Sidewalk cycling

Last updated
Cyclist on sidewalk between lamp posts and outdoor dining Cyclist Sidewalk (44110122).jpeg
Cyclist on sidewalk between lamp posts and outdoor dining
Separated cycle path, with physical barriers against both the road and the sidewalk Hornby Street Separated Bike Lane.jpg
Separated cycle path, with physical barriers against both the road and the sidewalk

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]

Contents

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]

History

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]

Causes

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]

Risks

Relative risks of crossing a road intersection. Crossing a secluded cycle path was found in one study to be up to 11.9 times riskier than cycling in the middle of a road lane Cyclist Accident Risk Lund.svg
Relative risks of crossing a road intersection. Crossing a secluded cycle path was found in one study to be up to 11.9 times riskier than cycling in the middle of a road lane

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.

Attitudes

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]

Etiquette

Cycling in a crowded area in Beyoglu, Istanbul Beyoglu 5706.jpg
Cycling in a crowded area in Beyoglu, Istanbul

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:

Legality

  Cycling on sidewalks prohibited
  Legal after discretionary assessment
  Allowed to ride on sidewalks
CountryLegal status
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands Cycling on sidewalks is prohibited (55 euro fine), except that children up to 12 years old riding smaller bicycles may use sidewalks in some cases. [27] [28]
Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark Cycling on sidewalks prohibited. [29]
Flag of Sweden.svg SwedenCycling on sidewalks prohibited (500 kr fine), except children under 8 years. [30]
Flag of Norway.svg NorwayIn theory permitted as long as one does not inconvenience pedestrians, but requires passing pedestrians at a good distance and at a maximum speed of 6 km/h, [31] which in practice means that cycling on sidewalks is prohibited in most cases if there are pedestrians. [32] The rules are not enforced in practice. [33]
Flag of Finland.svg FinlandCycling on sidewalks is prohibited, except for children under 12 years of age. [34]
Flag of Iceland.svg IcelandAllowed as long as the cyclist does not inconvenience pedestrians. [35]
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom Cycling on sidewalks is prohibited (30 pound fine). [36] [37]
Flag of Germany.svg Germany Cycling on sidewalks is generally prohibited (55 to 100 euro fine), except for children up to 10 years of age. [38] In places where it is specifically permitted, cyclists must adjust their speed and always give way to pedestrians. [39]
Flag of France.svg France Cycling on sidewalks is prohibited (135 euro fine [40] ), except for children under 8 years of age [41] as long as the child does not obstruct pedestrians. [42]
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium Allowed to cycle on the sidewalk if there is no cycle path or if outside built-up areas. [43] Children under 10 years of age can ride bicycles on sidewalks if they adjust their speed and give way to pedestrians. [44] Only right-hand cycling is permitted. [45]
Flag of Italy.svg Italy Cycling on sidewalks is prohibited (41 euro fine [46] ), except for children under 8 years of age. [47]
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia Varies between states and territories. Allowed in Queensland and Western Australia as long as cyclists show consideration for pedestrians. Only allowed for children under 12 in New South Wales and Victoria.[ citation needed ]
Flag of Austria.svg AustriaCycling on sidewalks prohibited. [48]
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg CanadaVaries between the different provinces.
Flag of Chile.svg Chile Cycling on sidewalks prohibited, except if there are obstacles in the roadway. [49] [50] Children under 14 or the elderly can ride bicycles on sidewalks.
Flag of Colombia.svg Colombia Cycling on sidewalks prohibited. [51] [52] [53]
Flag of Costa Rica.svg Costa RicaCycling on sidewalks prohibited. [54] [55]
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg CzechiaCycling on sidewalks prohibited. [56] [57]
Flag of Estonia.svg EstoniaCycling on the sidewalk is only permitted if it is significantly difficult to cycle on the roadway due to the condition of the road. It is stringent for children under 13, but even these should generally not cycle on the sidewalk. [58]
Flag of Greece.svg GreeceCycling on sidewalks prohibited. [59]
