By LawInspectsSee, there is no Yes or No answer to this question because riding a bike on the sidewalk can be legal or illegal in different parts of the country, but mostly it is the local city laws that decide on that. So we can’t say for sure. But yes, if you want to understand it all in a much better way, then just keep on reading. Here we go.
Why It’s So Confusing
There has never existed a nationwide law that directly allows or disallows sidewalk biking. Instead, each state sets the parameters of sidewalk biking. To complicate things further, many cities and towns have passed their own local laws. So it becomes a very ambiguous situation depending on who tries to get on their bike to cruise the sidewalk. It might be well within one’s rights in one place, but only blocks away, it might be deemed unlawful.
In addition, bicycles are not treated the same everywhere. Some states consider them as vehicles, much like cars, thus forbidding the riding on sidewalks. Other places, however, treat bicycles more like pedestrians, which implies riding should be done on the sidewalk, though with care to not obstruct people walking.
Where Sidewalk Biking Is Not Allowed at All
There is an existing law in some states that clearly defines that no biking is allowed on sidewalks. For instance, states such as Alabama, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Georgia (except for persons 13 and under) do not permit it. It is because these states treat bicycles as vehicles and, like cars, they have to be on the road.
Where It’s Allowed, But With Conditions
In states like Florida, Oregon, and Colorado, in most places, it is indeed legal to ride on the sidewalk. There are, however, a couple of rules to abide by: you should yield to pedestrians, keep your speeds slow, and give a clear warning before passing someone, either through the sound of a bell or verbal warning like “on your left.”
In many of these states, local signs will indicate if riding along a given sidewalk isn’t allowed in specific areas, typically in business zones or downtown streets with a load of foot traffic.
States That Let Local Cities Decide
Many states would say that no such specific laws exist regarding sidewalk biking, and rather, it is left to the cities and towns to decide. The States of California, Texas, Illinois, and New York are counted under this provision governing sidewalk biking. In other words, in one city, it would be legal to ride on the sidewalk, but in another city, one would be fined for sidewalk riding.
Like, sidewalk biking is legal in Illinois, by state law, insofar as a local ordinance remains silent as to the opposite. But in Chicago, one is not allowed to bike unless one is a child or riding on a marked bike path. Sidewalk biking in some areas of Urbana attracts a fine of $50, while it could go as high as $165 in Champaign. So be sure of the local laws of your city before you start pushing that bike pedal.
What If There’s No Law at All?
Bicycle riding on sidewalks is not specifically stated in many states’ codes. So? Well, to be clear here, you see, this does not mean it is automatically allowed: the local city or town will have its own regulations. Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, and Nevada are some such states.
If there is no super clear rule in your mind regarding the matter, please be cautious. Seek out any indication of signs, or consult your town or city’s official website for biking regulations. So, if you’re still unsure, we’d suggest you do that first to come to a conclusion on whether you’re ok to do so or not.