Let’s talk when you can & cannot ride on the sidewalk
Remember to bike slowly on the sidewalk. Sidewalks were made for pedestrians, not bicycles, and pedestrians have the right of way.
In some instances, riding on the sidewalk is a good idea – like on some of Pittsburgh’s bridges. While many of Pittsburgh’s bridges do not have bike lanes, they often have bikeable sidewalks.
The sidewalks on freeways are also acceptable places to ride, since biking isn’t allowed on freeways.
It’s important to note that if there is bike lane adjacent to the street, cyclists are only permitted to use that lane. Riding on the sidewalk might seem like a safer alternative, but it comes with its own challenges.
PA bicycle laws state that cyclists must:
A: Give pedestrians the right of way when riding on the sidewalk
B: Give an audible signal when approaching
C: That they cannot ride on the sidewalk in business districts
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