In Virginia, is it lawful for a person to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk or crosswalk, and if so, what are the rights and duties of such a person?

Riding a bike on a sidewalk or crosswalk depends on the locality’s laws.

The Virginia Code gives the governing bodies of counties, cities, and towns the authority to regulate the use of bicycles on sidewalks and crosswalks. For that reason, the determination as to whether it is lawful for a person to ride a bike on a sidewalk or crosswalk depends on the locality’s laws.

For example, operating a bicycle on a sidewalk in Virginia Beach is permissible unless the Virginia Beach City Code explicitly prohibits such use.

One such prohibition on operating a bicycle on a sidewalk in the City of Virginia Beach applies to the resort area, which the Virginia Beach City Code defines as the area from and including the sidewalk on the west side of Pacific Avenue to the Atlantic Ocean between Rudee Inlet and 42nd Street.

Bicyclists on a sidewalk or crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian.

According to our personal injury lawyers in Virginia Beach, bicyclists on a sidewalk or crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing them.

Otherwise, a person riding a bicycle on a sidewalk or crosswalk has the same rights and duties as a pedestrian. Also see: Regarding the rights and responsibilities of pedestrians on crosswalks.

If a person is injured while operating a bicycle on a sidewalk or crosswalk, such a person may have a right to compensation. Still, that determination is specific to the facts of the individual case.

A person injured while operating a bicycle on a sidewalk, crosswalk, or otherwise should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer, who can advise the injured person as to what the applicable law is and what compensation the injured person may be entitled to.

Related Injury Law FAQ’s

If a driver with the right-of-way at an intersection exceeds the posted speed limit, does that driver still have the right-of-way?

Does a green light at an intersection mean that the driver facing the green light can proceed through the intersection without checking to be sure that there is no approaching traffic from the intersecting street?

In Virginia, if a person is injured in a car accident while riding as a passenger in a drunk driver’s vehicle, can that person always make a successful injury claim against the drunk driver?

If a person is injured in a car accident and the driver responsible for the accident flees the scene, can the injured person receive compensation for his or her injuries?

Schedule a Consultation With Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC

At Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC, we are here to help navigate the complexities of post-accident procedures and legal matters. Our experienced team ensures you receive the support and compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys handle injury claims ranging from bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and car accidents to drunk driving accidents and wrongful death claims.

Give us a call and let our experience work for you. We have been helping the people of Virginia since 1955 and are ready to help you. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case.

If you need a Personal Injury Attorney in Virginia Beach, contact us at (757) 486-2700.

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