Cycling on the sidewalk

Cycling on the sidewalk has been a bone of contention between cyclists and pedestrians for many years. Pedestrians accuse cyclists of irresponsibility, and sometimes even "madness." Meanwhile, those cycling on the sidewalk are often forced to do so due to the dangers lurking in the path of cars. The regulations clearly define when a bicycle can be used on the sidewalk, but ultimately, it all comes down to good riding etiquette, as this is where most conflicts arise.

Cycling on the sidewalk – the reality

New bike paths are being built every year, but their density and quality depend largely on municipal policies. Therefore, cyclists are often forced to ride on the street or sidewalk due to the lack of dedicated "bike lanes." Not everyone perceives the street as safe, which is understandable. Many drivers are invisible to cyclists. This makes cycling on the sidewalk a safe necessity for cyclists but an unpleasant experience for pedestrians. It's important to remember that on sidewalks, pedestrians have the most privileges, a fact that cyclists often forget. Pedestrians are not saints either, inadvertently entering bike lanes. Despite clear regulations, road traffic in our country is often confusing and chaotic. The key to reconciling all parties is mutual respect, attention, and prudence. Therefore, if cycling on the sidewalk occurs, it should be done with respect for pedestrians.

Regulations, or when am I allowed to ride on the sidewalk?

Pedestrians often, to put it mildly, direct cyclists to the road, but they don't always realize that cycling on the sidewalk is legal. The law allows cycling on a pedestrian path, which is very precisely defined. Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by a parent on the sidewalk. This means a toddler who rides the bike alone, with their mother or father accompanying them to supervise them. Furthermore, the law allows children to cycle on the sidewalk even if there's a bike lane nearby. This makes cycling on the sidewalk safer, and the child is protected from a potential collision with a cyclist on the path. Cycling on the sidewalk is also legal if the sidewalk is at least 2 meters wide. It must be located next to a road with a speed limit of over 50 km/h. This regulation provides a safety advantage. As we know, riding alongside trucks and speeding cars is not the best idea. However, you must remember that cycling on the sidewalk is not reckless, and pedestrians still have the right of way in their designated space. When the weather conditions pose a threat to your safety, you have the right to ride on the sidewalk. This, of course, applies to fog, rain, blizzards, black ice, and strong winds. Cycling on the sidewalk is a more effective method of transportation in such cases. However, remember that drizzle and light rain will not be an effective excuse to avoid a ticket.

Cycling on the sidewalk regulations - penalties

If you ride a bike without a permit, you should expect to pay a fine. It's not a large one, at 50 złoty, but it's 50 złoty less. A larger fine will be imposed if you cycle on a pedestrian crossing in a place not designated for this purpose. In that case, you can expect a 200 złoty fine. Of course, cycling on the sidewalk isn't always "prosecuted," even if the police are passing by. Officers are aware of the specifics of Polish roads and their dangers, so they often issue warnings or simply don't prohibit it. It's not worth abusing their courtesy, and on the sidewalk, behave in a way that primarily avoids harming pedestrians. You must calculate the risk of a potential collision and its worse consequences for pedestrians. Text: Marcin Denisiuk