Re:Why Can’t Riding Bikes in America Just Be Normal?
by dashundchen on Monday February 19, 2018 @02:44PM
(#16415165)
The issue with riding sidewalks, outside of pedestrians and it being outright illegal in most states, is driveways and curb cuts. At any reasonable cycling speed drivers will not see or react to you in time, because they're almost always focused on the road looking for passing auto traffic.
Re:Why Can’t Riding Bikes in America Just Be Normal?
by astrodust on Monday February 19, 2018 @03:09PM
(#16415325)
Far better in some cases, but far more illegal in others.
Since sidewalks in many places are rarely used by actual pedestrians it'd probably be better, and cheaper, to install paved bike paths instead.
In the Northern Virginia suburbs where I live, there aren't a lot of people on the sidewalks. When I do pass a pedestrian, I slow down and give them a wide berth so they aren't startled. Sometimes I'll even ride into the street to give them more room, especially if they're walking a dog. And then, I get back on the sidewalk where my life isn't in the hands of aggressive or distracted drivers.