Bicyclists usually can share sidewalks with pedestrians

QCan we get a definitive rule for bicycles vs. pedestrians? I thought sidewalks were for pedestrians and bikes were for roadways. I’m tired of being forced off the sidewalk by speeding cyclists. — Pat Whittier, San Jose

AToday is Bike to Work Day and a fitting time to answer this. State law does not prohibit sidewalk bicycling. It allows cities to enact sidewalk ordinances, if they choose. Some ban sidewalk biking, usually in downtown business districts.

In San Jose, sidewalk bicycling is allowed except in two areas with designated bikeways: San Fernando Street and First, Second, Third and Fourth streets, and in Willow Glen on Lincoln Avenue. These streets are in business districts that have more people walking on busier sidewalks.

There are two exceptions to the sidewalk bicycling ban on these six streets: for kids 12 or younger and adults accompanying them, plus safety officials such as police.

QWhy are they installing (i.e., wasting money) sidewalks on San Tomas Expressway when there are no sidewalks anywhere else on the expressway and expressways generally forbid pedestrian traffic? What is the plan for cyclists now that the shoulder has been claimed for the new lane and what little was left is now a sidewalk? Are they expected to just ride out into traffic? — Amy Faucher San Jose

AThere have been no bicycle or pedestrians restrictions on Santa Clara County expressways for almost three decades. The widening of San Tomas between El Camino Real and Homestead Road will include shoulder striping to accommodate bicyclists in both directions.

QDoes Caltrans have any thoughts on fixing the water leaks on the 280/87 southbound ramps by Bird Avenue? The leaks are undermining the flyover as well as constantly in the lanes, not to mention the trash — waste, waste, waste. — Steve Smith

ACaltrans thinks the water issues may be due to clogged drains. Crews will inspect the pumps and remove litter soon.

QAn article about adding sound to cars really got my dander up. I love my quiet Volt and am annoyed with myself when it runs out of charge and I have to listen to the gas engine. Is this really necessary? Are we going to make bicyclists put a baseball card in their spokes so pedestrians can hear them coming? — Dave Davies, Campbell

AElectric and hybridfuel cars will be required next year to produce noise when traveling at low speeds to alert pedestrians and the blind. I did the baseball card trick as a kid and loved it, though my Ron Santo rookie card took a beating.

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