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Adult bicycle riding on sidewalks is prohibited in many municipalities. It is prohibited statewide for e-bikes, except where allowed by local laws. In general, we don’t advise biking on sidewalks for adults, primarily because you’re not as visible and predictable there. There are a fair amount of crashes that involve sidewalk riding. Expert John Forester advises sidewalk riding “only in short-distance maneuvering, such as riding on the left sidewalk to reach a particular driveway a half-block away…” (Many municipalities require kids biking on their own to ride on the sidewalks, see this article). |
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You should ride in the road where you are more visible and predictable. When riding on the road you have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Riding on the left side of the road against traffic is illegal and very dangerous. SO RIDE ON THE RIGHT. Ride near the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway or upon a usable right-hand shoulder in such a manner as to prevent undue interference with the flow of traffic except when coming out for a turn or to avoid obstructions or hazardous conditions. Do not ride with your tires an inch from the curb. You should ride as far to the right as you can while remaining safe, giving yourself suitable room to maneuver. We recommend giving yourself three feet of clear space on each side of you. Ride three feet to the left of curbs and parked cars. And ride in such a way that passing cars on your left pass you with at least three feet of clearance. I the lanes is too narrow for a motorist and cyclist to safely share side by side, the law allows a cyclist to ride in the center of that lane (what we call “taking” or “controlling the lane”) to deter unsafe passing. |
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It’s important to note that if you’re riding on a street with a dedicated bike facility (say a bike lane or cycletrack), it’s the law to use it unless it’s obstructed/unsafe or you’re coming out to prepare for a turn. Bike lanes can be unsafe for all sorts of reasons: flooding, road debris like glass, puddles, unplowed snow, a grate that’ll tear up your tires, sticks or branches, parked cars, etc. The same goes for shoulders: If they’re clear, by all means ride there. Unlike a motorist, you have that right. Do not weave in and out between parked cars in the shoulder. The goal is to maintain a straight, predictable line for as much of the time as you can. If you’re riding in the shoulder and a parked car is up ahead, don’t wait til the last moment before veering into the roadway; come out earlier when a good opportunity allows so you’re already maintaining a straight line when passing that parked car with at least three feet of clearance. |
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In summary:
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