Bicycling is a great way to get around, but before you hit the sidewalk, make sure you know the local laws.
Riding on the sidewalk can be dangerous for both you and pedestrians, so it’s important to understand the rules in your area.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of bicycle laws and look at whether it is legal or illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk in different states in the United States of America.
So whether you’re a first-time cyclist or an experienced rider, read on to stay safe and informed while cycling in your community.
Is it illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk?
As mentioned earlier, the legality of riding a bicycle on the sidewalk differs from state to state. In some states, it’s completely legal. However, in other states, it is not.
Let’s look at whether it is illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk as per different state laws.
Alabama
In Alabama, it is illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk. According to Alabama law, bicycles are considered vehicles and subject to the same rules governing motor vehicles.
Therefore, bicycles must be ridden on the road, not on sidewalks. There are no special traffic laws for riding bikes on sidewalks.
Alaska
You may ride your bike on sidewalks in Alaska unless you’re in a business district or if there’s a sign forbidding it.
Arizona
Bicycles are not considered vehicles in Arizona. Furthermore, there is no Arizona statute mentioning riding a bike on sidewalks, so it is neither expressly permitted nor forbidden by state laws.
Cyclists in Arizona who want to ride on sidewalks should know local ordinances governing sidewalk riding. Even though it may be legal at a state level, you might get fined for breaking local laws.
Arkansas
No Arkansas state statute prohibits a bicycle on sidewalks. However, there may be local laws that prohibit or restrict the use of the sidewalks by bicycles.
Thus, there is no clear answer to whether “Is it illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk?” in Arkansas.
California
No specific California law explicitly permits or forbids bicycling on sidewalks. Local governments may enact their special regulations, including those governing bicycles.
Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk in Carlsbad, El Cajon, Escondido, National City, and Vista cities in California is illegal. Cyclist in Los Angeles may ride on the sidewalk if he/she is aware of pedestrians and operates his/her bicycle safely to avoid conflicts with pedestrians.
In LA, riding a bicycle on sidewalks is allowed. But cyclists need to be careful when riding in front of storefronts.
Santa Clarita allows riding a bicycle on the sidewalk in most parts of the town. However, it is not allowed on sidewalks in business districts.
Colorado
It is legally allowed to ride bicycles on sidewalks in Colorado. You can do so without any special permission.
However, cyclists must follow certain roadway rules, such as giving pedestrians the right-of-way and audible signals before passing them.
Connecticut
Riding a bicycle on sidewalks is legal in Connecticut. Similar to Colorado, cyclists must follow certain rules like giving pedestrians the right-of-way, audible signals, and following local laws.
Delaware
In Delaware, it is legal to ride a bike on sidewalks. Cyclists are considered pedestrians when cycling on sidewalks.
But, it is illegal to ride a bike in business districts when official traffic control devices don’t allow it or there is a bicycle lane adjacent to the sidewalk.
District of Columbia
In Washington, D.C., it is legal to ride your bicycle on sidewalks, albeit certain conditions apply. For instance, bikes on sidewalks are allowed only on designated bicycle lanes in central business districts.
Similarly, cyclists must follow the speed limit or ride at normal speed in hazardous weather conditions.
Florida
In Florida, it is legal to cycle on sidewalks. However, cyclists must obey all other road rules, such as yielding to pedestrians, obeying posted signs, and keeping an appropriate distance from parked cars.
Georgia
In Georgia, it is legal to pedal a bike on sidewalks. Riders have the same laws and duties applicable as pedestrians.
However, bicyclists need to follow all other road rules, such as yielding to pedestrian traffic, obeying posted signs, and maintaining a safe distance from vehicles.
Hawaii
In Hawaii, it is legal to bike on sidewalks. A cyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians.
Electric motorbikes are not allowed on sidewalks.
Idaho
In Idaho, it is legal to bicycle on sidewalks. Cyclists must obey all other traffic rules, such as yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians, obeying traffic lights, and using hand signals.
Illinois
In Illinois, it is legal to use a bicycle on sidewalks. Bicyclists need to follow all traffic regulations, including yielding to pedestrians, obeying posted signs, and operating their bicycles within the law.
Indiana
In Indiana, there is no law that allows or prohibits cycling on sidewalks. Cyclists must check with local bike laws and ordinances to find out whether it is legal or illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk in their locality.
