Sidewalk cycling

Sidewalk cycling is the practice of riding bicycles on sidewalks or footpaths, where pedestrians usually have priority. It is controversial,^[1] and is illegal in many countries (including well-known cycling countries such as the Netherlands^[2] and Denmark^[3]), in some municipalities,^[4] cities^[5] or districts,^[6] while in some places it is only permitted for children up to the age of 12^[7] or 14.^[8][9]

Cycling on sidewalks puts cyclists in direct conflict with pedestrians,^[5] and undermines the principle of a reverse traffic pyramid. Some instead advocate vehicular cycling in places without dedicated cycling infrastructure, which is in line with the principle of an inverted traffic pyramid that prioritizes the convenience and safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, in that order.

Some argue that cars take up most of the traffic, while cyclists and pedestrians often come second in urban planning and traffic planning, and have to "fight for the crumbs".^[10] In contrast, sidewalks are designed for walking speed, and often have curbs and other obstacles (benches, signs, lamp posts, garbage cans) that make them uncomfortable or risky to cycle on.^[5] Cycling on sidewalks has been greatly reduced in places where streets have been redesigned with pedestrians and cyclists in mind.^[10]

Most legislation assumes for cycling either on separate cycling infrastructure or together with cars.^[11] In Norway, cycling on sidewalks was allowed for adults in 1978,^[12] and continued in 1986. It has been argued that original intent of the law was for children and "weak" cyclists to use the sidewalk, while adults still were expected to use the roadway for cycling.^[12] In a commentary on why Norwegian cycling culture in the 2010s has become so aggressive, it has been argued that it was a big mistake to allow cycling on sidewalks in the 1970s.^[13] Some argue that allowing cycling on sidewalks even prevents development of dedicated cycling infrastructure. On the other hand, it has been argued that the development of dedicated cycling infrastructure also benefits motorists and pedestrians.^[14]

Reasons why many cyclists choose to cycle on the sidewalk may be less perceived risk, although the actual risk is often higher compared to cycling on the road.^[1] Some cyclists do so because it is perceived as a "faster" route. Some choose to cycle fast for exercise, or cycle on and off the sidewalk to avoid "losing speed". Sometimes cyclists prefer the sidewalk to cycling in narrow bike lanes (which lack protection from cars).^[1]

Sidewalk cycling is associated with many types of serious accidents between cars and bicycles,^[5] particularly at intersections and crosswalks, because drivers do not typically expect traffic coming from the sidewalk at high speeds, or may have difficulty seeing cyclists due to the design of intersections (regardless of who has the right of way).^[5]

The risk of collisions with cars increases significantly, and it has been claimed that adults experience 4-6 times more collisions when cycling on sidewalks than on roads.^[16] Cyclists become less visible to motorists,^[1][17] and the degree of improvisation results in a greater risk that cyclists' maneuvers appear unexpected to motorists.^[16] At intersections, motorists may perceive cyclists as "coming out of nowhere." When cycling on sidewalks, cyclists should also be particularly alert when crossing driveways and exits.

Some cyclists believe that cycling on the sidewalk is humiliating and that they have the right to cycle on the road.^[18] Cycling on the sidewalk is also seen as "forbidden fruit" by some.^[18] On the other hand, some believe that one must be fearless as a cyclist to dare to cycle with cars.^[1]

Since cyclists travel at significantly higher speeds than pedestrians they can make pedestrians feel unsafe.^[19] In particular there have been several examples of conflicts between dog owners and cyclists, for various reasons, since dogs can move unpredictably.^{[20][21][22][23][24]}

Some recommend to always get off and walk the bike on the sidewalk.^[5] In cases where cycling on the sidewalk is permitted, there are rules and recommendations to ensure that pedestrians feel safe. For example, the Norwegian traffic regulations require that cyclists pass at walking speed, with a good distance, and in any case not faster than 6 km/h,^[25] but in practice this has proven difficult for cyclists to comply with.^[26]

If one must cycle on a sidewalk or footpath one should pay the utmost attention to pedestrians:

• Reduce speed,^[8] and ride as close to walking speed as possible^[5]
• Give way to pedestrians^[5][8]
• Give an audiable alert to warn pedestrians^[1][5][8]
• Pass pedestrians gently and respectfully^[5][8]
• Get off and walk the bike if conditions warrant it^[8]
• Keep distance from doors and side paths, and always watch out for cars that may cross the sidewalk^[5]
• Do not ride against traffic, and if necessary, cross the road to continue on the right side^[5]
• Return to riding on the road at the first safe opportunity^[8]

• Dooring, cycling accident due to car door opening
• Electric kick scooter
• Hook turn, maneuver to turn across a lane of oncoming traffic
• Jaywalking, walking on or crossing a road (including a cycle path) illegally on foot
• Jaycycling, reckless cycling
• Safety of cycling infrastructure, how design choices for cycle paths and adjacent sidewalks, crosswalks and roads affect the safety of cyclists and pedestrians

• Bicyclists on Sidewalks | Planetizen