Please be advised that the following topic is for informational purposes only and not a legal matter currently handled by our firm. If you need further assistance regarding this particular topic, you can contact your local Bar Association for a referral to an attorney who may be able to address your inquiry in more detail.
San Francisco has chosen to make it illegal for anyone 13 years of age and older to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk.
Pursuant to section 21208(a) of the California Vehicle Code, you are permitted to ride outside of the designated bicycle lane “When reasonably necessary to leave the bicycle lane to avoid debris or other hazardous conditions.” Does this mean that if traffic is gnarly it is a “hazardous condition” such that you can leave the bike lane, jump the curb and ride on the sidewalk? Well, that would be a question that only local law can answer.
California law (specifically California Vehicle Section 21113) allows local governments to make their own rules and regulations for the use of bicycles, skateboards, motorized bicycles and even roller skates on public property. That includes the regulation of riding bicycles on city sidewalks. SF Transportation Code Sec. 7.2.12 forbids sidewalk bicycle riding, while Sec. 1007 states that “children under the age of 13 may ride a bicycle on any sidewalk except as otherwise posted”. It is just too congested in this city to ride on the sidewalk.
As a bicycle accident attorney for over 20 years in San Francisco I have had cases where pedestrians were badly injured by cyclists riding on sidewalks to avoid traffic. These are tough cases and nobody likes to be on either side of these.
Even if traffic get too hectic and dangerous, you cannot ride on the sidewalk in San Francisco.
You can however, move out of the bike lane and take over the full lane of traffic if that will help you avoid debris or other hazardous conditions, pursuant to California Vehicle Code section 21208(a).
Note also that you most definitely cannot ride on a sidewalk to avoid riding in the same direction as traffic. California Vehicle Code section 21650.1. requires cyclists to ride in the same direction as vehicles that are required to be driven upon the roadway. So, don’t be lazy. Cross the street like a normal vehicle and get into the proper lane of traffic so that you are riding in the direction of traffic.
If you find yourself feeling really vulnerable or in danger and wanting to jump the curb and ride on the sidewalk for safety, try one of the following:
- Find an alternative route that has a clearly designated bicycle lane, or:
- Report the dangerous area to the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition or San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to let them know that improvements could be made for bicycle safety in the area.
Torey R.
Bicycle Accident Client
Sally Morin proved to be an invaluable asset in my recent personal injury case. She is extremely knowledgeable regarding cyclist laws and works very hard to be sure that you are fairly compensated in every way that you deserve.
She or somebody from her excellent team was always available to assist me with any questions or concerns that arose throughout my case. I strongly recommend Sally and her team to anybody who wants no nonsense and no BS legal representation.
They will definitely be the first people that I call if any other legal situations arise.
Experience a Serious Bicycle Accident? Call The Best Bicycle Accident Lawyer in San Francisco NOW!
Were you injured riding your bike in San Francisco? The hills, traffic, and notorious “dooring” incidents make SF streets dangerous. When a driver’s negligence impacts your life, you don’t need just any lawyer—you need the Best Bicycle Accident Lawyer in San Francisco.
Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers specializes in fighting for cyclists. We understand the unique challenges of SF bike claims, from complicated liability issues (like intersection crashes or city road hazards) to dealing with biased insurance adjusters. Our all-female team is known for speed, specialization, and strong results, securing significant settlements for victims of bicycle accidents.
We handle all the legal burden—the police reports, the medical bills, and the insurance negotiations—so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. We operate on a contingency fee basis: No win, no fee.
Sincerely
KJJ
Carmen is a very capable law professional. she is expert in her domain, also she is very skillful in finding the key information.
Carmen is also a compassionate and kind person, she listened and also put my interests in priority. At the same time she patiently explained to me the law information.
Carmen is also very good with execution, the whole process she is proactively driving it towards the satisfactory result
What more can you ask for a lawyer who is capable, professional, kind, effective and efficient.
They took over the whole case and handled everything.
The whole team was very personable, professional, keeped us in the loop the entire time and cared about what was going on.
They also set us up with all the right people to make sure the settlement funds were properly handled in the most efficient way for us.
I just dont think we could have done all of this without them. It was a terrible time for our family, and we are very gratefull for everything they did for us! Thank you guys! ~HavasuLew
