Why do some bike riders have to ride on the sidewalk?

[terrya]

This afternoon, as I was leaving work, I was headed towards the Jackson Red Line stop (this means nothing to anyone who doesn't live in Chicago, I know). As I'm walking towerds the intersection, on the sidewalk, someone yells at me "coming through" as a person on a bike passes me. On the sidewalk. I'm glad, at least, that said biker yelled that, otherwise I guess I'd be knocked down on the sidewalk.

That's why they call it a "sideWALK" as opposed to a "bike path". I was always under the assumption that bike riders were to ride on the street.

This isn't a slam against bike riders in general...but I'm genuinely curious about this. I see this happen quite often.

This isn't the biggest issue in the universe, to be sure. But it's...puzzling to me, I suppose.

[Child_Of_Isis]

1. I used to ride a bike on the street

until I almost got killed a few times.

[CottonBear]

2. Because the street is dangerous

especially when you live where there are no or very few (not connected) bike lanes. My town is really dangerous for cyclers due to drivers who think they own the road. :grr:

[LisaM]

3. Why don't municipalities have bike lanes?

I would ride my bike to work if I felt the least bit safe doing it.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

4. I've often wondered that too

[democracyindanger]

5. You got a better way to snatch purses?

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

6. In cities like NYC or Chi it is kind of rude

but other places, traffic is not kind to bikes.

[On the Road]

7. You Shouldn't Ride on a Busy Sidewalk

but on many roads, you take your life in your hands. I've done it under the right conditions. But if the sidewalk is crowded, you get off and walk the bike.

[terrya]

9. This was a fairly busy street.

I'm all for bike paths. I wish more cities would create them.

[Left_Winger]

8. I do ride on the street

except where there is a lot of traffic; and, it is usually only until I can make it to an area where there is not much traffic.

This is one reason why I like Europe so much: there are bike paths most everywhere and bikes are required (I think) to have bells to warn pedestrians when a biker is approaching from behind.

In my area there are signs which state "Share the road", but it's just too dangerous. I've been run off the road far too many times to count. On the other hand, I do not live in a very urban area so it is rather safe to ride on the street.

BTW, I always observe the traffic laws when riding.

[Gormy Cuss]

10. In most cases, it's illegal for an adult to ride on the sidewalk

There are places where it is allowed, but generally these are posted because it's so unusual. I can understand why people ride on the sidewalk anyway because there are too many careless or rude drivers. I ride on the sidewalk myself on occasion. I don't understand the "coming through" jockeys -- if there are pedestrians on the sidewalk, get off the bike and walk. The pedestrians have the right of way. Had you been knocked to the ground and injured, the biker would be in deep doggie doo right now.

[LeftyMom]

11. Ever been hit by a car while on a bike?

I have and don't care to repeat it. I try to plan my excursions around bike lanes but when theyre aren't any I'll take the sidewalk over the street. Of course since I'm pulling a trailer I'm generally not going real fast, so I just stop and move to the side when I need to let people past on narrow sidewalks.

[Moderator]

12. Locking

Inflammatory - insulting to bike riders.