Ihave been an avid cyclist my entire life. When I am out on my bike, I often find myself riding on the sidewalk. Why? The question really should be, “Why not?” The stretches of sidewalk on which I ride are extended distances along major thoroughfares where pedestrians are rarely encountered.

The fix in many locations can be quite simple. Sidewalks are already there, taking up space that prevents bike lanes from being installed. Since New York State law doesn’t prohibit sidewalk cycling, why not incorporate sidewalks alongside major thoroughfares into a system of designated bike routes?

We can’t increase existing space, but we can use it more intelligently. If sidewalks are filled with pedestrians, absolutely prohibit cyclists. Municipalities have the ability to prohibit sidewalk cycling

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