Sidewalk Riding: Know the Risks
Some bicyclists feel safer on sidewalks because they are separated from motor vehicle traffic. While sidewalk riding eliminates the need for drivers to pass a bicyclist traveling in the street, it creates other hazards—particularly at driveways and intersections.
Drivers may not expect a bicyclist to approach from the sidewalk, especially when the bicyclist is traveling against the direction of traffic.
Remember: Sidewalks may feel safer because they separate you from moving traffic, but they do not eliminate the risk of a crash.
Learn more about the 'Door Zone'
Bicyclist Safety: Ride Defensively
When riding on a sidewalk, use extra caution. Every driveway, intersection, and building entrance can be a potential conflict point.
Slow Down and Be Prepared to Stop
Ride at a slower speed than you would on the street. Be ready to stop for pedestrians, vehicles, and unexpected obstacles.
- Yield to pedestrians at all times.
- Approach driveways and intersections slowly.
- Obey pedestrian WALK and DON'T WALK signals at signalized intersections.
- Dismount and walk your bicycle when conditions are crowded or riding is unsafe.
Watch for Vehicles at Driveways
Always look for cars entering or exiting driveways. Drivers may not see you because their view is blocked by parked vehicles, buildings, fences, trees, or shrubs.
- Slow down before crossing a driveway.
- Look for drivers who may be backing out or turning.
- Never assume a driver has seen you.
- Be prepared to stop, even if you have the right-of-way.
Be Careful at Intersections
A motorist stopped at an intersection may be looking for a gap in traffic and may not notice a bicyclist approaching on the sidewalk.
Don't ride directly in front of a stopped vehicle.
Instead, slow down, make eye contact with the driver when possible, and make sure the driver has noticed you before proceeding. Remember that eye contact alone does not guarantee that a driver will yield.
When practical and lawful, riding in the same direction as street traffic can make your movements more predictable to motorists. Always follow applicable traffic laws and use appropriate bicycle facilities when available.
Yield to Pedestrians
Pedestrians always have the right-of-way on sidewalks.
When approaching someone from behind:
- Slow down well before reaching them.
- Gently ring your bicycle bell or say, “Excuse me."
- Wait for the pedestrian to acknowledge your presence.
- Pass slowly, leaving plenty of space.
- Stop or walk your bicycle if there isn't enough room to pass safely.
Be especially careful around children, older adults, people using mobility devices, and anyone who may not hear your warning.
Motorist Safety
Drivers should remember that bicyclists may be traveling on sidewalks and through crosswalks in either direction relative to nearby motor vehicle traffic.
Expand your normal scanning area to include sidewalks, crosswalks, and paths in all directions—especially when approaching intersections, turning, or entering and exiting driveways.
When Entering or Exiting a Driveway
- Stop where you can see approaching sidewalk users without blocking their path.
- Check both directions along the sidewalk before proceeding.
- Look for bicyclists approaching quickly or traveling against the direction of street traffic.
- Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists on the sidewalk as required by law.
When Approaching Intersections and Crosswalks
- Scan both sides of the roadway and look beyond the immediate travel lanes.
- Check for bicyclists approaching on sidewalks and in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
- Before turning, check for people crossing the street in your path.
- Yield as required by law and proceed only when it is safe to do so.
Don't look only for cars. A bicyclist on the sidewalk may be approaching from a direction you don't expect.
Share the Road—and the Sidewalk
Safe travel is a shared responsibility. Bicyclists should ride at appropriate speeds, yield to pedestrians, and anticipate conflicts at driveways and intersections. Motorists should scan for sidewalk users, make turns carefully, and yield when required.
A few extra seconds of caution can prevent a serious collision.
Slow down. Look in every direction. Expect the unexpected.
