Further risks when bicycling on a sidewalk poses
Bicyclists abruptly changing lanes are at great risk, especially if they are making an improper lane change. When the roadway is too narrow for a bicycle path, the bicyclist will generally ride on the sidewalk or the roadway with the motor vehicle traffic. This of course is a scenario for bicycle pedestrian or motor vehicle accidents. In many instances sidewalks have signs prohibiting riding bicycles, but they are often ignored and very seldom enforced. If the bicyclist is traveling on the sidewalk against the traffic flow, they are at greater risk when entering an intersection, as this poses a greater risk for an accident.
Further risks when bicycling on a sidewalk poses other risks as well. The bicyclist is at risk from many types of obstructions that they can encounter in their path. They of course include walking pedestrians, wheelchair users, roller skaters, skateboarders, joggers, parking meters, trees, shrubs, utility poles, hydrants, mailboxes, and signposts. Driveways should always raise a red flag for the bicyclist, as they should be particularly observant for cars driving in or backing out.
