Riding on the ROAD vs SIDEWALK?

Question

Im 17 and i want to ride 10 miles (5 there, 5 back) between my moms and dads house about 2 times a week. I will probably ride it more then that but nothing too far. Should I ride a bike on the Road or ride a bike on the Sidewalk?

I have yet to buy a bike. dont forget that im 17.

Answer 1

Everywhere I know, cyclists are given the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles. That means use the road, ride with traffic not against, and follow traffic rules. Vehicular cycling is a skill that's learned and developed, and it can help you to become a safer driver, too.

Answer 2

Check your local ordinances on sidewalk riding.  It's usually legal except in designated urban areas.  Usually you must adhere to the "pedestrian speed" rule and by law you must yield to pedestrians and provide an audible alert you are passing from behind a pedestrian.  "On your left!"

Most driver's are completely unaware that a bicycle has the same rights at marked crosswalks as a pedestrian - so don't assume they'll stop at the crosswalks for you!

If you can - over that distance I would take the road.  You are entitled, though it can be an intimidating experience.  It is illegal to ride AGAINST the traffic if you are on the road (but OK to do so on the sidewalk).  When you are on the road you become a "vehicle" so you have to obey the same traffic laws.  

So be a "car" on the road and be a "pedestrian" when your on the sidewalk.

There are some parts of my daily commute that demand sidewalk - the roadway is simply too dangerous and the crossings too severe.

Answer 3

your actually not really supposed to ride on the sidewalk. and it would be way faster to ride in the street, thats what i do. but be carful about it and watch for idiot drivers. consider getting a road bike

Answer 4

Id try to stay on the road if its not to busy. I hate riding the sidewalk but i do most the time because the drivers here would splatter me allover the road.

Its sort of a crappy dillema.. people walking on the sidewalk will tell you to ride on the road and the people driving in cars will tell you to ride on the sidewalk.  

Answer 5

If you live in a city, odds are the sidewalk riding is illegal.  Being 17 is irrelevant...most of these ordinances provide for a an exception for child sized bikes, but we're talking the sorts of things a 6 year old might ride.

Legal or not, every cyclist I know uses sidewalks now and again when the road isn't conducive to riding.  But that's only for a block or two - usually areas where there's a lot of cars, and particularly buses, pulling in and out accross the riding area.  If you are riding on the sidewalk, even if it's perfectly legal in your area, BE RESPECTFUL.  Slow down and yield to pedestrians, the sidewalk is there for them, not you.

The best solution is to ride on bike paths and side roads, but riding on major roads is perfectly fine as well, just follow the rules - they are the same ones that cars follow - and you'll be fine.  Start running through red lights, weaving between cars, and generally being a d**k, and you can get hurt.

Answer 6

Bike lane. Also look at your local traffic rules. In Washington at least bikes are like cars. You have to follow the rules of the road in the bike lane. Meaning you stop at stop lights and signal. If there is no bike lane then you ride on the shoulder of the road.