Can I ride my bike on a sidewalk?

Published on September 06, 2023

Many cyclists, especially younger ones, may not feel comfortable using bike lanes along busy streets. Some may instead look to sidewalks to bike around town. While it is legal to ride a bicycle along most sidewalks in Menlo Park, it’s proven to be less safe than riding in the streets. This article will explain why and provide some safety tips for riding on sidewalks when no other safe option is available.

Riding a bicycle on sidewalks may ultimately endanger everyone. While you, the bicyclist, might feel more comfortable on a separated path, you create hazards for pedestrians, motorists and yourself.

Here are some reasons why:

• Pedestrians walk about 3 mph while cyclists travel about 10-15 mph. Zipping behind and around pedestrians causes them to feel endangered, similar to a cyclist trying to navigate around speeding cars on a busy street. When collisions happen, they can result in moderate to severe injuries.
• Your chances of being "doored," (being hit by a car door opening) increase, as passengers may not expect cyclists to pass the right side of the vehicle.
• At intersections with parked cars or heavy traffic, motorists may be unable to see sidewalk users until just before they turn.
• When fast-traveling bicyclists attempt to cross the intersection, drivers may not have enough time to stop and a collision can occur.
• Cars entering and exiting driveways may not expect a fast-traveling bicyclist on the sidewalk and pull out directly in front of them, causing the cyclist to collide head-on.

Sometimes there’s no other option than to use the sidewalk to safely get to where you need to be. Perhaps construction is obstructing the only available bike lane, you’re avoiding a particularly dangerous thoroughfare that lacks space for a bicyclist, or you’re training your child to ride a bike for the first time – these types of scenarios may warrant the use of a sidewalk.

The following tips will help keep you, your family and others safe as you ride down a sidewalk:

• Maintain a steady, predictable pace, aiming to match the speed of pedestrians, especially in bustling areas.
• When overtaking pedestrians, always give a friendly warning by ringing your bicycle bell or issuing a quick shout, such as "Passing on the left!"
• Stay vigilant for vehicles at driveways; slow down or come to a stop if you spot any entering or exiting.
• Keep a safe distance from storefronts and parked vehicles to prevent collisions with opening doors and individuals exiting stores or vehicles.
• Steer clear of cycling alongside parked cars to minimize the risk of being "doored."
• Reduce your speed when approaching intersections and driveways; remember that drivers may not anticipate cyclists transitioning from the sidewalk to the road, potentially leading to accidents.
• When crossing crosswalks and intersections, dismount and walk your bike. This practice helps avoid right hook collisions, which are particularly prevalent at intersections obstructed by parked vehicles, impeding drivers' visibility of the adjacent sidewalk.

Remember: In Menlo Park, you have to walk your bicycle on the sidewalks of the downtown area (City Code 115.102).