Is it illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk? US Bicycle Laws Explained

SOME like to stroll through the streets, others prefer to zoom along on two wheels.

However, some US states specifically prohibit cyclists from using the sidewalk and strictly direct them to designated bike lanes.

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Is it illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk?

Whether you can ride a bike on the sidewalk without fear of a fine depends heavily on where you live.

Corresponding become unfit There are a handful of states that have chosen not to ban or allow bicycling on the sidewalk, such as:

• Arizona
• California
• New York – * NYC strictly prohibits it
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Mississippi
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Vermont
• West Virginia

Bike laws vary by age, city and other factors depending on where you live. So be aware of where you want to ride.

Cycling on the sidewalk should generally be avoided in crowded cities due to the increased risk of collision with pedestrians.

But the choice of route can also affect motorists – as they may not be able to see you when you eventually pull into traffic.

Which states have specific restrictions on riding a bike on the sidewalk?

Bike laws in the US may not be as simple as you might think.

Many states have complicated loopholes and special exceptions for cycling on the sidewalk.

Here are the states where you may need to pay close attention to the laws about whether or not you can drive on the sidewalk:

• Alaska – allowed except in the business district
• Arkansas – allowed, but most cities prohibit it
• District of Columbia – allowed with various restrictions, e.g. B. Prohibiting driving in a business district and bicycles on a sidewalk must give way to pedestrians
• Georgia – allowed for children up to 12 years
• Hawaii – Allowed as long as speed is 10 mph or less
• Massachusetts – Permitted outside business areas for security reasons
• Missouri – allowed except in the business district
• Oregon – allowed with various restrictions
• Utah – Bicycles on a sidewalk must give way to pedestrians
• Virginia – Bicycles on a sidewalk must give way to pedestrians and have all the rights and responsibilities of a pedestrian under the same circumstances.
• Washington – allowed as cyclists enjoy the same rights as pedestrians but must give way to pedestrians

While some cities have specific exceptions, most states in the US fully allow it. Just watch out for pedestrians.

In which states can you ride a bicycle on the sidewalk?

There are laws that cyclists must follow to protect pedestrians, vehicles on the road and the cyclists themselves.

Here are the states where you can ride your bike on the sidewalk with peace of mind:

• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Washington
• Wisconsin

To ensure your driving is legal, always check local laws in your area to avoid subpoenas.

Many cyclists say they can ride more safely and relaxed on the pavement without worrying about being on the road.