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When Can Cyclists Ride On the Sidewalk?
Photo by Cristi Lucaci via Shutterstock
Cyclists share the road with other drivers, but is there ever a time when they are allowed to share the sidewalk with pedestrians?
In terms of what state and local law says on the issue, Streetsblog recently pointed out:
The State of California Vehicle Code (CVC) bans sidewalk riding unless a municipality adopts an ordinance allowing sidewalk riding. Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) 56.15 allows cyclists on sidewalks unless they’re riding dangerously or other meet other specific criteria, such as having a bike side-car.
Today the Los Angeles City Council embarked on a plan to update the municipal code to clarify the current language of the law and to specifically determine when a bicyclist can use the sidewalk, reports L.A. Now. The motion, which was passed unanimously, "asks, among other things, that the city's Department of Transportation, the Los Angeles Police Department and the city attorney draft guidelines for when cyclists would be prohibited from using sidewalks."
A report will be completed in 60 days.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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