Cyclists are not allowed to ride on sidewalks around San Luis Obispo. They must ride along the street or use bike lanes if available.
Why Can’t Bicyclists Ride on Sidewalks in San Luis Obispo?
Keeping all cyclists off the sidewalks in San Luis Obispo comes down to making walkways as safe as possible for pedestrians. Officials also mention the difference between the speeds at which pedestrians travel and some cyclists travel.
The City of San Luis Obispo website section on Pedestrian & Bike Safety explains why:
“Per the City’s Municipal Code Section 10.72.100, bicycle riding on sidewalks is prohibited. This law is in place for the safety of the bicyclists, pedestrians, community members in wheelchairs, and motorists.
Pedestrians, trash cans, benches, utility boxes, fire hydrants, sign posts, and cars coming in and out of driveways become obstacles to bicycle riding on the sidewalk and can be damaging to property, the bicycle rider or a pedestrian if hit. Sidewalks are designed for walking speeds, which are slower than a bicycle pace and are often not designed to share with other travelers. When faster speeds are introduced the situation can become hazardous.”
Cyclists should always yield to pedestrians, no matter where they encounter them. That includes crosswalks and on multi-use trails like the North Chorro Neighborhood Greenway. They should also obey all traffic laws when riding in the street and crossing crosswalks.
Accident Dangers for San Luis Obispo Cyclists
Careless drivers will always be the number one threat to cyclists in any California city. Distracted drivers can come over into bike lanes, threatening riders when they thought they were safe. Motorists can make turns in front of the riders just behind them or in front of oncoming cyclists they didn’t see in time. These mistakes can cause major accidents.
Cyclists can also be forced to use sidewalks to escape a speeding driver or when delivery trucks park on bike lanes. A hole in the concrete can grab a cyclist’s tire to send them off course or stop the bike and send the rider flying. The City can be liable for bicycle accidents caused by damaged sidewalks that never get fixed.
Injured riders, hurt because of someone else’s negligence, including a city public works department, can file claims and seek an insurance settlement. A skilled San Luis Obispo bicycle accident lawyer can help victims file claims and win support to help them pay their medical bills and replace the time at work they’ve lost.
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 local bicycle accident lawyer can help prevent a car 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 also files an injury claim against the City of San Luis Obispo 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 for a free, confidential case review. 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.
