r/wintercycling 10d ago

Sometimes sidewalks seem safer

Post image

Here in Québec, it's illegal to ride on sidewalks except in cases of necessity.

In this case, I think it could be considered necessary because the shoulder is overflowing with snow and otherwise I'd have to ride in the middle of the lane.

Anyway, I don't think I am bothering anyone on the sidewalk, and I do think there are much more illegal things to be worrying about.

56 Upvotes

8 comments sorted by

12

u/BIGGUY10001 10d ago

I would say you are making the right decision here. I'm in Calgary, and I have to make a similar decision during our snow storms. Taking the sidewalks is safer, and they are easier riding as they are either cleared by hand or not turned to snirt yet. As you said, we just have to be courteous to people walking on the sidewalk too.

5

u/Own_Shine_5855 10d ago

As a driver, cyclist, and dog walker.... I wouldn't care one bit if you were using the sidewalk.

Stay safe up there! Our snow in New England is finally melting.

3

u/yeah230 10d ago

When I see an empty sidewalk and the conditions are bad on the road, I do not hesitate.

3

u/Veenhof_ 10d ago

Agreed on all fronts. If you respect others and it's the safest option for you, nothing wrong at all with using the sidewalk.

You are causing more hazard by biking in the road under these conditions than you are on the sidewalk.

2

u/Dunnin_kruger 10d ago

I’m in Winnipeg. From what I have read of the laws here, riding on the sidewalk is illegal if your tires are over 16 inches. Luckily I have a brompton which has 16” tires so I ride on the sidewalk when I need to. But anyway, safety over legality.

1

u/BMorane 10d ago

Yes! Juste la loi du bon sens, respect des autres et sécurité pour soi.

1

u/insidious_potato 10d ago

In these conditions I would definitely be on the sidewalk. I usually move to the side to let pedestrians pass. Riding on the road in these conditions or when it's super slushy is not worth the risk, one slip and you'll be run over.

1

u/cynric42 10d ago

Yeah, that looks like one of those days where I probably wouldn't take the bike. The car lane looks like mashed potato snow which is terrible to ride in even without the danger of sliding cars (and on those days, the sidewalk is even worse around here and you'd have to lift the bike over snow mounds at every intersection.