Every year, as the weather warms and more people get out and about on their bikes, inevitably the “cycling on the sidewalk” debate flares up. Is cycling on the sidewalk a viable option for adults?
Let’s be clear, in Manitoba, cycling on the sidewalk is illegal according to the Highway Traffic Act, s. 145 (8). But is it not a safer option for people on bikes to move off of a busy roadway and onto the sidewalk?
The answer, as hard as it may be to believe, is no. People riding on the sidewalk, according to Manitoba Public Insurance, “face a far greater collision risk than cyclists on the roadway.” The risk is tied to uncontrolled intersections, like back lanes, driveways and strip mall entrances and exits. Here, cars aren’t required to come to a complete stop, and their view is obstructed. Plus, they aren’t expecting fast-moving cyclists, so when collisions happen the driver often comments that the cyclist “came out of nowhere.” People riding bikes on the sidewalk also face increased risk at intersections, as they are not in a good position to be visible to drivers turning left or right. In the summer of 2016, a woman was killed riding on the sidewalk in Winnipeg by a turning vehicle.
Visibility, predictability and communication are key to the safety of people on bikes. This means sometimes “taking the lane” when cycling on roadways is necessary, as you don’t want to encourage cars to squeeze past you. Avoid weaving in and out of parked cars – if cars are parked consistently in the right-hand lane, stay a minimum of 1.5 meters to the left, out of the door zone. If cars want to pass you, they must do so at a safe distance. Always use signals to communicate when moving to the left, right and when stopping. Check out the full list of responsibilities for road users from MPI.
Yet it’s easy to understand why people sometimes ride on the sidewalk – they don’t feel safe mixed in with motorized traffic. Winnipeg, like most cities in North America, has designed its road infrastructure around automobiles. Because of this car-centric environment, almost 80% of Winnipeggers drive alone in a personal vehicle. Compare that to Denver, Colorado (another four-season, sprawling city), where the drive-alone rate is 70.4% (still high, but far lower than Winnipeg). Further compare this to other four-season cities like Copenhagen, with a cycling mode share of 45%. In cities that have invested in their cycling infrastructure the past 30 years, as opposed to simply building more roads and bridges for even more cars, have dramatically decreased the number of people driving and increased the number of people cycling.
In Winnipeg, we have heard that a lack of safe infrastructure is the key to Winnipeg’s lagging cycling mode share. In a CBC report, 47% of Winnipeggers said they would cycle more often if the city built more protected bike laes, which physically separated bicycles from motorized vehicles. Perception of safety is incredibly important to the average commuter in our city. It is not our winter that differentiates us, it is our built environment.
So, what is a person to do when they want to bike to school or work and they have a route that is suitable … except for one stretch where the infrastructure does not connect. Winnipeg is at a stage where we do not yet have a complete network of routes providing the necessary level of comfort from beginning to end for the average commuter. Or, perhaps a “route” exists, but it’s designed as a recreational path and doesn’t adequately connect point A to point B – sometimes it’s nice to take the scenic route, but not when you want to get to work or school quickly.
These “missing links” are often where you find people cycling on the sidewalk. When I see people biking on the sidewalk, my reaction isn’t to shake my finger at those individuals, and tsk tsk them for their choice. My personal reaction is frustration. Why don’t these cyclists have infrastructure that is adequate for them to travel with comfort here?
Thankfully, Winnipeg is making gains in sustainable, healthy transportation. Each year, more protected bike lanes are popping up and people are seeing that commuting by bike is possible. According to 2016 Bike Winnipeg data, it’s estimated that 12,600 people commute by bike each day (counts were conducted in the spring). This is still a tiny fraction of what is possible. Whenever you’re out in rush hour, look at all of the cars and imagine what it would be like if 47% of those drivers felt safe enough to get out of their cars and onto a bike.
Do you want to cycle to work, but are uncomfortable riding with traffic? Consider taking a cycling course to improve your skills and confidence. You can talk to your workplace about hosting a workshop from Bike Winnipeg with your staff, or consider the Bike It and Cycling Champions courses through MPI. At Green Action Centre, we are also thrilled to see the BEST Program taking off in Winnipeg schools. The Bike Education and Skills Training (BEST) course will ensure the next generation of commuters are ready to get to work and school in a healthy and sustainable way!
Call Your Councillor: If you have a great commuting route, with a section or two lacking safe, comfortable infrastructure, contact your City Councillor or municipal representative. Everyone pays for infrastructure through their property taxes, and currently people who drive are getting more than their fair share of municipal dollars spent on infrastructure for vehicles. Be sure to let your Councillor know that you are choosing to commute in a healthy, sustainable way, and that you deserve a route that is direct, comfortable and safe.
