Pedal Pushers on the Pavement Are Problematic

Cyclists. Those fearless, self-propelled speedsters that glide through our cities, usually with a sense of entitlement and too many gadgets strapped to their bikes.

You see them everywhere—cutting through red lights, dodging pedestrians, and weaving in and out of traffic like they own the road.

But what’s most maddening is when they decide the sidewalk is their personal racetrack.

It’s the kind of behavior that’ll make you wonder: where’s the common sense?

Why are bike lanes being ignored in favor of the pedestrian path?

1. Sidewalks Aren’t for Speedsters

Picture it: you’re strolling down the sidewalk, lost in thought, enjoying a rare moment of calm. Then BAM—a cyclist zooms past you, missing your ankle by a fraction of a second.

It’s a game of chicken between you and the bike, and it’s not just annoying; it’s dangerous.

Bikes belong on the road or in designated bike lanes, not where children, the elderly, and distracted pedestrians wander. But, apparently, that’s too much to ask.

2. The “I Feel Safer” Excuse

Cyclists who prefer the sidewalk argue they feel safer there.

The truth is, though, that those bike lanes are often poorly designed, yes.

But are sidewalks any safer? A bike’s speed combined with the unpredictability of pedestrians makes for a nasty cocktail of chaos.

It’s easy to understand their fear, but let’s be real here—safety is no excuse for recklessness.

3. Confusing Pedestrians

The sidewalk is a pedestrian space. When cyclists occupy that space, they confuse everyone.

You walk along, minding your business, and suddenly you’re playing dodgeball with someone on two wheels.

The whole flow of the sidewalk is disturbed. People get startled, some even trip.

It’s like walking through an obstacle course, except there’s no reward at the end.

4. The Delivery Guy Syndrome

A chunk of the sidewalk cycling problem comes from food delivery cyclists.

These folks are under pressure—rushing to drop off a burrito or a coffee latte like their life depends on it.

And sure, while they may be motivated by getting paid per delivery, it’s often at the expense of pedestrian safety.

And guess what? They don’t care. They have places to be, and the sidewalk’s their highway to hell.

5. Bike Lane Ambivalence

Now let’s talk about the glaring issue here: bike lanes. They’re there, clearly marked, and often completely empty.

So why aren’t cyclists using them? Sure, they’re not always perfect—sometimes they’re just paint on the road—but the bigger issue lies with cyclists opting for convenience.

They take the sidewalk for the same reason people cut in line: laziness. They’re impatient, they think the rules don’t apply to them, and, well, they’re probably right if nobody’s around to enforce it.

6. Pedestrian Safety is the Real Issue

We’ve all seen it: cyclists barreling down sidewalks, not stopping for pedestrians at intersections. It’s a nightmare waiting to happen. It’s not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a serious safety hazard.

7. The Unspoken Double Standard

And here’s the kicker: the double standard that society turns a blind eye to.

Drivers get crucified for breaking rules, pedestrians get yelled at for jaywalking, but cyclists?

They weave in and out of traffic, fly through red lights, and, worst of all, cruise the sidewalks like they’ve never heard of traffic laws. Where’s the accountability? Oh, wait, there isn’t any.

Summary

Point	Key Insight
Sidewalks Aren’t for Speedsters	Cyclists on sidewalks endanger pedestrians.
The “I Feel Safer” Excuse	Feeling safe doesn’t justify cutting through pedestrian space.
Confusing Pedestrians	Cyclists create confusion and hazards for pedestrians.
The Delivery Guy Syndrome	Delivery cyclists prioritize speed over safety.
Bike Lane Ambivalence	There’s no excuse for ignoring bike lanes.
Pedestrian Safety is the Real Issue	Cyclists endanger pedestrians by ignoring basic safety.
The Unspoken Double Standard	Cyclists get away with bad behavior that others don’t.

Sometimes Cyclists Got No Choice (Catch-22)

Now, I hear you. Maybe you’re sitting there thinking: “But what if they have no choice? What if the roads are a mess, the bike lanes are a joke, and a guy just wants to get from Point A to Point B without ending up as a hood ornament?”

Yeah, I get it. It’s not all black and white, and sometimes cyclists are just screwed by the city’s terrible infrastructure.

They’re stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. The roads are too dangerous, the bike lanes are non-existent or, worse, completely useless—just a pathetic line of paint that means nothing when you’ve got cars charging at you like they’re in the Indy 500.

What else are they supposed to do?

Wait for the city to build a proper lane? Good luck with that.

They’re forced to take their chances, praying they don’t get flattened by some distracted driver while trying to dodge potholes and construction zones.

They’re the ones who show up to the party, only to find no one bothered to set the table.

They don’t have the luxury of leisurely riding in a perfect, protected lane.

They do what they can, but it’s not ideal. And sometimes, when the only option is to ride on the sidewalk to stay alive?

Well, you gotta do what you gotta do. You can’t blame them when the system’s stacked against them.

But that doesn’t excuse the ones who still race through crowded sidewalks, treating pedestrians like human speed bumps.