Are people on bicycles allowed to go the opposite direction on a sidewalk?

I was going the opposite direction on a sidwalk until I could get to the nearest stoplight, when a car came out of a parking lot without looking and hit me causing me to chip a tooth. When I called their insurance they said they are not going to pay for my dental fee because I was going the wrong direction on the SIDEWALK. Do I have a good case to sue them?

Check local laws to see what rules there are about cyclists riding on the sidewalk. I know in my area, bicyclists are allowed to ride on the sidewalk, they can ride in the opposite direction, and must yield to pedestrians and not ride in a reckless manner.

If the driver didn't look and just sped out of the parking lot, then there is some fault to the driver for the accident. It may be worth it to at least consult with an attorney, see if there are any low cost legal services in your area that can help you.

Edit: Where in California? If it's Los Angeles, that's where I live and the laws there do allow bicyclists on the sidewalk. I know an attorney who defended a similar case, and the family of the kid who was hit did recover damages. Definately consult an attorney, and maybe check out the California Bicycle Coalition to see if they have any resources that can help: http://www.calbike.org/about.htm... Source(s): http://www.lapdonline.org/prevent_crime/...

LAPD web page that explains some rules for bicyclists.

I have never ever heard a "right" way to walk on the side walk....I believe that is all gimick, they are just making up all these excuses. It is the right of way for pedestrians to go first..he was supposed to look both ways before coming out of the parking lot....complain, he is wrong.
bikes are not allowed on sidewalks
SideWalk that word says it all

It is a

Walk way

Off to the side of the road
Bikes use the road, unless you are a kid,

You go the wrong direction on the road so car can see you.
No, you were wrong to be on the sidewalk on a bike !!
Sidewalks are for pedestrians ONLY !!
Bikes should always be on the road, riding with traffic.
The whole thing was YOUR fault, admit it, deal with it, learn from it, and move on !!
Have a nice day !
Common sense

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