As drivers of vehicles, bicyclists are permitted to use all public roads (with exceptions discussed on the following page). Bicyclists are allowed to use the traveled portion of roads – the travel lane – and are not generally required to use the shoulder or the sidewalk. However, most States permit (but do not require) bicyclists to use the shoulder. Almost all States permit (but, again, do not require) bicyclists to operate on sidewalks, but many States have restrictions on sidewalk bicycling.

Question: I thought bicyclists should ride on the sidewalk - it's the safest place right?

Answer: For children less than 10 years old generally the answer is YES. Young children do not have the maturity and ability to negotiate traffic. But for older children and adults it is actually safer to ride in the road following the rules for vehicle operators, as we have already discussed.