Bicyclists are allowed to use sidewalks in most parts of Modesto. However, there are some business areas where bicycles are not permitted on sidewalks.
Where Can I Ride on Sidewalks in Modesto?
Modesto allows riders to take to the sidewalk in most residential areas. That would include adults and children as long as they yielded to pedestrians and obeyed right-of-way laws at crosswalks and intersections.
The only restrictions would be in areas occupied primarily by businesses, like the downtown district.
Modesto’s Code of Ordinances explains it this way:
3-3.12 – Permissible Area of Operation of Bicycles.
“A bicycle which is licensed pursuant to this chapter may be operated upon all the streets, alleys and public ways of the city, except that no bicycle shall be operated on the sidewalk area in any business district as defined in the California Vehicle Code.”
These areas where cyclists must stay in the roadway or on bike lanes should be marked by street signs. When defining where business districts are in Modesto, the city relies on the California Vehicle Code (CVC) explanation.
CVC DIVISION 1. WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED [100 – 681] 235.
“A “business district” is that portion of a highway and the property contiguous thereto (a) upon one side of which highway, for a distance of 600 feet, 50 percent or more of the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by buildings in use for business, or (b) upon both sides of which highway, collectively, for a distance of 300 feet, 50 percent or more of the contiguous property fronting thereon is so occupied. A business district may be longer than the distances specified in this section if the above ratio of buildings in use for business to the length of the highway exists.”
Sidewalk Accident Dangers for Modesto Cyclists
Cyclists can give themselves several more feet of buffer from Modesto traffic by hopping onto a sidewalk. However, they must still monitor for potential hazards when using the sidewalk.
Cyclists can hit a damaged segment of concrete and end up being knocked off balance. A bicycle tire can become stuck in a gap between concrete slabs or along the curb. The bike stops, but the rider is thrown over handle bars and to the hard surface.
In Modesto, homeowners and business owners are responsible for keeping sidewalks maintained and safe for travel. They can also be liable if a cyclist is hurt due to a crumbling sidewalk. The City of Modesto may also be liable for bad stretches of sidewalk around public buildings that cause bicycle accidents.
What’s more, careless drivers can still pose a risk to sidewalk riders. Motorists can turn into driveways or parking lots without monitoring for a cyclist on the sidewalk they must cross. Riders can suffer broken bones, neck and back injuries, facial injuries, and Traumatic Brain Injuries. A claim against a car insurance company may be necessary.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Bicycle Accident?
If you are seriously hurt while riding on a damaged sidewalk, you may need a lawyer’s help. A Modesto bicycle accident lawyer can help prevent an insurance company from trying to shift the blame for the accident. A skilled lawyer can also help an injured rider earn more to cover current medical costs and the costs for care in the future.
A lawyer can also help you file an injury claim against the City of Modesto if you are seriously hurt after going over a pothole or a crack in a sidewalk.
If you are unsure if you need a lawyer’s help, there’s an easy way to find out. You can contact Maison Law of Visalia for a free, confidential case consultation. If you need our help, you don’t have to worry about how you’ll be able to afford a lawyer. Maison Law doesn’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check that an insurance company must write for you.
