Safety and Education Committee Report
Riding Bikes on the Sidewalk
Some of our Board members are adamant that bicyclists should never be allowed to ride on the sidewalk; so this article is just my personal opinion. A competent cyclist is much safer using the roadway but some cyclists should not be there. These people (justifiably) feel unsafe riding there and choose to use the sidewalk. State law prohibits riding on the sidewalk but Nashua allows children 12 and under to do so. We’ve all been exhorted to “use the sidewalk” on numerous occasions. Some people want the law more strictly enforced but obviously a large percentage of people disagree with this statute (even the police on bikes use the sidewalk).
Our laws should reflect the will of the people and provide the most protection for the largest number of them. Our current level of compliance indicates this law needs to be amended. The majority of cyclists (80% of those in accidents) currently break the law; unenforced laws are useless and erratic enforcement is unfair. Our laws should be what the majority wants and require the expected behavior.
Transportation cyclists use the roadway while leisurely riders prefer the sidewalk. Many states are addressing this issue in various ways and I like “5 MPH bicycles are pedestrians” which makes all sidewalks (limited speed) shared use pathways. People expect high speed cyclists to act like motorists and slow ones to behave like pedestrians. Slow moving bicycles should be allowed to use the sidewalk in the direction of traffic flow. This will separate the higher speed cyclists from pedestrians and leisurely riders. Signage requiring cyclists on the sidewalk to yield while limiting the speed and direction of travel will eliminate most problems. When traveling slowly with traffic on the sidewalk they will avoid the leading cause of crashes (contra flow travel) and will meet most pedestrians head on (~ 12’/sec). Cyclists that cannot control (most can) their vehicle at normal walking speed (3 MPH) should walk when near pedestrians. Enforcing the speed limit on the sidewalk shouldn’t be difficult if another option is available. The roundabout in south Nashua allows bicyclists to use the sidewalk or the roadway; something similar should work statewide.
Most people do what feels to be safest but some (ignorant/arrogant) cyclists need help with their decisions. Reasonable laws and proper signage improve safety; if most people comply with a law demand for its enforcement will increase (video helps).
The Memorial Bridge ( Portsmouth) is being rebuilt. I suggested that the sidewalk be a limited speed shared use bike path and the shoulder be used by mopeds and transportation cyclists. Shared use pathways are fine for (leisurely) recreation but they have a higher incidence of accidents per mile than roadways. Complete streets are safest for all. When roadways are made to accommodate bicycles; motor vehicle accidents decline (average 25%). If you have better ideas (or support mine) contact Scott Bogle, sbogle@rpc-nh.org or Larry Keniston, LKeniston@dot.state.nh.us .
Bill Fisk - Safety and Education
REMINDER: BE SEEN!
Make sure to wear at least one item of reflective outerwear apparel, such as a reflective vest, jacket, or helmet strip, during the period from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise.
Safety and Education Coordinator
Archive Safety Articles
Which Foot Down?
Preparing For Rain
Stopping in the Roadway
Encountering Animals
Why I Commute by Bike
Save Time Commuting by Bike
Your Bike and Knee
You Can be Too Far Right
Wrong Way Cyclists
Choosing the Right Tire
Don't Scare the Slow Guy
Using Your Front Brake
How Safe is Bicycling?
How Safe is Your Helmet?
Making Left Turns
Where on the Road Do You Belong?
Rumble strips on the Shoulder
Safer Without Helmet?
Impaired Drivers
Take Your Body to its Limits
HB-1203
Protecting your Bike
Helmet Mounted Headlights
Tire Pressure
My Helmet is White
Does Your Bike Have Lights?
Be Careful Who You Trust
Law Enforcement
See and be Seen
Thanks Ray LaHood
Beware the Silent Car
Problems Grow
Bike Stat