If you worry about riding your bicycle on the roads, you may have welcomed Los Angeles County’s 2023 decision to legalize riding bicycles on the sidewalk.
While it may be legal, that does not necessarily mean you should do it. Some studies suggest you are safer staying with the other vehicles on the street.
Cycle paths should be your first choice
If there is a cycle path on your route, that is your safest bet. If there is not, and the particular road is legal for bicycles (bicycles are banned from freeways, for example), then you have a choice to make. Here is why the sidewalk may not be the right choice.
Pedestrians might not expect you
People opposed to cyclists on sidewalks talk about the dangers cyclists can pose to pedestrians. Certainly, those on two wheels must take great care, but it’s important to realize that a pedestrian could cause a cyclist to crash, too. Many pedestrians are on their phones or have headphones in, so may be entirely unaware you are there. If they cause you to fall into the road you could land in the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Drivers might not be looking out for you
If a driver reversing out of their driveway looks and checks it is clear they might assume it is because they cannot see any pedestrians who could reach them in the time it takes to reverse out. Yet they might not have calculated how quickly someone on a bicycle could get there. If they fail to check again they might not see you until it is too late. A similar thing can happen at road crossings.
Wherever you choose to ride, if someone else’s negligence is to blame for your crashing, you may need to learn how to claim for any injuries and damage you suffer.