Flag of Hungary.svg HungaryCycling on the sidewalk is allowed if the road is poorly suited for cycling, but at a maximum speed of 10 km/h, and pedestrians cannot be obstructed. [60]
Flag of Ireland.svg IrelandCycling on sidewalks is prohibited unless entering or exiting a property. [61] [62]
Flag of Israel.svg Israel Cycling on sidewalks prohibited. [63]
Flag of Japan.svg Japan Cycling on sidewalks is generally prohibited, except if circumstances make it unavoidable and for people under 13, over 70 and the disabled. [64] [65] [66] Pedestrians have priority, and the maximum speed is 10 km/h.
Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea Generally, cyclists must use cycle paths or cycle together with cars, unless the sidewalk is specially signposted for cyclists or the cyclists deems use of the sidewalk necessary due to an unusable road. Exceptions for children, the elderly and the disabled. [67]
Flag of Latvia.svg LatviaIf it is impossible, difficult or dangerous to cycle on the roadway, the cyclist may choose to cycle on the sidewalk at walking speed. Children under 12 years of age can also cycle on the sidewalk. [68]
Flag of Lithuania.svg LithuaniaCyclists are expected to cycle to use cycle paths or cycle together with cars. If choosing to cycle on the sidewalk, the cyclist must not obstruct pedestrians, and must cycle at a walking pace (3–7 km/h) and pass at a good distance. [69] [70]
Flag of Luxembourg.svg LuxembourgCycling on sidewalks prohibited. Exception for children under 13 as long as pedestrians are not disturbed. [71]
Flag of New Zealand.svg New Zealand Cycling on sidewalks is prohibited unless delivering mail, or having a bicycle with small wheels that are smaller than 355 mm (typical on children's bicycles), or it is specifically marked as a combined pedestrian and bicycle path. [72] [73]
Flag of Poland.svg PolandCycling on sidewalks is prohibited (50 PLN fine), except in difficult weather conditions (e.g. snow), or for children up to 10 years of age, or if there is a lack of cycling infrastructure and the speed limit is higher than 50 km/h as well as the sidewalk being wider than 2 meters. [74] [75]
Flag of Portugal (official).svg PortugalCycling on sidewalks is prohibited, except for children up to 10 years old. [76] [77]
Flag of Slovakia.svg Slovakia Cycling on sidewalks is prohibited, except for children under 10 years of age, or on sidewalks that are specially marked for cyclists, but in any case no faster than 20 km/h. [78]
Flag of Slovenia.svg SloveniaCycling on sidewalks is prohibited, except for children up to 6 years old. [79] [80]
Flag of Spain.svg Spain Cycling on sidewalks is prohibited, unless it is specifically marked for shared use, or if there is no dedicated cycle lane and the sidewalk is at least 3 meters wide and cycling at a maximum speed of 10 km/h, keeping at least 1 meter distance from pedestrians and being able to cycle in a straight line for more than 5 meters. [81] [82]
Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg SwitzerlandCycling on sidewalks is prohibited, except for children under 12 years of age where there is no bike path and as long as consideration is given to pedestrians. [83] [84]
Flag of Turkey.svg Turkey Cycling on sidewalks prohibited. [85]
Flag of the United States.svg USAVaries significantly between different state and local governments. [86]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Family Biking: Sidewalk cycling can be a savior". 2018-08-14.
  2. ↑ https://holland2stay.com/blog/dutch-cycling-rules.html.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. ↑ "How to bike in Denmark" (in Danish). 2024-12-10.
  4. ↑ Wilborn, Peter (2022-08-01). "Is It Illegal to Ride Your Bike on the Sidewalk: Every State's Laws | Bike Law".
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Sidewalk Cycling Laws – Bike East Bay".
  6. ↑ "BIKETOWN Safety & Riding Tips | Biketown".
  7. ↑ "Bike Rules and Safety · NYC311".
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Cycling on Sidewalks".
  9. ↑ "How Do We Deal With People Riding Bikes on the Sidewalk?".
  10. 1 2 "How Do We Deal With People Riding Bikes on the Sidewalk?".
  11. ↑ "Sidewalk Cycling Explained". 2022-07-01.
  12. 1 2 "Fortau er for gående, utenfor Norge" (in Norwegian Nynorsk). 2021-05-14.
  13. ↑ Bergesen, Norunn (2015-10-09). "- Enkelte bruker bilen som våpen mot syklister" (in Norwegian Bokmål).
  14. ↑ Gonzales, Alex. "How Bike Infrastructure Benefits People Who Don't Bike".
  15. ↑ "Russian roulette" on sidepaths – sidepaths are the target of criticism – Rauh, W. (ARGUS Vienna), p. 78 of the proceedings of the Velo Secur 90 conference, Issues of Bicycling Safety, Lund University, 1990
