Originally Posted by
mkadam68
- Just because you have never seen it does not mean it doesn't happen.
Using your logic: I have never been hit by a car. Therefore, cyclists do not get hit by cars (ya, right!)
- I was on a sidewalk once & got right-hooked by a car (slammed on brakes & didn't collide--barely). I'm sure others can tell you worse.
- I cannot ride as fast as I want on a sidewalk.
- Sidewalks are many times broken up & uneven.
- There are usually too many pedestrians/strollers/pets-on-a-leash to safely ride on a sidewalk.
In addition to these, I wonder how many of the OP's "road" accidents might have actually been a cyclist riding on the sidewalk, being struck by a right-turning vehicle while entering an intersection at the crosswalk. I've seen two nasty accidents like this, and have had two close-calls where we are compelled to ride on a separate bike path off the road. (
Click here for street view of the intersection.) It was understandable, since the pedestrian light was red, and the driver in both cases either did not see me, OR they assumed I was expected to stop. But it's not a smart idea to ride straight through such an intersection without closely checking for right-turning cars.
If you really want to ride on the sidewalk, go nuts, but be prepared to stop at every intersection if you do. If it still doesn't make sense to you, it will after you've ridden more and gained experience.
Edit: D'oh--just realized I'm saying the exact thing Prathmann said 9 minutes ago. Hopefully it will sink in. 