Does Maine law prohibit riding a bicycle on the sidewalk? | Fact brief

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.