Recommendation: Bicycles & Sidewalks

From the Palmetto Cycling Coalition

Extensive research is available that examines risk factors of bicycling. Of these studies, it is
apparent that cyclists are most at risk when riding on a sidewalk or bicycle path. A study
conducted by Wachtel and Lewiston reveals that adult “bicyclists on a sidewalk or bicycle path
incur greater risk than those on the roadway (on average 1.8 times as great), most likely
because of blind conflicts at intersections”.i Evidence in this study reveals that sidewalks and
paths adjacent to the roadway are usually not safer than the road, and oftentimes are much less
safe.

This evidence is supported in other studies as well: “[I]t is safer to cycle on streets amongst cars
than on our two-way cycle paths along streets…in those countries and cities which are just
beginning to build their cycling facilities, two-way cycle paths should be avoided in urban street
networks”.ii

Additionally, resource manuals that are widely consulted by both planners and engineers,
including guidelines established by the FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) and AASHTO
(American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials), all discourage considering
sidewalks as facilities for bicyclists.

Although these studies only analyze risk factors associated to adult cyclists, practical
experience and case studies reveal the need to exclude children from these considerations.
The definition of a child herein includes those aged twelve and under, an age group widely
supported by case studies around the nation. The Palmetto Cycling Coalition believes that
defining a child as aged fifteen and younger is approaching an age where these safety
considerations are less applicable; furthermore, at the age of 15 most youth are applying for
drivers’ permits, and thus this age group needs to understand that bicyclists have a right and
responsibility to be on the roadway.

Through the network of bicycle/pedestrian organizations around the country, the Palmetto
Cycling Coalition was also able to analyze case studies where nearly one dozen communities
reported similar experience with conflicts relating to bicycling and sidewalks. These
communities all passed sidewalk bicycle ordinances appropriate to their situation and need.
Please see attached spreadsheet reporting this information.

Given the extensive research and case studies available, the Palmetto Cycling Coalition has
formulated the following recommendation on ordinances relating to bicycles and sidewalks:

No person shall ride or operate a bicycle upon any sidewalk in the city except:
1. Children under the age of twelve (12) may ride a bicycle on any sidewalk
except in downtown business districts and tourism areas

2. Where the sidewalk is designated as a shared-use path measuring at least

eight (8) feet in width.
It is crucial to establish an ordinance that is simple to enforce and obey, while being as
comprehensive as possible. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that no ordinance relating to
sidewalk regulations will be entirely upheld by road users (ie. See attached spreadsheet,
column ‘Do They Like It?’). In her research regarding sidewalk cycling, Lisa Aultman-Hall
concludes with some very important advice that should be considered during the enforcement of
any ordinance: “Sidewalk cyclists need to be trained rather than being simply told to cease
cycling on sidewalks.”iii

For questions or concerns, please contact:

Rachael Kefalos

Executive Director

Palmetto Cycling Coalition

(803) 445-1099
i
Wachtel, Alan & Diana Lewiston. Risk Factors for Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Collisions at Intersections. Institute of Transportation Engineers,
1994: 30-35.
ii
Pasanen, Eero. The Risks of Cycling. Helsinki City Planning Department.
iii
Aultman-Hall, L., Summary of Aultman-Hall Studies on Sidewalk and Bike Path Cycling, Ontario, January 1999.