Bicycles: the worst of both worlds
Bicyclists, in some respects, get the short end of the stick whether on the road or sidewalk.
First, a little background. In all states when a bicyclist is on the road they have all the rights
and duties as any other vehicle. When on the sidewalk they have all the rights and duties as a pedestrian.
In both cases, they are second class citizens. When on the street, a second class citizen in practice,
when on the sidewalk, by law. When a bicyclist is traveling on the street they capitulate to
motor vehicles whether they want to or not. Might makes right when it comes to automobile
vs bicycle. This is what is meant by, “second class citizen in practice.” Being a bicyclist on the
street is like being the sickly and weak in high school – you inevitably get pushed around
by bullies bigger and stronger than you.
When it comes to a bicyclist on the sidewalk, every state requires a bicyclist
to yield to a pedestrian. By law, then, a bicyclist is a second class pedestrian.
