Bicis Sidewalks And Multi-Use Paths

Sharing Space

Normally, bike riders should avoid biking on sidewalks because sidewalks are for pedestrians and children under 13 who are just learning to ride. However, there may be times when you decide to use the sidewalk because the road feels unsafe. Sometimes this happens in San Francisco on streets like Mission or parts of Cesar Chavez. 

In these situations, use your best judgment to thoughtfully share the space with people walking. In general, you should use the sidewalk if it feels safer than using the road, but you should also be aware of pedestrians using the sidewalk. You can always slow down or get off and walk if the path is too narrow to share or to let someone pass you. When you walk your bike you become a pedestrian too.

What you do when sharing a sidewalk or multi-use path also applies when riding on parkways in parks and when riding through tunnels.

How to ride a Multi-Use Sidewalk:

• Pay attention, ride slowly, and yield to pedestrians.
• Once the sidewalk returns to the normal size, bicyclists should carefully move to the bike lane and leave the sidewalk for just walkers.