The Highway Safety Code (Quebec) (section 492.1) is formal: the driver of a motorcycle, a scooter or a bicycle can not drive on a sidewalk unless it is necessary or the signs do not prescribe it. Therefore, unless there are obvious obstructions on the roadway or if it is the subject of work that prevents it from circulating, the cyclist must not use the sidewalk.
To each his space!
- The sidewalk is the realm of the pedestrian. This space is reserved for him, which makes him not wary of cyclists who could arrive at high speed.
- The sidewalk is not wide enough to allow for safe movement of pedestrians and cyclists.
- In some places, the sidewalk can be crowded with obstacles (flower boxes, benches, parking meters) that could quickly interrupt a beautiful momentum on two wheels!
- If the circumstances require a cyclist to walk on a long suburban sidewalk, he must pay attention to the motorists who leave their entrance, often in reverse. They are used to seeing and avoiding cyclists who are on the road and not on sidewalks.
In summary: the sidewalk is to your help.
Jeff Théberge