, hell no. Bikes don't belong on sidewalks, and neither do those stupid electric scooters.

crmoore · Answer

Bikes in the road is a pet peeve of mine tbch

pizzalovershouse · Answer

If there is a bike lane on the side walk

CuriousMufuxka · Answer

Street. Given the fact that I haven't rode one in about 20 years, there were bike lanes even then!

Astarlessnightsky · Answer

Cyclist lane. Just bikes.

Citizenkirk · Answer

No, it would put walkers in harm's way

cyclist89 · Answer

Cyclist here - in my country we use bike paths. ;p

MuchMoreLikeDoomsday · Answer

in my opinion bike lanes

Waldoe · Answer

sidewalks as long as they stopped for pedestrians

Cuminginside · Answer

I can go either way.

Adam_West · Answer

There is no sidewalk.

Do you feel like it would be better for bicyclists to ride on the sidewalks instead of in the streets?

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