Is it legal to ride your bicycle on the sidewalk?

I am usually cycling with my kids, and one is still learning. We are slowpokes. So we stick to sidewalks. But then I wondered, is that legal?

I turned to Kristin Kinnamon, president of the BIKES Club of Snohomish County, for the expert answer.

“State law says yes, it is legal to ride on sidewalks, but gives cities the option to limit sidewalk riding in city centers,” Kinnamon said.

Everett limits sidewalk riding in the downtown area. Residential areas are fine.

“I agree that families may find sidewalk riding to be the best option for kids who have trouble riding straight and predictably,” she said.

But if you’re a seasoned rider, the safer option is to stick to the street.

“I generally advise against adults riding on the sidewalk except for short distances, and certainly only at a slow speed out of respect to walkers and to the cars less likely to notice you (especially if you are riding opposite the direction of traffic),” Kinnamon said.

“One of the few times I have been hit by a car in tens of thousands of miles of riding was while riding the wrong way down a sidewalk in Everett. I was in a hurry to catch a bus. A driver pulled out of an alley — looking in the direction he expected traffic to come from. I came from the other way and he ran into my front tire,” she recalled. “Needless to say, I missed the bus.”

Read more bicycle-themed posts on the Street Smarts blog.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers walk in and out of Fred Meyer along Evergreen Way on Monday, Oct. 31, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council rebukes Kroger for plans to close Fred Meyer store

In the resolution approved by 6-1 vote, the Everett City Council referred to store closure as “corporate neglect.”

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Arlington in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
A divided Arlington City Council votes to reduce SkyFest grant by half

After months of debate over lodging tax funds, the council voted 4-3 to award the popular aviation event $20,000.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Stanwood in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Stanwood jail costs expected to exceed budget by end of 2025

As of September, the Stanwood police has spent $53,078 of its $59,482 annual jail budget.

Alex Waggoner is handcuffed after being sentenced to 19 years for the murder of Abdulkadir Shariif Gedi on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds man sentenced to more than 19 years for death of rideshare driver

Judge Richard Okrent sentenced Alex Waggoner, 23, Wednesday after a jury earlier found him guilty of murder in the 2nd degree.

Snohomish County Sheriff's Office K-9 vehicle along U.S. 2 where a man was shot on Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025, in Sultan, Washington. (Snohomish County Sheriff's Office)
Suspect arrested in King County after person shot near Sultan along US 2

The assault investigation closed down east and westbound lanes of U.S. 2 Wednesday afternoon.

Traffic moves around parts of the roundabout at the new I-5/SR529 interchange on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
WSDOT delays opening of Marysville interchange, ramps

Supply chain issues caused the agency to push back opening date. The full interchange and off ramps are expected to open in October.

Stanwood pauses Flock cameras amid public records lawsuits

A public records request for Flock camera footage has raised questions about what data is exempt under state law.

In the most recent fiscal year that ended June 30, the liability fund brought in just under $230 million, mostly from premiums, while spending $595 million, mostly for payouts and legal costs, according to state data. (Stock photo)
WA lawmakers faced with $570M decision on surging lawsuit payouts

A Washington agency that manages the state’s lawsuit payouts is seeking a… Continue reading

The Washington state Capitol on July 25, 2025. (Photo by Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)
‘All bad news’: WA tax receipts expected to slide further

Projected tax revenue is down more than $500 million since the Legislature passed its latest two-year budget. One lead budget writer isn’t ruling out further tax increases next year.

Everett
1 person dead in motorcycle collision Wednesday near Everett

The collision led to significant traffic backups on southbound I-5

Two troopers place a photo of slain Washington State Patrol trooper Chris Gadd outside district headquarters about 12 hours after Gadd was struck and killed in a crash on southbound I-5 on March 2 in Marysville. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
One More Stop targets drunk driving this weekend in honor of fallen trooper

Troopers across multiple states will be patrolling from 4 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday.

Former barista claims Starbucks violated Everett law

The part-time worker wanted more hours, but other workers were hired instead, the lawsuit alleges.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.