Riding a bike on the sidewalk in Lakewood is included in the City’s bicycle laws!
Most interesting to me as a bike attorney is that, of Lakewood’s many bike Ordinances, a number of them involve sidewalk riding. (Lakewood ORD. §373.10)
Often Misquoted and/or Misunderstood Regarding Bicycle Operation
Lakewood citizens sometimes get the following wrong!
• The City of Lakewood allows bike riding on the sidewalk unless it’s congested with pedestrian traffic or is prohibited by signage. This is uncommon. Most local Ordinances prohibit sidewalk riding in business districts. Cyclists must walk their bikes for safe operation if a sidewalk is congested/prohibited.
• Bicycle riders under 8 years old are prohibited from riding in designated streets unless accompanied by an adult.
• Bikes must yield the right of way (ROW) to pedestrians in all cases and sound an audible (voice or bell) warning when passing.
• Maximum bike speed for busy crosswalks is limited to an equivalent fast walk.
A Word About Mobility Devices on the Sidewalk
The mobility devices we now see on Lakewood streets (such as Bird e-scooters) are excluded from riding on the sidewalk other than to park or go off and on adjacent properties.
The Bottom Line
Take it from an experienced bicycle accident lawyer! Cycling safely includes knowing your own city’s bike Ordinances and those of any other city you might be riding in.
Ken Knabe, Greater Cleveland’s Bike Attorney, 14222 Madison Avenue, Lakewood. 216 228 7200