  16. 1 2 "Riding Safely on Sidewalks | BikeSafe". 2016-06-07. Retrieved 2025-02-08.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  17. ↑ "Dangers of Sidewalk Riding".
  18. 1 2 Weiss, Eben (2019-06-13). "True Confessions of a Sidewalk Cyclist".
  19. ↑ "Gi fortauene tilbake til fotgjengerne | Olav Torvunds blogg". 2022-09-16.
  20. ↑ "Hundeeier ble illsint da han fikk beskjed om ta hunden i bånd" (in Norwegian). 2023-08-11.
  21. ↑ Johnsen, Nora (2023-08-11). "Sammenstøt mellom syklist og hundeeier i Stavanger" (in Norwegian).
  22. ↑ Fladset, Aina (2019-05-15). "(+) Tirsdag ble Missy (7) påkjørt for andre gang av en syklist. Nå har eieren fått nok" (in Norwegian).
  23. ↑ Christoffersen, Linn (2022-04-02). "(+) Helmer ble avlivet: – Syklister har overhodet ikke respekt for fart" (in Norwegian).
  24. ↑ "Kvinnelig syklist angrepet av hund i Sandnes" (in Norwegian Bokmål). 2014-05-16.
  25. ↑ "Forskrift om kjørende og gående trafikk (trafikkregler) - Lovdata".
  26. ↑ "Regjeringen har gjort det umulig å sykle lovlig i byene" (in Norwegian Bokmål). 2021-06-09.
  27. ↑ "Boete voor fietsen op de stoep in 2022". Fietsweetjes.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  28. ↑ "Fietsen in Nederland: wat zijn de regels? 10 dingen die je moet weten | BikeFair - De Fiets Marktplaats". BikeFair (in Dutch). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  29. ↑ "Cyklistens færdselslov". www.cyklistforbundet.dk (in Danish). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  30. ↑ "Cykelreglerna du bör ha koll på – och det här kan ge dig böter | Land.se". www.land.se (in Swedish). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  31. ↑ "Forskrift om kjørende og gående trafikk (trafikkregler) - - Lovdata". lovdata.no. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  32. ↑ "Regjeringen har gjort det umulig å sykle lovlig i byene". www.aftenposten.no (in Norwegian Bokmål). 2021-06-09. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  33. ↑ "6 km/t på fortau er dårlig nytt for syklistene". Dagsavisen (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  34. ↑ "Två av tre upplever att det är farligt att cykla bland biltrafiken". Trafikskyddet (in Swedish). 2024-04-10. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  35. ↑ "77/2019: Umferðarlög". Alþingi (in Icelandic). Retrieved 2025-06-29. 43. gr. [Undanþáguheimildir fyrir hjólreiðamenn og ökumenn smáfarartækja.]1)
  36. ↑ "Is it illegal to cycle on the pavement in the UK? | Slater + Gordon". www.slatergordon.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  37. ↑ "The Highway Code - Rules for cyclists (59 to 82) - Guidance - GOV.UK". www.gov.uk. Retrieved 2025-06-29. Rule 64 You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement. Laws HA 1835 sect 72 & R(S)A sect 129
  38. ↑ "Straßenbenutzung durch Fahrzeuge" . Retrieved 2025-06-29.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  39. ↑ "Fahrradfahren auf dem Gehweg - Fahrrad-Bußgeldkatalog 2025". Bußgeldkatalog (in German). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  40. ↑ BertrandD (2021-09-08). "Peut-on circuler à vélo sur le trottoir ?". Citycle (in French). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  41. ↑ "Section 6 : Circulation des piétons. (Articles R412-34 à R412-43) - Légifrance".
  42. ↑ "Règles de circulation pour les cyclistes | Sécurité Routière". www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr (in French). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  43. ↑ "Peut-on rouler à vélo sur le trottoir? | Touring". Touring (in French). 2017-10-25. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  44. ↑ Uber. "Code de la route cycliste en vigueur en Belgique | Uber Blog". www.uber.com (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  45. ↑ "Peut-on rouler à vélo sur le trottoir? | Touring". Touring (in French). 2017-10-25. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  46. ↑ "Bicycle rules in Italy: the most frequent traffic fines". www.mognettibike.com. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  47. ↑ "Strada statale, marciapiede, senso vietato... Dove si può andare in bicicletta?".
  48. ↑ "Fahrordnung für Radfahrer". www.oesterreich.gv.at (in German). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  49. ↑ Méndez, Javier (2024-04-11). "En qué casos las bicicletas pueden transitar por la vereda sin arriesgarse a una multa en Chile". ADN Radio (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  50. ↑ "Normas de tránsito para bicicletas: Ley de Convivencia Vial en 2025 - Autofact". www.autofact.cl (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  51. ↑ "Reglamento de tránsito para ciclistas - Autofact". www.autofact.com.co (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  52. ↑ "Normas de seguridad para los ciclistas en Bogotá | Bogota.gov.co". bogota.gov.co (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  53. ↑ "Código Nacional de Tránsito - Ley 769 de 2002".
