Originally Posted by
FBinNY
I still don't get the heat.
If you ride on sidewalks occasionally, why would you care what anybody here on the forum thinks about it. You've made your own decision and don't owe anybody (except maybe a local cop or judge) any explanation or justification.
OTOH- if you believe that riding on the sidewalk is some sort of cardinal sin, why would you care is some anonymous person in some othr city, state or country far from you feels it's justified. As long as he's not crossing your path, or running down your family, you have no dog in the fight.
I know that there are some who believe that ANYTHING any cyclist does reflects on all cyclists, but the conflict on this thread is carrying it to ridiculous extremes.
As far as I care, anyone may ride on a sidewalk for whatever reason he feels makes sense, as long as he's respectful of those who belong there - namely the pedestrians. Otherwise it falls under the No harm-- no foul rule.
^ this, another well stated comment.
Really, I have never heard that riding on sidewalks is illegal. It certainly isn't around here. I see bums riding on the wrong side of the street all the time and really slow people riding on the sidewalks because they certainly cannot ride with us on the street. The authorities leave them alone because it's what they are comfortable with, and are not bothering anyone. Like I mentioned before, I use a multi-use sidewalk and then a short section of regular sidewalk just to get out of an extremely busy intersection with no shoulder or anywhere else to ride except in the lane and I can't do 30 mph so I'm in the way holding up a long string of cars. That is the only place I do that, and don't enjoy it. I much prefer the street but I sure am thankful to have that option so I can leave my office area and slowly leave the city in one piece. There cannot be a hard and fast rule about this unless our bikes can accelerate and maintain regular traffic speeds like motorcycles. Other than that section, always on the street for me.
