carfreeforme

Hey all...
Just got home from running to the store for a bucket of ice cream. On my way home, riding along..I decided to ride on the other side of the road, on its sidewalk..a very short distance. It's like a block and a half, only one house on this side of sidewalk stretch. Well, its down a incline somewhat..so I was pedaling along..I was going about 14mph according to my bike computer. Riding along..nicely..got near the house that was near the sidewalk..and a old man suddenly walks in to sidewalk..not looking at all. I did not have time to even ring my bell..amazingly at the last second he move foward and I just miss him, riding into his back, at 14mph! Surely If I had hit him, he would have been seriously hurt, possibly die, if there were complications, because of his old age. Well, to make this story short..I was shookup, big time!
I got home safely, riding in the street, all the way. As a man of faith, I praised God for his angels, his mercy. I mean it was a lesson..if the old man died, worst case sceniro..I would not be typing this now..I be charged with manslaughter, probaly, and make national news. Scary..just for bending the rules and riding on a sidewalk,,which was not necessary.
point is: DO Not ride on sidewalk EVER!

Machka 

There is that danger of someone suddenly stepping out onto the sidewalk ...

There is also the danger of a car suddenly pulling out of or into a driveway. Drivers don't look for cyclist on sidewalks.

If you do ride on a sidewalk (which is illegal in many places, and you can be fined for it), ride at walking pace and slow down at every driveway and intersection to check for people, cars, etc.

gerv 

Sidewalk riding is legal here if you proceed at less than 8 mph. However, the safety issue and nuisance to pedestrians still holds of course.

I do confess that the end of my commute ends on a busy street. I need to be on the other side... but good luck getting there at 5pm. Consequently I sometimes ride a block on the sidewalk. I will dismount and walk if any peds... I also walk through the ensuing intersection... I've learned the hard way that pedestrian intersections are super dangerous to ride through.

Artkansas 

I'm glad that both you and the man are in still good health.

Roody

Whew!! Thanks for posting this. I'm going to have my grandson read this since I'm trying to explain why he needs to ride in the street now that he's a teenager, almost old enough to drive.