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Why do cyclists act like the danger to pedestrians is greater than the danger they face (and create) on the road?
Why can’t cyclists use sidewalks AND give pedestrians right-of-way?
Cyclists tend to “take the lane” even though most cannot keep up with traffic, which causes backups and creates an unsafe road environment.
I have lost friends of mine in incidents involving a car colliding with a cyclist. Regardless of who was at fault, I feel they were all put in unnecessarily dangerous situations that could have been avoided by keeping the bike and auto traffic safely segregated.
I support improving infrastructure to support cycling traffic as opposed to increasing cycle traffic to overloaded roadways filled with deadly cars.
Hi Dale – yes, safe and segregated infrastructure is the goal and it’s something the city should deliver on before 2036 (the current plan is a 20 year plan). As data in the blog shows, people on bikes are not safer on the sidewalk. They are, in fact, at greater risk. It’s also important to remember that, when a person on a bike has to cycle on the road, they should take the lane to avoid cars trying to squeeze by too close. It’s not the goal of the person on the bike to keep up with traffic, it is their goal to stay safe. Proper cycling infra is good not just for people on bikes, but for those driving and walking as well. Our city streets are safer with protected cycling infrastructure and we must ensure people from all parts of the city have access to safe, comfortable and convenient modes of transportation that are healthy and sustainable.
Coming from a regional centre in Australia, we frown upon cycling on the sidewalk. There is a big push for more cycleways and cycle lanes and the changes are evident in newer developments. It seems that the mindset shift to allow cyclists to share the road space is a little slower – as the comments suggest.
Thank You
Bren
Question…sorry this may be answered above but I’m going to ask. In Winnipeg are you to have your 4 year old drive a bike on the road when cycling with you on separate bikes? Of course I am referring to in subdivision areas before reaching a 30 minute walk to get to a bike trail…please do not say drive your bikes to a trail…as that’s not an option when you have no vechile.
Hi Tara – I am not an expert on cycling with kids, but I believe that legally an adult can’t bike on the sidewalk, even when escorting a child. Technically you should be walking beside them, or them on the sidewalk and you on the road. But, in reality, if you’re going slowly I can’t imagine you’d be ticketed by the police. That would be … extreme. Here’s a great video on teaching your child to ride! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADkm4qkXAj8&feature=player_embedded
I think the whole article missed the main point. Cyclists don’t ride on sidewalks where it is safe rp ride on the road. They only do at “pinch points” where it is clearly unsafe to cycle on the road no mater how diligent one is about safe cyclying practices. These would include most of the bridges in Winnipeg.
Yes riding on tsidewalks has its unique hazards but far less than on a crowed narrow road.
Hi Jeff – I referred to the “pinch points” as “missing links” above. My goal was to look at the whole issue from the perspective of safety, looking at perception and reality. That we can have the data that cycling on the road is safe, but if you don’t FEEL safe, you just won’t do it.
On occasion I have to ride on the sidewalk (when the bike lane ends at a sidewalk and it’s not possible to get on the road for a block) I ride at a substantially slower pace. Like a fast walk. Can pedestrians and cyclists not respect one another? Cyclists, slow down on sidewalks! Pedestrians move over when you hear a bell. There are places in this city where cyclists and pedestrians have to share space. Why does it work in designated places?
Great note, Linda! Indeed, there are some spots in this city where even the most experienced rider just feels no other option than to ride on the sidewalk. I have been there! We do indeed have some infrastructure spots in the city where pedestrians and people on bikes meet, for example along Pembina and Sherbrooke, where the cycle track goes around the bus stop. It’s certainly a learning curve, as I’ve heard frustration from both people waiting for the bus, as well as those that cycle in those spots. Winnipeg has a big learning curve, as we are so far behind in seeing separate cycling infrastructure come into place. I think that more promotion of how these improvements work would go a long way! There are also the multi-use paths where infra is shared. These paths are more problematic when there isn’t any indication of how they are shared, as collisions are more likely. I personally run on the path along Wellington that goes into Assinibione Park, and have to say that I’m always concerned that a person on a bike might be going too fast as a round a curve and will hit me. It’s been close to happening before. I’d love to have more distinction of where I should run, and where I should bike.
