3 ms·

I've noticed that in my neighborhood in Austin, most of the cyclists ride on the sidewalks. I've been thinking about getting a bicycle but this fact doesn't ins

• antisthenes 9y ago
  Unless there's a dedicated bike lane, it makes more sense to cycle on the sidewalks than the road (if the road speed limit is 35mph+) A cyclist has the same protection from injury in an accident with a car as a pedestrian, but the pedestrian is far less likely to be injured by a bike than a car (if there is an accident)
  • nanomonkey 9y ago
    Studies have shown that riding on the sidewalk is considerably less safe than riding on the street (due to link rot, I can't find the studies I'd read, but google brings up plenty). Cars do not expect bicycles to be crossing intersections from the sidewalk, so your risk of being hit by a car goes up considerably unless you come to a complete stop at each intersection you cross. I've never met a bicyclist that does this as it will break your momentum considerably. Whats more, pedestrians and dogs often walk into the way of sidewalk operating bicyclist. Please don't do this.
    • thesmok 9y ago
      My experience confirms that. I've done a lot of riding on the road with cars but the only time I was hit by a car was when I was riding on the sidewalk and crossing the road.