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Is It Legal To Ride Your Bike on the Sidewalk in Mississippi?

Published on Jan 14, 2025 at 3:25 pm in Bike Accidents.

Is it legal to ride your bike on the sidewalk in Mississippi?

It is a time-honored tradition for parents to teach their kids how to ride a bike. Those lessons often start the day after Christmas after Santa has left a new bicycle under the tree. Riding a bike is a skill you carry throughout your life. The same skills you use on the playground, you can adapt for a commute to college or work. There are also miles of amazing bike trails across the state. In other words, bike riding isn’t just for kids.

If you’re taking your bike out for your commute or exercise, you need to assume the same kinds of risks of the road that you would accept when you drive a car. Of course, bikes have more access to areas that cars can’t go to, such as off-road and through parks. What about the other pedestrian areas? Is it legal to ride your bike on the sidewalk in Mississippi?

Bicycle Laws

Every state sets the rules for traffic and drivers. They also set general rules for bicyclists. However, when you get down to the specifics of where a bike is allowed to ride, that becomes a local issue.

For example, here is what the Jackson County local ordinances permit:

“At an intersection or driveway, watch for vehicles that could turn left into your path. When riding on a sidewalk or bike path, watch for cars entering/exiting driveways, and always yield the right of way to pedestrians. Give an audible signal when passing a pedestrian. Avoid riding on a sidewalk in a commercial area.”

When it states, “Avoid riding on a sidewalk in a commercial area,” the inference is that you are advised to stay off the sidewalk. Still, there is no specific law associated with the recommendation.  On the other hand, there are very specific Mississippi state laws with regard to bicyclists navigating roadways with other cars. There are additional requirements for having lamps on bicycles and the prohibition of riding with a whistle or siren. Also, bikes are not allowed on any interstate highway.

Additional Bicycle Safety Tips

Anytime you head out on a bike ride, you have to appreciate the vulnerable nature of riding a bike. It is the same responsibility you need to take to avoid a motorcycle accident. You are more exposed, which makes any potential accident far more serious. According to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), there were 966 bicyclist fatalities across the country in 2021, and another 41,615 cyclists were injured in accidents with other vehicles. That places the responsibility on bicyclists to take extra precautions when riding. Here are some additional bicycle safety tips you can put into action for your next ride:

Wear Protective Gear

Because you aren’t surrounded by a steel frame as you would when you’re in a car, you need to consider wearing protective gear. At a minimum, you should wear a helmet. At night, you should also wear reflective vests or bright clothing.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

In addition to being aware of other vehicles and pedestrians, you also have to be acutely aware of the road ahead. A car can ride through a pothole with minimum consequences. A bike hitting the same pothole could end up taking a huge spill.

If you are riding past driveways, alleys, and other access points, you have to be on the lookout for any cars coming from those areas. They might not always be looking out for you. If you don’t have mirrors on your back, you want to look behind you whenever you change lanes. You also need to signal your turning intentions.

Avoid Distractions

Although it might be tempting to listen to music when riding, you should only do that if you’re on a trail or park. You don’t want to block out sirens or horns when riding your bike on busy streets.

Ride Single File

Bicycling is a fun activity to share with friends and family. If you go out with another person, you should not ride side-by-side in a single file. And always ride on the right side of the road and in traffic.

Bike Accidents Will Happen

Even if you take those precautions, accidents on a bike or motorcycle still happen. The attorneys at Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC, will be able to provide guidance if you find yourself the victim of an accident caused by a negligent driver. It will help you know all your options for seeking fair compensation for any damage you suffered. Don’t accept “I didn’t see you” as an excuse.

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