Does Maine law prohibit riding a bicycle on the sidewalk? | Fact brief
No.
Maine law doesn’t prohibit riding a bicycle on the sidewalk, but municipalities may adopt local restrictions, according to the Maine Department of Transportation.
Portland, Maine’s largest city, does not have a blanket prohibition in its traffic code. The City Council may ban bicycle riding on particular sidewalks, streets or public property where needed for safety, with signs marking the restriction and any hours it applies.
Other Maine cities are stricter. Biddeford prohibits riding a bicycle on any public sidewalk in the city; violators can be fined up to $10. Westbrook also bans bicycle riding on sidewalks in every district.
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine advises riders to travel with traffic, obey signs and signals, use hand signals, and yield to pedestrians; it also recommends wearing bright clothing and reflective gear.
State law requires a headlight, a rear reflector, and pedal or foot reflectors when riding at night.
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Sources
- Maine Department of Transportation: Maine Bicycling Laws
- City of Portland: Chapter 28: Traffic and Motor Vehicles (Pg. 80)
- City of Biddeford: Article III: Sidewalks
- City of Westbrook: Chapter 117: Bicycles
- Bicycle Coalition of Maine: Biking Basics
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