Are bicyclists allowed to ride on sidewalks? (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh: condo, live)

[UKyank]

Simple question which I can't find a definitive answer to - are cyclists allowed to ride on sidewalks in Pittsburgh?
There doesn't appear to be a state law on the matter but I know Philadelphia specifically prohibits it if you're under 12 (though the fine for doing so is only $10). Does pittsburgh have any such law.

[FreightTrainRunning]

Pennsylvania law says that it's allowed unless you're in a business district. I can't find anything specific to Pittsburgh but this Pitt Biking Guide echos the same rule.

[gg]

Originally Posted by GeneW

Pennsylvania law says that it's allowed unless you're in a business district.

This is correct. Also, this law isn't enforced in the city. I see police ride on the sidewalks while passing another cyclist on the same sidewalk in East Liberty pretty often. I have never seen a problem between a cyclists and pedestrian on the sidewalk to date in Pittsburgh. Usually the cyclists look at pedestrians as friendly and not foe because they are both not respected by motorists in our region, so they want a passing to be relaxed. Seems to work okay. Fast moving cyclists are almost always on the streets because they are wanting to go fast and a sidewalk doesn't work for them. I feel safer on the street than a sidewalk for the most part because I would be more visible and would have less chance of being right hooked. The only time I get up on the sidewalk if it isn't used much if ever, going across certain bridges that are very dangerous on the road or on really crazy streets if I am really close to my destination. I don't like riding on sidewalks for the most part because I would rather be going faster than they allow. Keep in mind, there are probably some a-hole cyclists that will hope on a sidewalk and ride like idiots, just like anything. There are always a few jerks out there walking, riding or driving. That is just life.

[CaptainPittsburgh]

Yes, GeneW is right, and that's probably why it's confusing: The state law says it's legal in a non-business district and illegal in a business district.

So, what parts of PGH are officially designated "business districts?" I sure don't know. I wish the city decided to explicity prohibit biking on sidewalks inside the city limits. I think that would be a better solution.

[FreightTrainRunning]

It sounds good in theory to ban biking on sidewalks but Pittsburgh's roads are often so difficult for cyclists that the sidewalk is necessary. For instance, I can't blame people for riding on the sidewalk through Allegheny Center for the one little jog from Federal to West Ohio rather than follow the circle all the way around.

[grep]

Originally Posted by h_curtis

This is correct. Also, this law isn't enforced in the city. I see police ride on the sidewalks while passing another cyclist on the same sidewalk in East Liberty pretty often. I have never seen a problem between a cyclists and pedestrian on the sidewalk to date in Pittsburgh. Usually the cyclists look at pedestrians as friendly and not foe because they are both not respected by motorists in our region, so they want a passing to be relaxed. Seems to work okay. Fast moving cyclists are almost always on the streets because they are wanting to go fast and a sidewalk doesn't work for them. I feel safer on the street than a sidewalk for the most part because I would be more visible and would have less chance of being right hooked. The only time I get up on the sidewalk if it isn't used much if ever, going across certain bridges that are very dangerous on the road or on really crazy streets if I am really close to my destination. I don't like riding on sidewalks for the most part because I would rather be going faster than they allow. Keep in mind, there are probably some a-hole cyclists that will hope on a sidewalk and ride like idiots, just like anything. There are always a few jerks out there walking, riding or driving. That is just life.

(emphasis added)

This is mostly right, but you should really try to ride in the street, OP. It's generally much safer for everyone. Exceptions would be riding on "paper streets", taking the sidewalk up narrow and steep streets like Bates between 376 and Blvd of the Allies, or bridge sidewalks (this is explicitly condoned with "shared sidewalk" signs on the smithfield st bridge, for example). But if there are a lot of people on the sidewalk and you're going more than 4-5mph, you should really consider what you're doing there.

Consider, for example, that people exiting buildings never look for cyclists, and if you're going to fast too stop, things could get really nasty. Drivers are looking for pedestrians at intersections, not cyclists flying out from behind trees or other obstructions suddenly into the street. Pedestrians often stop, turn around, stretch, etc. The road has rules and patterns for managing fast movement, but the sidwalk is often unpredictable and relies on the assumption that it takes almost no time to stop when you're walking.

[gortonator]

I hop on sidewalks occasionally around CMU/Pitt for short distances to avoid messy traffic patterns around Schenley Park. Cops often drive past and never care. Just be careful and be nice to peeps without bikes

BTW UKyank, not a Rugby follower are you? Lions series? I'm trying to find a venue that might show it (all non UK/Antipodean readers can safely ignore this!!)

[ferraris]

Originally Posted by GeneW

It sounds good in theory to ban biking on sidewalks but Pittsburgh's roads are often so difficult for cyclists that the sidewalk is necessary. For instance, I can't blame people for riding on the sidewalk through Allegheny Center for the one little jog from Federal to West Ohio rather than follow the circle all the way around.

If the city did outlaw cycling on sidewalks, they could always make sections like that into official bike lanes.

I like the current law. Outside of business districts cyclists on the sidewalk don't pose much trouble to anyone.

[robrobrob]

Originally Posted by grep

(emphasis added)

This is mostly right, but you should really try to ride in the street, OP. It's generally much safer for everyone. Exceptions would be riding on "paper streets", taking the sidewalk up narrow and steep streets like Bates between 376 and Blvd of the Allies, or bridge sidewalks (this is explicitly condoned with "shared sidewalk" signs on the smithfield st bridge, for example). But if there are a lot of people on the sidewalk and you're going more than 4-5mph, you should really consider what you're doing there.

Consider, for example, that people exiting buildings never look for cyclists, and if you're going to fast too stop, things could get really nasty. Drivers are looking for pedestrians at intersections, not cyclists flying out from behind trees or other obstructions suddenly into the street. Pedestrians often stop, turn around, stretch, etc. The road has rules and patterns for managing fast movement, but the sidwalk is often unpredictable and relies on the assumption that it takes almost no time to stop when you're walking.

Just a guess but cycling on the Smithfield Street is probably accepted because it is used to connect the two trails.

Since I am not much of a cyclist anymore, do cyclists actually feel comfortable riding on a road where the speed is high, say 45- 55 mph? I am a runner and I really don't like running or roads where the speed limit it that high unless there is a large space on the side of the road. It is one thing to pick a road as a commuter (not sure of a better term) where you have to ride on a busy road but some pleasure cyclists pick busy roads to ride on. I just don't get it.

[UKyank]

Originally Posted by gortonator

BTW UKyank, not a Rugby follower are you? Lions series? I'm trying to find a venue that might show it (all non UK/Antipodean readers can safely ignore this!!)

For live coverage the time zones disparity makes it impossible for any places to be open to show it; not sure if any places show replays.
For other rugby series that are played at more decent hours (like the 6 nations), you can find them shown at either Pipers Pub or Ruggers Pub, both in the southside