scratchpaddy

Most of the bikes I see around here ride in the sidewalk instead of the bike line, usually against traffic, without lights, without warning pedestrians, etc. I spend more time walking than biking, and it's really annoying and a little scary, but I just step aside. I don't want to fight battles every single day, trying to change society.

Lately, though, there have been a few idiots driving down the sidewalk on mopeds. That's a step to far for me. This morning when I was out walking the dogs, I saw another idiot buzzing down the sidewalk towards me. It was a road with great bike lanes, very popular with cyclists (the intelligent kind). But he wanted the sidewalk. I did not get out of the way this time. I stood my ground, and told him to get off the sidewalk. He narrowly swerved around me and yelled "**** you!!", then continued a few yards before slamming on the brakes (maybe to get out of range of the dogs). Without turning around, he yelled something about kicking my ass, then motored off, still on the sidewalk.

How am I supposed to deal with people like this? It's already bad enough dealing with bikes (which are actually legal on the sidewalks here, though motorized ones are not) and cars which don't look before turning.

What would you all do?

IvyGodivy

Internally I would be fuming externally I would try to let it go unless the person invaded my personal space. If it's the later then it's on!

TrojanHorse

I'm sure it's illegal to ride on the sidewalk... get a pic or his plate # and call the cops.

The guy is probably already unhinged though, if he's riding on the sidewalk when there are superior options available. Sidewalks are horrible!

IvyGodivy

At least where I live if it's 50cc or below (not sure if there is anything lower than 50cc) you don't need it registered nor need a motorcycle license.

clengman

Fine. But ride it on the street for pete's sake!

jefnvk

What kind of "sidewalk" are we talking and what kind of riding? Around the towns near me, it isn't uncommon for mopeds to park on sidewalks, to do so they often must travel down them a little bit as our curbs are being taken up by outdoor dining (in a safe and slow manner, of course)

In any case, I don't see hwo this has anything to do with bikes.

livedarklions

Release the hounds!

JanMM

Call the police?

IvyGodivy

I don't disagree with you. If it really bothers you, well you can clothesline the person but I am not suggesting it...but I understand.

scratchpaddy

My town has conflicting laws on what does and doesn't need registration. A "moped" is 50cc or under, goes 25mph or less, and requires registration and insurance. A "motorized bike" is 48cc or under, goes 20mph or less, and doesn't require anything. Nobody registers or plates anything regardless. Yes, motoring on the sidewalk is illegal. No, the police won't go out of their way to catch people doing it.

I think "let it go" like Ivy first said is the best advice, which I'm happy to do. But, this particular person seems like one of those man-children who never grew out of the "you can't tell me what to do" phase. I've seen him before, and I'm sure I'll see him again. I'm worried he might go out of his way to invade my space on the sidewalk now.

I did file a police report in case things escalate, but the officer said "there's nothing we can do," as I expected.

@jefnvk , it's a narrow sidewalk next to a busy road with good bike lanes. He rides for miles all on the sidewalk, not just coasting up to park somewhere.

@livedarklions , I'm more worried about the dogs than I am about myself, if he decides he wants to run one of us over.

IvyGodivy

If you reach the level of invading space, a head-butt is very effective.

TimothyH

1. Take video
2. Report to the police
3. Post video on youtube

-Tim-

General Geoff

Just a matter of time before someone shoves a stick through his front spokes if he keeps riding like an idiot on narrow sidewalks.

tagaproject6

And when you use your phone to record a video, make sure you are recording horizontally

indyfabz

What legally needs to be registered as a vehicle and what legally are allowed on sidewalks can be two separate issues completely. In Philly, bikes do not have to be registered. In many places, they are not permitted on sidewalks. Neither are any motorized vehicles permitted on sidewalks. Don't confuse issues.

livedarklions

Sorry, just couldn't resist a Simpsons reference. Definitely wasn't serious.

scratchpaddy

Good idea, thanks. I doubt the police would care about illegal sidewalk motoring even with a video, but it could be a useful tool if it goes further than that.
Who's confused? I laid it out in my posts. I only brought up registration because TrojanHorse suggested pics of his registration, of which there is none. I've read through the city code. As dumb as it is, sidewalk cycling is legal here. Motoring is not, except for handicap mobility devices. Powered bikes are only allowed on the sidewalk if the motor isn't running.
I know. I do hope the reason he kept going for a bit before threatening me is because of the dogs. I'm sure he could kick my butt if he wanted. Hopefully the dogs will discourage him. I have a husky and a hound, about 50lb each. Of course they both love people, though. I'm not sure what their reaction would be if I was attacked.

Jon T

You beat me to it. I was gonna' say, "Walk softly and carry a big stick" that just happens to fit thru the front wheel.
Jon

fietsbob

None Here.. Motor bikes are out in the traffic lane.

Caliper

It's the IC engine version of an e-bike, it should be allowed wherever bikes go right? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moped

scratchpaddy

Sorry, I've always used the word "moped" for any bike with pedals and a gas motor. I see a "moped" is actually a scooter. The ones I see, including this morning, are all bikes equipped with gas motors that make them much faster and heavier than your average sidewalk biker. Not really a "moped," but still not something that should be on the sidewalk.

Milton Keynes

scott967

Here, if it has any kind of motor with 2 wheels fore/aft (exempts Segways) and not a motorcycle then it's a moped and not legal on sidewalk. I have seen rarely gas-powered bike on sidewalk, but not enough to care about it. Mopeds do use (illegally) the bike path but doesn't cause an issue for me.

The mayor did use the law to declare Lime dockless electric scooters illegal and threatened to remove any found parked on sidewalk, so Lime pulled them after about 4 days.

scott s.
.

Troul 

Write your congressman of the issue.

Hama

+1 good advice also add to social media sites