It is interesting that less experienced cyclists resent the cars dominating the roads, yet feel entitled to dominate the sidewalks. Use quieter roads and allow more time to get to your destination. Practise good riding skills on a small, unused area of a parking lot. Gain confidence in signalling the intent to turn, turning, the intent to slow and/or stop, braking, corners, dismounting, mounting, riding on grass, fast riding with quick braking, what is needed to pass another cyclist, what is needed to allow another cyclist to pass you. Cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motorists, when on roadways. While motorists must also follow the provincial traffic laws some motorists believe they own the roads which is similar to the concept that some cyclists have that they own the sidewalks. Cyclists must accept that they are smaller and more vulnerable than when in a vehicle. Hence, cyclists must be mindful of situations which place themselves at greater risk. Similar to what Smart Cars must do when driving on highways with huge transport trucks. Sidewalks are for walking. If you must go to a sidewalk, then you MUST walk. Then you can follow the rules for pedestrians. Walking is beside your bike not straddling it. It is common courtesy to take your bike to the grass beside the sidewalk when walking past another pedestrian.
Thanks for your comment, Sandra. I think it’s important to avoid assuming how others are feeling around you. For example, I think it’s less likely that a person on a bike “feels entitled” to the sidewalk as opposed to them only using the infrastructure they feel the most comfortable riding on. It’s important that we look to the data from surveys in our city, and in other Canadian cities, where we see a strong demand for safe cycling infrastructure that keeps bikes separated from both pedestrians as well as motorized vehicles. We can also see in cities around the world that, as safe infrastructure is available, a cycling culture grows and “breaking the rules” decreases.
When we hear a bell??? Have not heard a bell yet!!! Have to walk with my head on a swivel – bikes are super quiet and many of us that use any appliance for walking, tend to wander a bit!! Making contact a sure thing! Scary going for a stroll – never had so many problems till we have to cater to “all”cyclists! We were not allowed on sidewalks, used a BELL always! One day it will be you with canes & walkers!! Life is short please think!!
Honest answer to an honest question, would you rather be a pedestrians on a sidewalk that gets hit by a bike with a gun on it that weighs 175 pounds, or would you rather be a cyclist that gets by a car that weighs 4000 pounds? People driving cars can mess up and hit a bike on the road just like a cyclist can mess up and hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk. Lots of cyclists use their bike for transport because they can’t afford a car, (and pedestrians should understand that… after all they are on foot!). People could even argue that bike/pedestrians collisions occur more often (assuming thats true) but a cyclist being hit by a car is way more deadly. So tell we, which is the better choice?
Typeo: a *guy* that weights 175, not a gun!
It’s a conundrum! You have a point about pedestrians and cyclists having lower masses and speeds. I think the problem at its root is having to use spaces that weren’t designed for moving bikes safely and efficiently, and that so few people in Winnipeg use bikes as regular transportation that there isn’t much empathy for the realities of it. We are frequently told that we create problems for others, but the solutions we offer aren’t heeded. No matter what my travel mode, I get frustrated with the conflicts. Walking, I’m annoyed when someone on a bike passes me closely without so much as a bell to warn me of their approach; biking, I get frustrated at needing to be constantly on edge to assert my right to use a roadway designed for fast-moving traffic; and when driving, I wonder why more motorists don’t support the infrastructure upgrades that would reduce or eliminate their dangerous and inconvenient interactions with other road users. Right now, people who bike are forced to make choices that balance legality, our safety, and others’ safety in a way that people using other modes don’t have to, and the outcome can be perceived as being reckless and inconsiderate. It doesn’t have to be this way, but unfortunately, without proper infrastructure, it’s hard to imagine this problem going away.
If the pedestrian that was hit was elderly and fell down it would greatly impact their quality of life. So I don’t agree with your post. Obey the laws and don’t put pedestrians at risk for just taking a leisurely walk on the sidewalk.
I a sick to death of putting my life and my grand daughters life in the hands of cyclists, who ride on the sidewalk. I should not have to be constantly turning around to make sure some ILLEGAL maniac on a bike, riding as fast on the sidewalk, as I ride on the road is not going to run into us. The city is always looking for money, make cyclists license their bikes and the police have to start handing out tickets. 9 out of 10 cyclists are on the sidewalk, why have laws if they are not enforced. I ride on the road with my grand daughter in her bike seat, and some idiot rides by on the sidewalk going faster than I am going. Come on city counselors, do your job!! Maybe the city city needs a PEDESTRIAN ACTION INITIATIVE.
Hi Warren – I agree, cycling on the sidewalk is dangerous, for both people on bikes and those who walk. I hope you can take a moment to reach out to your city Councillor to advocate for safer infrastructure for you and your grand daughters, whether you choose to bike or walk. Research shows that the instances of sidewalk cycling decrease after safe cycling infrastructure goes in, even as the number of people biking increases (https://www.citylab.com/solutions/2014/08/tired-of-cyclists-riding-on-the-sidewalk-build-more-bike-lanes/375984/).
