Sidewalk Cycling: to Ride or Not to Ride?

I admit that I sometimes ride my bike on the sidewalk, usually with my kids or along certain busy roadways with very few pedestrians.  Of course, I use extra caution, as motorists at driveways and intersections are not expecting cyclists, and I'm courteous to pedestrians by ringing my bell in advance and passing on the grass.  This video by the Bicycle League of American Cyclists does a great job explaining the risks:



Is sidewalk cycling legal?  According to Every Cyclist's Guide to Canadian Law:

"Traffic laws in Ontario do not specifically prohibit riding on sidewalks.  Restrictions on cycling on sidewalks can be regulated by municipal by-laws."  

In 2014, the City of Toronto amended it's bylaw to state that no person age 14 and older (rather than based on wheel size) may ride a bicycle on a sidewalk.  The fine for an adult who rides a bicycle on a sidewalk shall be $60.  The intent of this bylaw is to allow young children to cycle on the sidewalk while they learn to ride.

Here's a summary of the cycling on sidewalk laws in York Region:

Municipality	Bylaw No.	Definition(s)	Relevant Clause(s)	Adults Allowed Cycling on Sidewalk
City of Markham	106-71: Traffic	“Bicycle” includes tricycle or unicycle with a wheel or wheels of more than 24 inches in diameter.	15) No person shall ride a bicycle with a wheel or wheels more than 24 inches in diameter upon a sidewalk on any road.	NO (but $2 fine!)
Town of Richmond Hill	N/A	N/A	Traffic Bylaw Not Available	YES
City of Vaughan	284-94	“Bicycle” includes a tricycle having a wheel or wheels of more than 60 centimetres in diameter.	1)       “Where official signs to that effect are erected and on display, no bicyclist may travel on any sidewalk section set out in schedule A” Schedule A is blank	YES
Town of Aurora	4574-04.T	“Bicycle includes a tricycle having a wheel or wheels of more than 60 centimetres in diameter.	No Clause	YES
Town of King	N/A	N/A	Traffic Bylaw Not Available	YES
Town of East Gwillimbury	2014-048	“Bicycle” includes a two or three wheeled non-motorized vehicle having wheels of more than 60 centimetres in diameter.	1)       “No person shall ride a bicycle or a motor-assisted bicycle with a wheel or wheels more than sixty (60) centimetres in diameter upon a sidewalk on any highway”	NO
Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville	2008-147-TR	“Bicycle” includes a tricycle and unicycle but does not include a motor assisted bicycle.	1)       “No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk on any highway”	NO
Town of Georgina	2001-0046 (TR-1)	“Bicycle” includes a tricycle having a wheel or wheels or more than 60 centimeters in diameter.	1)       “No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk on any highway”	NO
Town of Newmarket	2011-24	“Bicycle” is a device propelled solely by human power, upon which a person may ride either on or astride a regular seat attached thereto, including a tricycle and unicycle, but excluding children’s bicycles or toy vehicle.	1)       “A person driving a bicycle, power assisted bicycle, moped or motor assisted bicycles upon a roadway shall not: (c) Ride a bicycle, power assisted  bicycle, moped or a motor assisted bicycle with a wheel or wheels more than sixty (60) centimetres in diameter upon a sidewalk on any roadway”	NO

Main Street in Newmarket has specific pavement markings clearly indicating no sidewalk cycling.  This makes sense because of the pedestrian activity, and the number of store entrances right next to the sidewalk makes it hazardous if cyclists and pedestrians were mixed.

The problem with sidewalk cycling as I see it is the risky behaviour of some cyclists.  Here's an example at the Dufferin/407 interchange in Vaughan.  The sidewalk cyclist is riding against traffic, does not slow down at the intersection, and does not have a bike light.  To make matters worse, the sight lines for right-turning motorists coming off the ramp are restricted by the guiderail and bridge.  These drivers will be looking the opposite way to see if it's clear to turn, and may barely slow down.  The cyclist was lucky this time around, but it will catch up with him eventually.  

Advocate for better cycling facilities.  In the mean time, if you do choose to ride on the sidewalk because it's the best option, ride smart!