Beach Drive Blog

I know it’s legal for people to ride their bikes on the sidewalk…but some don’t seem to keep in mind that pedestrians use them too.   And I believe pedestrians have the right of way.   

I’m writing this because earlier today, I was taking my pug for a walk when I was nearly hit by a man on his bike.    Our driveway, like many on Beach Drive is a bit hidden.   I was just an inch from approaching the sidewalk when the man on the bike whizzed by a few inches from my driveway letting out a yelp of surprise.    Shouldn’t sidewalk bicycle-ers ride closer to the road?   What if I was in my car pulling out instead of on foot?   

Seattle bicyclist ask for "three feet" from vehicles…shouldn’t a pedestrian receive the same from a driver of a bike?   Or better yet, stick to the streets and leave the sidewalks for…walking (or little kids on bikes).

BTW…I own a bike…I don’t use it as often as I should but when I do, I’m on the road. 

Just my two cents or wheels…what are your thoughts?

Update:  Here is the City of Seattle’s code:

Section 11.44.120 RIDING ON A SIDEWALK OR PUBLIC PATH.  Every person operating a bicycle upon any sidewalk or public path shall operate the same in a careful and prudent manner and a rate of speed no greater than is reasonable and proper under the conditions existing at the point of operation, taking into account the amount and character of pedestrian traffic, grade and width of sidewalk or public path, and condition of surface, and shall obey all traffic control devices.  Every person operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk or public path shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian thereon, and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian.

Note:  the bicyclist who almost whiped me out gave an "audible" yelp…but it was only after our near miss.