Am I a threat to the public, if I ride my bike on the footpath..?

Question

note: I always do this (ride my bike on the footpath, very slowly)....why are the cops always pulling me up? I , try to stay on the road, but sometimes it's impossible, with so many cars.

it's mostly impossible with so many cars.

jasmin? I dunno what planet your living on but, here in Victoria australia, we have shared footpaths,; ie; that means, bikes and stuff. rollerblades, enerything. gimmee a real answer, please,,,lmao.

Answer 1

no. the folks who drive their huge cars everywhere are a threat to the public. I have never seen a foot path that was not wide enough for a skilled cyclist to pass a skilled walker.

you are fine. it is safer for all involved if you ride here rather than on the road. hmm, if more people rode and less people drove...

Answer 2

Yeah Mate

Queensland recently legalised the riding of bicycles on footpaths.
It shouldn't be too long before Victoria catches on as well. Just keep it nice and slow around pedestrians give them a wide berth and get off as necessary.

Pedestrians do some weird things if you don't keep well away they might walk into you. Shared use will catch on especially outside of the CBD. If your doing the wrong thing you will attract attention

If your getting hassled try the "I'm from Queensland defence" it works for me.(It works for a lot of things)

For the rest of the world Flinders street Melbourne has one less lane then there are rows of cars. There are trams as well. It is not as safe road for cars either.

I just read the post from the friendly policeman it does seem to make sense. Probably a good idea to throw on a cycling jersey as well. That way you can look more like a cyclist rather than just someone who uses a bike.

Answer 3

Here's what I think.
A bike hitting a person can do some damage. Perhaps a cut or bruise, at worst a broken bone.
A car hitting a cyclist can do a lot of damage. Think life changing injuries.
When you are cycling on the footpath you are consciouly aware that pedestrians are going to walk in your path.
When you're driving on the road you're not expecting a cyclist to appear.
Therefore I think if you feel your safety is at stake jump on the footpath - but remember to respect pedestrians, which I'm sure you do.

Answer 4

I'm a cop so I'll give it to you straight... There are several answers. Are there signs posted "No Bicycles" if so you could be breaking city ordinance. If it is a sidewalk most state law insists that foot traffic has the right of way. A bicyclist must exit the walkway to let foot traffic pass and not prohibit foot traffic movement. Do you have a headlight at night? do you have a rear reflector. These are 2 things that officers stop people for all the time. People scoff at that but alot of people who live their life around drugs do not have cars and frequent bicycles. This is a way to stop them. I don't know you. However, you are asking a question because you seem concerned. I don't believe that you are in the later part of my explanation. Maybe someone walking called and complained. That happens also. Ride safe.

Answer 5

If by footpath you mean sidewalk then I don't think so. I would rather see people ride on the sidewalk (courteously) instead of getting hit by a car. I am from a small town in the mountains. We do not have sidewalks. A few years ago we went on vacation to New Jersey beach and rented bikes. We were riding on the sidewalk and we got in trouble by police b/c it was illegal. I was flabergasted. We were told we had to ride on the street but I was so scared of traffic that I tried to get back on the sidewalk by popping the front tire of this old heavy metal bicycle onto the curb but I wrecked. Unfortunately, I had flip-flops on and I ripped the top of my big toe off. THAT'S WHAT I GET FOR RIDING ON THE FOOTPATH!!

Answer 6

It's called a footpath, not a bike path,,,,it would be considerate, if every time you come across a person, get off your bike and walk it!!!

Answer 7

since the laws are different everywhere, you need to follow whatever is appropriate in your area...

if you wish to change the law, contact your local gov't representative and/or start a petition drive...

but are you really a threat? I would say no, since you are obviously aware of what is going on around you.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

I hate it when people on bikes whizz past me as I walk along the street.

Answer 10

Unless your bike has feet, keep it off the foot path...