Riding on sidewalks in Visalia is generally discouraged. Visalia has ordinances that ask bicyclists to stick as close to the right side of the street as possible or to use bike lanes when they are provided.
Additional Rules for Sidewalk Bicycle Riding in Visalia
Visalia treats bicycles as vehicles, and that’s why, in most situations, they want riders to use the street instead of sidewalks. Vehicles are prohibited on city sidewalks except when crossing them.
Visalia City Ordinance specifies that bicyclists should ride along the street and utilize bike lanes when available.
10.40.040 Riding on roadways and bicycle paths.
“A. Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right-hand side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.”
“No person shall ride or operate a bicycle upon a roadway adjacent to which or upon which bicycle lanes have been designated, except within such bicycle lane or except as otherwise permitted by the provisions of this chapter. (Prior code § 3380)”
A few other key laws when cycling in Visalia:
- Walking a Bike. City ordinance does specify that when riders get off their bikes and walk their bicycles, they would become pedestrians and could use sidewalks. They must obey intersection laws for pedestrians while walking.
- Leaving Bike Lanes. Riders should only leave bike lanes at intersections. They are allowed to get out of a bike lane to make a U-Turn or to make a left or right turn into a driveway.
- Riding in the Park. The City of Visalia’s website confirms that bicyclists should not use sidewalks in parks. They should stick to bike paths.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Bicycle Accident?
If you are struck by a careless driver and your injuries are serious, such as a broken bone or a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), you may need a lawyer’s help. A Visalia bicycle accident lawyer can help prevent a car insurance company from trying to shift the blame in 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 Visalia 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.
