When riding a bicycle am i to ride on the side walk or on the main road?

vortex verifyer

New member
i dunno, i'd feel pretty scared riding on the road and i'd like taking all my shortcuts that i take when n foot, is there like a law or rule or something that says where i should ride? wheres the right place to ride?
 
Cycling on the sidewalk is illegal in some places and you are potentially putting yourself and pedestrians and yourself at more risk, this has been shown in surveys.
 
For Christ's sake, take the sidewalk!

Check your local laws on this first though. In denver, cyclists aren't allowed on the sidewalks (for some reason) and as a result, traffic is about 25% slower and more agonizing (not allowed to pass cyclists on the road in your car), which ironically counteracts the environmentalism of cycling entirely, because everyone driving is running their car, polluting the atmosphere 25% longer each trip.

Not to whine about my city ordinances, but it's wirth investigating. If you have both options, re-read line 1 of my response.

Thanks, ride safely!
 
Local laws vary. Most places make cycling on the road illegal. It's legal in other places, even encouraged. You need to check where you ride.

You are safer on the street. It will take a while, but you will get used to riding in traffic. Sidewalks are dangerous to you and to the pedestrians, mostly because of the great difference in speed. Pedestrians can appear quickly and without notice.

HTH
 
Bicycles are considered as a vehicle and should be ridden on the road. It will depend on your age and the city you live in. Pedestrian's have the right of way on paths if bikes are allowed. Get a helmet if you don't have one and a mirror helps a lot. This site should help in keeping safe.

http://bicyclesafe.com/
 
you are meant to ride on the road by law.
But I know what you mean, riding on the sidewalk in fine as long as your riding at a safe speed for pedestrians cos they can come out of anywhere, kids especially and hitting a kid on a bike at 60km+ would be very very bad
 
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