Musings: Convert sidewalks into bike lanes
Why not incorporate sidewalks alongside major thoroughfares into a system of designated bike routes, a reader asks. Credit: Daniel Brennan
I have been an avid cyclist my entire life. When I am out on my bike, I often find myself riding on the sidewalk. Why? The question really should be, “Why not?” The stretches of sidewalk on which I ride are extended distances along major thoroughfares where pedestrians are rarely encountered.
The fix in many locations can be quite simple. Sidewalks are already there, taking up space that prevents bike lanes from being installed. Since New York State law doesn’t prohibit sidewalk cycling, why not incorporate sidewalks alongside major thoroughfares into a system of designated bike routes?
We can’t increase existing space, but we can use it more intelligently. If sidewalks are filled with pedestrians, absolutely prohibit cyclists. Municipalities have the ability to prohibit sidewalk cycling and many do so on all or some of their streets due to pedestrian volume. If, however, all those sidewalks alongside major thoroughfares are doing is taking up space where pedestrians are a rare sight, let’s turn those sidewalks into bike lanes.
— Leonard Cohen, Wantagh
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