A busy Bay Area street can be an intimidating place for a cyclist, making the sidewalk an appealing option – but is it the safest option? At the end of the day, there is no clear answer and it depends on many factors.
There are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to take your ride on the sidewalk or keep it on the street. Some of these considerations are strictly from a safety perspective, but others are written into law.
It’s best to assess every instance individually, as surroundings may change, regulations may differ, and risk will certainly vary from ride to ride.
Avoiding dangerous roads
The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that about 42,000 bicyclists are injured in roadway crashes annually and approximately 1,000 cyclists die in traffic crashes. This statistic alone might make the road seem like a scary, unsafe place – and sometimes the sidewalk may be preferable.
But not all streets are the same, so deciding whether it’s safer to ride on the sidewalk versus the road will be based on a variety of considerations. Are there bike lanes? Are they separated from traffic? What’s the speed limit on the road? How much traffic is there?
A number of studies show how much bike lanes improve safety for cyclists and drivers alike. Bike lanes with barriers (protected bike lanes) are considered even safer because they physically separate cars, but they can be less common in many areas. In the Bay Area, there are efforts to increase these bike lanes in some areas, especially as cycling has grown in popularity.
When a bike lane is present, it’s almost always preferable to use it unless there are road damages or blockages that make it unsafe or unrealistic to use. It’s not uncommon to see a car wrongly parked in a bike lane, especially in a busy area. This can be frustrating and cause dangerous environments for cyclists and drivers. In these situations, it’s best to analyze the scene. If there’s no oncoming traffic, maneuvering around the obstacle into the road may be the best option. In areas of high traffic, the sidewalk may be safer.
Consider other road users
You may feel safer on a sidewalk, separated from cars, but riding on the sidewalk doesn’t alleviate every risk for you and other cyclists and pedestrians. Riding on a sidewalk still puts you in close quarters with others. Pedestrians may not expect a cyclist along their path or notice that you’re so close to them. This can create risk for you and them, especially if they unknowingly move into your path of travel or dart unexpectedly.
If a cyclist is wrongly riding on a sidewalk where they shouldn’t be, this kind of crash could put the cyclist at fault. It also could put the cyclist’s safety at risk. Crashes with pedestrians could still lead to injuries, including scrapes and broken bones, and spill out into the street where cars could pose a danger.
When you do ride on the sidewalk, remember to be courteous and warn any pedestrians of your presence. They may not be aware that you’re riding behind them and this will help to not startle them. A simple “on your left” will help. Remember that they are in the proper place and you are a guest on the sidewalk.
Check local laws
Whether you feel safer on a sidewalk may be trumped by local ordinances. There is no statewide law that dictates whether you can or cannot ride on a sidewalk, but individual cities and municipalities all have their own say. Each local law is written differently and comes with different fines, so it may be worthwhile to double-check the law in your area.
Los Angeles: There’s a patchwork of rules across the city, sometimes even changing block by block. The Los Angeles Municipal Code says one can legally ride their bike on sidewalks as long as the cyclist doesn’t show a “willful or wanton disregard” for the safety of others. However, unincorporated areas of Los Angeles county, like Marina Del Ray and East LA, prohibit the action. And in West Hollywood, a local ordinance says riding on the sidewalk is OK if there are no bike lanes. While this may all seem confusing, there are local resources that can help explain when and where it’s allowed to ride on the sidewalk.
San Francisco: The San Francisco Transportation Code is clear in its ordinance that sidewalks are not for bicycles. The action is illegal for cyclists over the age of 13.
Making the most out of street riding
As you can see, there are many grey areas on whether riding a bike on the sidewalk is in your best interest — and it may not always be the safest option. Fortunately, there are ways to increase your safety when you are riding on the street:
- Be seen: Make sure your bicycle is outfitted with the correct lights or reflective gear. While it’s not required to wear brightly-colored or reflective clothing, it can help, especially when it’s dark or there’s inclement weather.
- Ride with traffic, not against it: It may feel safer to ride against traffic so you can see it better, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Riding against traffic can confuse drivers and put cyclists at risk. Additionally, in California, it’s state law for cyclists to ride with traffic. It is only acceptable to go against traffic if the cyclist is walking their bike.
- Use hand signals: Intersections can be especially risky for cyclists in some areas, so letting drivers know your intentions is always a good idea. Indicating a turn will let a driver know you’re slowing down. This can help minimize dangerous collisions from behind. Visit the Bay Area Bike Law guide to hand signals to learn more.
Cycling is full of considerations, especially when it comes to safety, so while cohabitating with pedestrians may seem like a safer option, it’s best to consider the law, obstacles in the road, and traffic.
If you are involved in a crash, reach out to experts who can help. Bay Area Bicycle Law is dedicated to helping cyclists across California and is the only Bay Area firm that solely focuses on bicycle-related personal injury cases.
Consultations are always free. Call (415) 466-8717 to get started.