Alright, here is the situation. On my commute home from work I have a choice, try to cross six lanes of traffic without a light or ride the sidewalk the wrong way for 1/2 mile until I can cross at an intersection. I have been riding the sidewalk mainly because I like all my parts in their proper places , but I can't help but feel that I am in the wrong somehow.

Any thoughts? Suggestions?

Unless there's a law explicitly stating no bike riding on the sidewalk (which some cities have), you're fine. Just make sure to take it slower and be careful of people and other obstacles.

Regardless of the law, I'd keep doing what you're doing and have a calm argument with any cop who tries to make you do otherwise.

Richard

Even if there is a law I very much doubt any cop is going to harass you for biking on the sidewalk if you do it without endangering pedestrians. So legally you'll be ok. Morally you're ok too - if you're polite and respectful to other sidewalk users, I see no problem.

The main thing that will get you in trouble riding against the traffic is having a headlight on. I have had this discussion with an officer. It makes people think a motorcycle is going the wrong way.

Do you feel like sharing more info with us? Like maybe the intersection so we can google it, and brainstorm for alternatives? (heck, I'm just curious about the six lanes of traffic).

Regardless of what ever is the law, do what you deem to be the safest.

Thanks for all the responses. I feel a little better about it now.

Sure my office is at the corner of Bluff St and Sunset Blvd in St George Ut. Here is the satellite image from Google. The lower of the two points is my starting point and the latter is the intersection I use to cross Sunset. Where my office is located all two lanes of traffic from Sunset and two lanes from N Bluff are merging into two lanes. On the other side two lanes of Bluff are expanding out to four lanes, two north on Bluff and two west on Sunset. Traffic is moving between 45 - 55mph, well over the speed limit. Most motor vehicles won't even attempt a left turn out of our parking lot. They will go right and find a nice quiet intersection down the road to turn around and come back or find a different route.

I hope all that helps.

+1 - Your safety is your primary responsibilty. This seems like a much safer alternative. I'd would do the same thing, and I'd be more than ready to fight it in court and with anyone who has a problem with it. Until they provide a safe crossing, that is your route.

why not turn on to Ridgeview then take Valleyview up?

(its a good view, haha, sigh)

I know that Intersection. I from up North. My sister lives in Santa Clara. That is one crazy intersection during rush hour.

I think I agree with going down valley view. It might take you a bit longer, but I think you will be safer in the long run. Plus you can get a little bit more riding time.

IMHO riding on the sidewalk is only wrong inasmuch as it is less safe (for you or others) than riding in the road. It sounds like in your case it is safer.

Some municipalities do have laws against riding on the sidewalk. The only place you're even vaguely likely to see that kind of thing enforced is a dense urban area with lots of pedestrians.

I wouldn't worry about cops/tickets AT ALL. Zero zilch nada. The closest I've ever come to knowing someone who got a ticket on a bicycle is my wife's ex-coworker's husband supposedly got one. Even then, bicycle fines are supposedly very low.

Now that being said, I'd agree with those who said check out alternate routes that may be quieter/safer.

Yep. If you get into a collision while riding on the sidewalk, you might get blamed for it, but the solution for this is simple - don't get into a collision. There don't seem to be many driveways/intersections on that sidewalk, so any sort of accident seems extremely unlikely.

Looks like that sidewalk does not front any buildings most of the way. I would not worry about riding there at all.

+1
be safe!

I do something similar on my commute and in Calgary it is illegal for anyone over the age of 13. I have been seen by Police doing this and no-one has said anything yet.

Remember that in most jurisdictions where it is 'illegal' to ride on sidewalks, it is in fact only a by-law infraction and, generally, police either do not have the authority to enforce a by-law (by-law enforcement officers are charged with those duties) or they have no interest in wasting their time with a mere by-law.

get bike with small wheels

i.g. 24" or less



loohole in laws

No doubt, the view is awesome! It is the incredibly steep climb up the hill for that view that makes me wilt. The ride down the other side is pretty sweet though.

Sidewalk it is then! At least until I am in better shape to tackle the monster hill. Thanks all!