I did some research on bike licencing to see if it would work in Winnipeg, and it in fact does not. You can read about those findings here: https://greenactioncentre.ca/healthy-travel/bike-licensing/
Good for you! Cyclists expect all the rights of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists – and none of the responsibilities.
What does riding through a stop sign or a red light have to do with making cyclists safer?
We need licensing with licence plates so that cyclists can be held accountable. I have seen more than one cyclist flee the scene of accident – because they can!
Hi Bert,
We actually have a great blog addressing your comment about bike licensing. Turns out it doesn’t actually work very well, costs more than it brings in, and doesn’t hold accountable those responsible for most of the issues! Of course nobody should be allowed to flee the scene of an accident that they were involved in – too many, regardless of mode of transportation, do this.
Check it out here: https://greenactioncentre.ca/healthy-travel/bike-licensing/
I don’t mind bicycles on sidewalks if the rider is going at the speed of the pedestrian traffic, but I do resent the idea that as a pedestrian I have to watch out for someone passing me from behind.
I’m already managing all the shitty car drivers who try to cheat the right of way at crosswalks, and who drive in front of me when turning right. I shouldn’t also have to manage cyclists who want to go faster than the speed of “traffic” on the sidewalk.
I get that car drivers aren’t good at sharing the road with cyclists, but the answer isn’t to act like a car driver on the sidewalk. If you want to zoom by, then hit the road!
I am a pedestrian who commutes daily using sidewalks. I am also at times someone who cycles. What I feel is not appreciated by cyclists is the danger they impose on pedestrians who are using the sidewalks that the cyclist choose also to use. I can appreciate the angst in the convenience that a sidewalk affords (especially when faced with having to take one’s turn in a long traffic jam on the roadway). However, at the very least cyclists must give pedestrians the right of way. This should apply even in shared access routes. In addition, all cyclists should be equipped with a signaling device and it should be used when fast approaching a pedestrian from behind. Finally, a common approach is to indicate verbally how you will pass the pedestrian, such as “passing on your left”. Having been part of the racing cycling community, this is a common approach used even during races. I feel this message needs to be shared to all current cyclists as there has to be some common ground to work from in respecting everyone’s use of the sidewalks and working towards more safety.
Hi Curtis – indeed, a bike bell is a key item for cyclists for safety as communication is key. As cycling becomes more and more a part of our culture here in Winnipeg, and as our infrastructure begins to support this healthy and sustainable form of transportation, we will see less rule-breaking and sidewalk cycling. Again, it’s not safe for people on bikes to use the sidewalks.
Keep in mind that there are some sidewalks that it’s okay to cycle on… with the designated signs. For example, Taylor Avenue on the south side is for the most part, for walking and cycling.
As long as the path is signed then it is OK to ride on it. That said the path along Taylor also has numerous uncontrolled intersections and you need to pay attention to the vehicles entering and exiting properties.
I’m definitely a mixed cycler. My route to work takes me through some patches of road that are terrible, with drivers that are equally as terrible. I try to stay on the road as much as I can but sometimes I feel it’s safer for me and much less of a hassle for drivers for me to be on the sidewalk. When I am on the sidewalk I understand that I am a “guest” and act as such. I will come to a full stop to let pedestrians pass when the path isn’t very wide and will slow way down and look both ways before crossing intersections, parking lots, and back lanes. Unfortunately, until the roads and bike paths get better in this city, I don’t feel it’s worth risking my life to bike on a few of our streets. I don’t feel guilty for it. I’m being courteous and safe and am not expecting pedestrians to move out of my way.
Great insight Andrea! I agree, our infrastructure is seriously lacking in some areas, and we do not have a connected network for people on bikes to access all areas of the city easily. If there are people on bikes sidewalk riding consistently in an area, the thing to do is ask what is lacking in that area. Do take a moment to write to the city council (don’t forget the Mayor!) to tell them where you ride on the sidewalk, and why. Your feedback is important!
As usual, a cyclists advice completely disregards pedestrian safety.
Fortunately, getting good infrastructure for cyclists will benefit all: car drivers will have clarity, cyclists will be more confident and be less likely to ride on sidewalks which benefits pedestrians, and injury rates go down!
