Sidewalk Cycling Rules vary here in Orange County

Cindy Carcamo has a very good Safety Column in the Orange County Register, the major daily newspaper here in the OC.

One of the question she answers in todays column is of interest to bicyclists.

Am I allowed to ride my bicycle on the sidewalk?

The state's vehicle code has a lot to say about bicycling on roads but it doesn't say much about riding on city sidewalks.

Instead, it allows local governments to set their own codes.

This means you'll have to contact your city or law enforcement officials to find out what the rules are. The rules vary widely, depending on the city.

For instance, it's against city law to ride your bicycle on Newport Beach sidewalks, Sgt. Bill Hartford said. There are few exceptions for wheelchairs, tricycles, and rollerblades, for example.

"If you take a look at it from a practical standpoint you have bicycles then competing with pedestrians for the sidewalk," Hartford added.

In Tustin and Laguna Beach, bicyclists have to obey the same rules as motorists and cannot travel on sidewalks.

Bicyclists are also barred from sidewalks in Cypress.

Santa Ana, on the other hand, allows bicyclists to travel along most city sidewalks, Officer Victor Standke said.

"Children aren't going to be made to ride on the street," he said.

Bicycles are only banned along sidewalks in the business district and civic center-area, Standke added. This is mostly because of increased pedestrian traffic in those areas.

Still, you'd most likely get a warning instead of a citation if you're caught zipping along the sidewalk, unless you've done something egregious or you've been warned before, Standke added.

You may want to consult your city's Web site where you may find city codes pertaining to bicycles.

Also, go to the California Bicycle Coalition for more information.

Can I ride my bike on the sidewalk?