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UK only, just wanted to check if it's actually legal. The area I'm living on is deadly on the roads, so want to know about riding on pavements (sidewalk/pedestrian walkways) instead where there is no bike lane (half of the roads have bike lanes around here and suddenly they disappear...).

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Just as a references, The question is specific to the UK, but... Totally acceptable in the states. As a matter of fact, bicyclists are to be treated just like another vehicle on the road, held to the same traffic laws as a car. – Ryan Anderson Oct 19 '11 at 16:20
Same here in Canada. – Gabriel Mongeon Oct 19 '11 at 16:31
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"Pavement" in this case means the sidewalk, not the road. You should update your answer, as it's currently incorrect. It is generally unacceptable most places in the 'States (and here in Toronto, Canada) to ride on the sidewalk. – meagar Oct 19 '11 at 16:36
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As a pretty important side note, "pavement" in this case refers to the sidewalk, not a paved road. – meagar Oct 19 '11 at 16:37
Also check here: bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/6255/… – jilles de wit Oct 24 '11 at 8:41
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1 Answer

up vote 9 down vote accepted

According to the Highway Code:

Rule 64

You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.

So the short answer is a definite no, although discretion is given for young children riding on the pavement.

This article has details the rules for cycling on things like footways, footpaths and bridlepaths. (In short: no, no and yes - but the article is probably worth a read.)

More information about rules in other countries can be found in this question.

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As you mentioned children: Here in Germany there's an conflict of law - children may not use the road but have tu se the pacement. Adults may not use the pavement and have to use the road. By law parents are also required to look after the children. In the end there's no good way to deal with this in a legal way and many parents ride on the pavement, too ... – johannes Nov 13 '11 at 1:15

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