It seems to be one of the golden rules of bicycle riding—Don’t ride on the sidewalk. The laws vary by city and county. Some places outlaw sidewalk bicycle riding; others restrict it or don’t say too much about it at all, leaving you to rely on your own common sense.

Bicycle accident attorneys always look at the facts surrounding an accident. For example, were you riding where you shouldn’t have when an accident occurred? Or, is a motorist, pedestrian, or local agency responsible for maintaining the streets and sidewalks liable for a breach of duty?

It’s not uncommon to see cyclists riding on sidewalks. They’re often amateurs who don’t know better or are too naïve to realize they’re putting themselves and countless others in danger. Nonetheless, they’re engaging in dangerous behavior. As any bike safety advocate knows, navigating bicycles on a sidewalk is dangerous because:

Why Do Cyclists Sometimes Prefer Sidewalks?

The streets can be pretty intimidating. In many cities, there aren’t any bicycle lanes to keep a cyclist separate from much larger, faster moving vehicles. A cyclist may simply feel safer on the sidewalk, when in fact that’s not really the case. Also, roadways may be poorly maintained, with potholes, uneven pavement, and grates that are raised or placed where they can be potentially hazardous. Speeding drivers make the streets more intimidating for cyclists as well.

How to Ride on the Sidewalk Safely

As a bicyclist, you always want to minimize the danger. But you always need to follow the law in your city or county. If sidewalk cycling is permitted under certain circumstances, and you have no other option, your safety can be improved by:

Also, helmets and other protective gear should be worn at all times, regardless of the rider’s age, no matter what the law says. A helmet can significantly reduce the chances of a head injury or fatality. But safe cycling is the only way to prevent accidents.

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Bicycle accidents often cause serious, life-changing injuries including broken bones, concussions, spinal cord injuries, and TBIs. Your attorney will determine who was at-fault and fight for your rights and to obtain the fairest possible settlement. But it can be hard to manage your finances while injured, out of work, and facing piles of medical bills. That’s why Fund Capital America’s options for pre-settlement advances are so beneficial. Apply at no cost and receive a lawsuit cash advance within 24 hours, so you can afford to continue your case.

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