Bicycling on Sidewalks: A Guide to Staying Legal and Safe

By Howard Krepack, Esq.

Given the diversity within the Los Angeles bicycling community, it comes as no surprise that we have different opinions regarding bicycling on sidewalks.  Many bicyclists prefer the continuity and visibility of the roadway.  Others enjoy the relaxed pace of sidewalks, or the separation from motorists.  Still others only use sidewalks as “climbing lanes” up steep hills, or only to pass particularly unwelcoming stretches of road. 

For those who wish to bicycle on the sidewalk, there are additional legal and safety issues to keep in mind. 

Legal Concerns

Within the City of Los Angeles, bicycling on a sidewalk is permitted as long as you do not show “willful and wonton disregard for the safety of persons or property” (LAMC 56.15.1).  This means riding at a cautious speed, yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians, and watching for storefront doors opening onto the sidewalk. 

Outside the City of Los Angeles, the law gets complicated.  Some municipalities prohibit bicycling on the sidewalk in defined “business districts.”  Some require bicyclists to travel in the same direction as traffic in the adjacent lane.  Some prohibit sidewalk-riding outright.  To learn your municipality’s rules, visit the Los Angeles Department of Transportation’s Bike Blog, which has a comprehensive list.

Crosswalks and intersections can be difficult to navigate legally and practically speaking.  Unless municipal law states otherwise, if you are permitted to bicycle on the sidewalk, then you are permitted to bicycle in the crosswalk.  Still, bicyclists must enter the crosswalk with caution, look for turning vehicles and yield to pedestrians.   

Safety Concerns

Many bicycle safety advocates advise that roads are generally safer than sidewalks.  Bicyclists on sidewalks may be obscured by trees, parked vans and hedges.  Motorists do not expect—and often do not look for—bicyclists entering intersections or crossing driveways or garage entrances.   

Still, faced with poor road conditions, racing traffic, a steep climb or a lack of alternative routes, even a seasoned bicyclist may have good reason to take a sidewalk. 

If you want to take the sidewalk for all or part of your journey, the first step to a safe and pleasant ride is planning your route.  Try to avoid sidewalks with the following:

• Freeway entrances or exits
• Frequent traffic pulling in and out of parking lots and garages
• Crowds of pedestrians and vendors
• Obstacle courses (a narrow sidewalk cluttered with fire hydrants, bus shelters, sidewalk signs and opening store doors)

Consider taking less-traveled streets without these hazards.  Remember: the most direct route for motorists is frequently not the safest or most comfortable route for bicyclists. 

While taking your new-and-improved route, remember to be a defensive bicyclist. 

• Take it slow.  Motorists are accustomed to only looking for relatively slow-moving pedestrians on sidewalks.  Keeping a more relaxed pace makes you more likely to see—and be seen by—motorists.  
• Beware of intersections.  When a motorist starts pulling out of a garage or turning into your path, assume they do not see you.  You may wish to walk your bicycle across particularly unsafe intersections. 
• Watch for blind spots.  A motorist backing out of a driveway may not be able to see you until he or she is halfway across the sidewalk. 

Finally, keep in mind that our sidewalks are not bicycle freeways; they are public spaces to be enjoyed by everyone.  Just as motorists must share the road, bicyclists choosing to use sidewalks must be considerate of other users.  And just as a car horn is an unwelcome announcement of a passing vehicle, a bell is no substitute for caution and courtesy.  

No one knows the hazards and frustrations of being passed too closely by a speeding vehicle better than bicyclists.  If we need to pass someone, we must slow down considerably and give ample space.  

Knowing your rights and responsibilities is crucial when you are riding a bicycle, be it on a roadway or a sidewalk.