I notice that when describing how dangerous it is for cyclists on sidewalks, you mention vehicular traffic, but seemed to have forgotten the pedestrians. You know the people who are actually SUPPOSED to be on aforementioned sidewalk. For someone as small as I am, I’m built like a tank and I don’t move for anybody. Although to be fair I do bellow out that I’m not going to move. Sadly most cyclists think I’m joking. I’m not. So they run into me. I might get a bruise, but they often need new bikes and bandages. Oh well I don’t feel sorry for them at all. They should not have been on the sidewalk and as a pedestrian I don’t feel I should have to move for you. I’ve taken to walking in your bike lanes. If you are taking up my space, I’m going to take up your space, fair is fair. Don’t like what I’ve said, that’s ok, just don’t ever make the mistake of thinking I’m going to move for you, won’t happen.
Hi Kim – I hear your frustration. It can be very frustrating when people don’t follow the rules. This blog did focus on the reasons why people on bikes should not ride on the sidewalk, but I did focus my argument against the reason most people on bikes would give as to why they are choosing this behaviour, which is that they say they feel safer. But I completely agree with you! Thankfully, as our culture shifts and cycling becomes more normalized, and more and more people learn how to cycle safely at younger ages (and our infrastructure keeps improving!) we will see fewer people riding on the sidewalk. It’s a frustratingly slow shift. I would encourage you to connect with your City Councillor to say you support the Pedestrian and Cycling Strategies put forward, and you want to see them implemented as soon as possible!
I bet you make friends very easily.
Cyclists just run into you? By the sounds of it it seems like you are purposefully inconveniencing yourself and consciously putting yourself in greater danger in these situations by being stubborn just so you can have something to complain about.
Yeah okay, so you get hit by a bike and need bandages, a cyclist getting hit by a car winds up DEAD or damn near! Its only a 4000 pound car!
We were in Germany a couple years ago and saw sidewalks combined with bicycle lanes-the bike side had a different texture to mark it and of course the combination was wider than many of our sidewalks but I have noticed that many sidewalks downtown and to the west on Portage especially where road and sidewalk work was done in the past year are wider than necessary for pedestrians. It would be nice if they could be divided. Sue
Thanks for reading, Sue! I agree that the way space is allocated in cities (not just this one!) can be quite perplexing. Cities tend to build infrastructure for the 10 hours a week of rush-hour, as opposed to the full 168 hours of the week.
I definitely felt that riding on the sidewalk was safer for me than say, riding down Portage. To hear that someone was killed riding on the sidewalk is really eye opening to me… I guess maybe the question isn’t what’s safer but which is the lesser of two evils?
Good note! It is difficult when our gut feelings don’t necessarily correlate to the data. Even on Portage, you are still more predictable and visible on the road. On that note, though, you do have bike routes to the north and south of Portage that may be better and more comfortable options for you.
The Bike Winnipeg class is a great idea. As someone who has had a bike crash into me while I was a pedestrian, I say stay off the sidewalk.
I’ve never heard of a pedestrian being killed by a cyclist. Can’t say the same thing about motorists and cyclists though. That’s all the logic I need to ride on a sidewalk.
Hi CJ – unfortunately, pedestrians are hit and injured by people on bikes who ride on the sidewalks, even if you don’t personally hear about them. It is an illegal thing to do, it is dangerous, and there are consequences.
Hi CJ, I was struck by a cyclist and suffered a very serious concussion. It took a full year and a half before I was able to do any physical activity over 3.5mph on a treadmill without becoming dizzy.
Additionally, I had to wear special glasses to not get migraines from my computer screen.
Sure I “didn’t get killed,” but can you honestly tell me that this wasn’t life-altering?
Hey Lee a quick stat from Britian (not even usa or canada)
In 2016, 18,477 cyclists were injured in reported road accidents, including 3,499 who were killed or seriously injured.
I think cyclists should not be on the sidewalks at all. On a daily basis I see cyclists on the roads seconds later then back on the sidewalks. If it’s true bikes are considered a vehicle much like cars,trucks ,buses then I say ticket those who are breaking the laws .Maybe it’s even time we start licensing bikes again . And maybe even require working lights for nighttime riding. When it also comes to riding on the sidewalks I mostly see pedestrians having to move out of the way in order not to get hit. Why don’t cyclists slow down even on the sidewalks. There’s no doubt Winnipeg has a serious problem ion it’s hands . Trying to fit a round peg into a square hole is something that’s going to take time to solve.
Hi Steve – thanks for your comment! It is frustrating when some people choose to disregard the rules. In regards to licensing, I examined that issue in a previous post. You can check it out here: https://greenactioncentre.ca/healthy-travel/bike-licensing/
We do have to remember that commuting by bike is not something a majority of people in this province have grown up doing. But we are seeing positive change. If we look to cities across the globe who have invested over the past 30 years, we rarely see things like cycling on the sidewalk. It does take time for cultures to shift, and we just have to keep moving forward.