Yes. In most areas. Riders on sidewalks should always yield to pedestrians. Riders are asked to use bike lanes when they are available. Riders should avoid riding on sidewalks in busy business districts where signs restricting bicycles on sidewalks are posted.
Bicycles on Sidewalks According to California Law
California statutes don’t make it illegal to ride bikes on sidewalks. The state allows city governments to set their own rules about sidewalks. For example, Los Angeles generally allows cyclists to use the sidewalk. San Francisco does not allow riders on sidewalks, but makes an exception for children on bikes.
Madera doesn’t have a law forbidding travel on sidewalks. But riders should always be on the lookout for pedestrians also using the sidewalk and yield to their safety.
The expectations for cyclists can change out in Madera County. The County Code of Ordinances explains that bicyclists should stay off of sidewalks near public and private places, such as businesses, and locations operated by the County of Madera, such as County Parks.
Chapter 10.14.010 – Prohibition against bicycling, skating, rollerblading and operating or riding skateboards and scooters in designated areas.
No person shall rollerskate, rollerblade or operate or ride upon a bicycle, skateboard, scooter (whether propelled by human power, battery, or motor) or similar device on the premises, sidewalks or within the off-street parking facilities of any privately or publicly owned places which are open to the public, including, but not limited to, any places owned, operated, controlled, or under the jurisdiction of the county of Madera.
Property owners are asked to post a sign alerting riders to their restrictions on sidewalk travel.
Bicycle Sidewalk Accidents
Madera cyclists may jump on a sidewalk to escape the dangers that careless drivers present, but the concrete can present other issues. Broken surfaces, gaps between a sidewalk and a curb, and even tree root damage put riders at risk.
A deep enough hole might send cyclists out of control and even into speeding traffic. A crack the perfect width of a bicycle tire may put the tire in a vise grip, sending the rider over the handlebars.
The City of Madera can be liable for sidewalk accidents in some cases. Homeowners and business owners along the sidewalk may also have some liability. If you’re hurt, a skilled Madera bicycle accident lawyer can help you determine who is responsible for maintaining sidewalks and who should be helping you with your medical bills.
You can find out more about your legal options if you crash due to a cracked or uneven sidewalk in our article about Madera sidewalk bicycle accident liability.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Bicycle Accident in Madera?
If you are struck by a careless driver or taken down by a crumbling sidewalk and your injuries are serious, you may win much more for your injury claim with a skilled lawyer’s help. A Madera 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.
