Bicycles on streets?

Question

is it safer to ride on sidewalk when you pay attention to peopole walking and cars pulling out of driveways. i dont want to ride if traffic, what if people dont know how to read bike signals you give.

Answer 1

Most people don't know how to read the bike signals.  Your best bet is the sidewalk in a non congested area.  If there are a lot of people on the sidewalks then you'll have to take to the street.  Sidewalk riding is illegal but you probably won't get a ticket in a place where nobody walks.

Answer 2

It's actually illegal to ride a bicycle on sidewalks. Bikes are supposed to be on the roads and they must follow all rules of the road. (i.e. Stop at stoplights, etc.)

Answer 3

well depends what kinda of area u live in but i ride my bike on this strrets

Answer 4

I know in my state bikes are considered vehicles so you have to act like a car and you can not ride your bike in a crosswalk,  You are better off riding in the street and learning the rules of the road,  if you were on the sidewalk and crossing a drive way on your bike and got hit you would be at fault because as a vehicle you were not in a proper lane.  you need to find out your states laws on bikes

Answer 5

You're safer on the street.  People don't expect a fast-moving mechanized vehicle (aka a bike) on the sidewalk.  Since people aren't looking for you on the sidewalk there is an increased danger to yourself and others (even though you may be hyper-vigilent).  That's one of the reasons its illegal.

Ride your bike on the right hand side of the road.  Obey stop signs and red lights.  Be extra careful at intersections when you want to go straight, but cars in the right hand lane want to turn right after the light turns green.  The best thing you can do is be as visible as possible and make your intentions clear.

Good luck and happy riding!