LA bicyclists, do you mostly ride your bike indoors or outdoors? (Los Angeles: gated, dangerous)

[West of Encino]

I'm asking because the bike laws in Los Angeles are so confusing!

[ZenMaster2008]

Outdoors only. I only ride on a path so I'd be run over if I tried the streets.

[the one]

indoors?! where would i do that? i ride on the streets or down by the river...

[nickdahammer]

Outdoors. And I've never been confused by bike laws, L.A. or anywhere else. I just try not to get run over.

[West of Encino]

Originally Posted by nickdahammer

Outdoors. And I've never been confused by bike laws, L.A. or anywhere else. I just try not to get run over.

It said somewhere that bicyclers must ride along the designated bike lines. They aren't allowed to ride on the sidewalks, which is silly.

[BRinSM]

actually, there are some areas in la city where you can ride on sidewalks. however, believe it or not, riding on a sidewalk is more dangerous than riding on the streets even though bike vs pedestrian would be less damaging than bike vs car. having said that, i've been riding up and down PCH between PV and Malibu for years. the worst falls i have had all happened on the beach path where there are no cars anywhere near me. my worst fall was because of a pedestrian who literally turned around right into me (their fault of course). other falls have been caused by bike malfunctions or sand. once you gain some confidence in your riding ability and learn the normal patters of drivers, you can safely bike around on city streets.

[Harrier]

oh LA bike laws are not confusing - they are the same as the laws in the state of California and most other U.S states - bicyclists are under the same laws as motorists and are considered a "vehicle". They must stop at stop signs and lights, yield the right of way like other vehicles, and YES - they may ride in traffic lanes with cars - as long as they follow the same traffic rules as cars. - they are also required to use traffic signals. - unfortunately - some bicyclists don't observe these rules and give us a bad name - if you are a driver who is concerned by these breaches of etiquette/law by bike riders - I suggest you contact your local bike club - they can only directly influence their own members behavior but most bicyclists want respect from the motorists they share the road with and will work to educate other bike riders - there are equal numbers of idiot bicyclists and motorists - hopefully those of us on both sides can work together to make the roads of LA safe for all of us!

[HenryAlan]

Originally Posted by West of Encino

It said somewhere that bicyclers must ride along the designated bike lines. They aren't allowed to ride on the sidewalks, which is silly.

Riding on the sidewalks is often more dangerous than on the street. But in most places it isn't illegal. It depends on how crowded the sidewalk is. There are locations, usually defined as a business district where sidewalk riding is prohibited. Otherwise, it is allowed. As far as the rules for riding on the street, they are the same rules required for cars. You are not obligated to use the bike lane, and sometimes you are required not to use it (making a left turn, for example).

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

I am still wondering why the Op wants to know if people ride their bikes indoors.

[MIKEETC]

Outdoors. On a dedicated bike trail/path.