Yes. Stockton cyclists can use most sidewalks in the city. However, there are a few business districts with higher foot traffic where riders are asked to stay off the sidewalks.
Where Are Bikes Not Permitted on Sidewalks in Stockton?
Riders around Stockton are generally allowed to use sidewalks in the city. They must always yield to pedestrians when sharing sidewalks and crosswalks with those on foot. Cyclists must also have a means to give an audible signal to pedestrians before passing them.
Bicyclists must also obey all traffic laws when crossing intersections and using crosswalks.
City lawmakers do ask that bicyclists avoid using sidewalks in certain busy sections of Stockton. Certain areas where there are few residential properties and more businesses will often feature more pedestrians walking from shop to shop or into government buildings.
The speed at which cyclists travel doesn’t usually match the speed at which people walk, and that difference can lead to a greater chance of collisions. Those bicycle vs. pedestrian accidents can also carry more force. Unprotected pedestrians can be hurt.
Stockton Code of Ordinances § 10.12.220 Riding bicycles on sidewalks. goes over the sections of the city where riders should ride along the right side of the street or in bike lanes if available.
- Commercial Office District
- Commercial Neighborhood District
- Commercial General District
- Commercial-Downtown District
- Commercial-Large Scale District
These parts of Stockton may be marked with signs showing where cyclists must stay off sidewalks. They may also be without signs.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Dangers
Both cyclists and pedestrians are the most vulnerable roadway users as they ride alongside traffic or cross in front of distracted drivers.
They are also in danger while on sidewalks. Careless drivers can turn into parking lots or driveways without taking a proper look and strike a bicyclist using the sidewalk or a jogger on the run.
The city’s and property owners’ responsibility to keep sidewalks in safe, travel-worthy condition can also be neglected. Riders can have their tires fall into a crack and be thrown from their bikes. Pedestrians can trip over a tree root busting through the concrete. You can find out more about who would be responsible if you were a cyclist hurt because of the condition of a Stockton sidewalk on our page here.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Bicycle Accident?
If you are seriously hurt while riding a bike, and a driver, or a negligent city sidewalk crew is to blame, you may need a lawyer’s help. A Stockton 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 Stockton pedestrian accident lawyer can also help victims on foot if they are injured by a car, a cyclist, or a bad stretch of 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 Stockton 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.