  54. ↑ "Sistema Costarricense de Información Jurídica". www.pgrweb.go.cr. Retrieved 2025-06-29. "Reglamento bicicletas en aceras Costa Rica" h) No podrán circular en las aceras.
  55. ↑ "Qué debo saber si salgo con una bicicleta a la calle". practicatest.cr (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  56. ↑ "Může jet cyklista po chodníku? | Praha 17". www.repy.cz. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  57. ↑ "Zákon o silničním provozu - Oddíl 5 - Zvláštní ustanovení pro chůzi, jízdu nemotorových vozidel, jízdu na zvířeti a vedení a hnaní zvířat". Podnikatel.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
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  59. ↑ Cycling, Kassimatis. "Συχνές ερωτήσεις για τα ποδήλατα και τον ΚΟΚ - Kassimatis Cycling". Kassimatis Cycling (in Greek). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  60. ↑ Laura, Dr Molnár Gergő Zsolt, Szöllőskei (2019-07-25). "Huskyval szánt lehet vontatni, de biciklit nem!". Jogadó Blog (in Hungarian). Retrieved 2025-06-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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  63. ↑ שלאעטה, מוחמד (2022-06-01). "איסור ואכיפת נסיעת אופניים על מדרכה". עורך דין תעבורה עופר חורש (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  64. ↑ Team, The Savvy (2020-02-07). "Four Japan Road Laws You Probably Didn't Know". Savvy Tokyo. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
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  66. ↑ Metropolis (2014-04-03). "Sidewalk Circus". Metropolis Japan. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  67. ↑ "Safety regulations for bicycles − BYCYCLE Happy Sharing".
  68. ↑ "VELOBRAUCĒJA IESPĒJAS".
  69. ↑ "Dviratininkų taisyklės ir KET". KELIU EISMO TAISYKLES PDF. KELIO ZENKLAI. KET TAISYKLES. SAUGAUS EISMO AUTOMOBILIU KELIAIS ISTATYMAS. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
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  71. ↑ "petitweb.lu | Vélo, roller... quelques règles de sécurité !". petitweb.lu (in French). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  72. ↑ OurAuckland. "Can I ride on the footpath? A guide to using Auckland's paths, cycleways and bus lanes". OurAuckland. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  73. ↑ "Citizens Advice Bureau". www.cab.org.nz. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  74. ↑ @Decathlon (2023-03-09). "Czy można jeździć rowerem po chodniku?". Decathlon (in Polish). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  75. ↑ "COLEX" (in Polish). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  76. ↑ "A Bicicleta e o Código da Estrada". EuroVelo Portugal (in European Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  77. ↑ "The bike and the Highway Code in Portugal". EuroVelo Portugal. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  78. ↑ "Czech cycling road code specifics". Městem na kole (in Czech). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  79. ↑ Rožac, Peter (2021-04-04). "Poznate teh 7 najpogosteje spregledanih predpisov za kolesarje?". Vozim se (in Slovenian). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  80. ↑ "Pravilno kolesarjenje poznate, ali ga tudi upoštevate? - Vse bo v redu".
  81. ↑ "Sí, los ciclistas pueden circular por la acera con su bici...pero sólo en un caso concreto (y la multa no es barata)". Motor (in Spanish). 2022-10-19. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  82. ↑ Spain, Sanitas Health Plan. "Cycling Laws In Spain". Sanitas Health Plan Spain. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
  83. ↑ "Regeln fürs Velofahren". www.tcs.ch (in German). Retrieved 2025-06-29.
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  85. ↑ "12 Aralık 2019 PERŞEMBE Resmî Gazete Sayı : 30976 YÖNETMELİK Çevre ve Şehircilik Bakanlığından: BİSİKLET YOLLARI YÖNETMELİĞİ BİRİNCİ BÖLÜM Amaç, Kapsam, Dayanak ve Tanımlar". www.resmigazete.gov.tr. Retrieved 2025-06-29. (27) Yaya kaldırımı için ayrılan yerde bisiklet kullanılamaz. Yayalaştırılmış sokaklarda belirli saatlerde bisiklet kullanımına imkan vermek üzere bisiklet şeritleri yapılabilir.
  86. ↑ Wilborn, Peter (2022-08-01). "Is It Illegal to Ride Your Bike on the Sidewalk: Every State's Laws | Bike Law". www.bikelaw.com. Retrieved 2025-06-29.
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