Iowa
There are no state-wide laws regarding riding a bike on sidewalks in Iowa. Check with your local municipality before riding.
Some cities may have their own rules regarding cycling.
Kansas
Similar to Iowa, there is no specific law that allows or prohibits cycling on sidewalks.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, it is legal to walk a bicycle on sidewalks. However, riders need to obey all other rules of the roads, such as yielding to motorists, obeying posted signs, and riding within the law.
Louisiana
There is no state-wide law in Louisiana regarding riding bicycles on sidewalks.
Maine
In Maine, no law allows or prohibits riding on sidewalks.
Maryland
Riding a bicycle on sidewalks in Maryland is illegal unless the municipality has passed an ordinance permitting it. A cyclist may use sidewalks when they’re permitted.
Some cities also have ordinances that specifically forbid cyclists from riding on sidewalks.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts law permits bicyclists to ride on sidewalks outside business districts if necessary unless signs prohibiting it are posted.
Michigan
Michigan state law allows bicycles to be operated on sidewalks. However, they have to yield to pedestrians and provide audible signals before passing them and other cyclists.
Minnesota
Cyclists may ride their bicycles on sidewalks outside of commercial zones. But, they have to yield the right-to-walk to all pedestrians and give them notice before overtaking and passing.
Mississippi
There is no state-wide law in Mississippi regarding riding on sidewalks. However, municipalities have their own ordinances.
Missouri
It is legal to ride bicycles on sidewalks in Missouri. Cyclists, however, have to follow three rules – not riding in business districts, giving pedestrians the right-of-way, and avoiding bicycles with electric motors.
Montana
Cyclists in Montana may ride on sidewalks if they yield to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrian laws apply equally to cyclists.
Nebraska
Nebraska allows bicyclists to ride on sidewalks.
Nevada
Nevada doesn’t have any laws governing cyclists riding on sidewalks. However, local laws that either prohibit or allow them may apply.
New Jersey
There is no specific state law that prohibits or allows bicycling on sidewalks.
New Mexico
New Mexico has no laws governing cyclists’ rights to use sidewalks.
New York
The law does not explicitly allow or restrict bicycling on sidewalks. However, New York State law prohibits riding bicycles on sidewalks unless there is a posted sign indicating that it is allowed.
North Carolina
There is no specific law regarding riding bicycles on sidewalks in North Carolina. Laws may differ from one municipality to another.
North Dakota
In North Dakota, riding on sidewalks is not allowed.
Ohio
There is no legal prohibition against riding bicycles on sidewalks in Ohio. Many cities have local ordinances prohibiting bicycle riding on sidewalks.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma law does not specify whether or not it is legal to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk.
Oregon
In Oregon, it is legal for bicyclists to ride on public streets, but they must yield to pedestrians and vehicles. They must not ride at high speeds and must operate their bikes safely.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law allows bicyclists to ride in designated bike lanes. However, they must provide pedestrians with the right of way.
Rhode Island
Riding bicycles on sidewalks is allowed by Rhode Island law unless there is a sign prohibiting it.
South Carolina
Bicyclists can ride on sidewalks in some states, but local ordinances vary by city.
South Dakota
South Dakota law allows riding bicycles on sidewalks. Cyclists must stop before crossing streets or highway entrances from sidewalks and sidewalk areas.
Tennessee
Tennessee law does not explicitly permit or forbid bicycling on sidewalks. Local laws may vary.
Texas
Texas law does not explicitly permit nor forbid bicycling on sidewalks, although some cities do have local ordinances that ban it.
Utah
Utah’s law does not specifically address cycling on sidewalks. However, it specifies that bicyclists must obey traffic signs and signals.
Vermont
Vermont law does not explicitly mention bicycles on sidewalks. However, major cities in Vermont have prohibited riding on sidewalks.
Virginia
Virginia law allows bicyclists to use sidewalks under certain conditions.
Washington
Cyclists may ride their bikes on sidewalks in Washington state. They’re treated just like any pedestrian.
West Virginia
West Virginia law does not explicitly mention bicyclists riding on sidewalks. However, it does say that bicyclists must follow all other traffic rules.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin law does not explicitly mention bicycling on sidewalks. Some municipalities allow bicyclists to ride on sidewalks, while some don’t.
Wyoming
Bikes are permitted on sidewalks in Wyoming.
