Is Your Bike Breaking Sidewalk Laws?

To ride your bike on DC sidewalks there are two restrictions. While bike riding is permitted under DCMR  § 18-1201.9, you must abide by certain constraints.
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When riding on the sidewalk, you must not create a hazard. This is a complex idea because there’s no legal definition of a “hazard.” In layman’s terms, the phrase means that cyclists must decide if the sidewalk is safe to ride before they start their journey.
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The second rule is that a cyclist cannot ride on the sidewalk if they are inside the Central Business District (CBD). The range of the CBD* is found in DCMR § 18-9901. However, if an area is owned by the National Park Service*, even if the ground is confined in the CBD, bicycling is permitted.
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Pictured above is a bike secured on a bike stand in front of the Green Lizard in Herndon, VA.

Bicyclists must operate their bike as if it was a motor-vehicle. When on the sidewalk, pedestrians still have the right-of-way. Bicyclists must be aware of their surroundings; they have a duty to ride safely to protect themselves and those around them. It’s important that cyclists are aware of the newest updates and regulations to ensure their well-being.

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If you, or someone you care about, has any questions on bike regulations or experienced an injury while cycling, please contact us at frontdesk@landaulawshop.com  or call (703) 796-9555.
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  • * CBD Range : “2nd Street SW and NW, Constitution Ave NW, 23rd Street NW, and Massachusetts Ave NW”
  • * National Park Service CBD jurisdiction includes : “Lafayette Park, Farragut Square park, the National Mall, and Dupont Circle”