Millbrae is set to ban biking on sidewalks 

The City Council unanimously approved the introduction of an ordinance to modernize the municipal code, which was adopted in 1976 and currently lays out regulation for bicycle licenses and bicycle license plates — both of which are no longer offered by the city. 

The state does not prohibit bicycles from being ridden on sidewalks, said Sam Bautista, Millbrae director of Engineering and Public Works, but local jurisdictions are free to regulate that action. 

The ordinance, which currently addresses bicycles alone, will also expand the definition to mobility devices, which includes bicycles, electric bicycles, personal assistive mobility devices and electronically motorized boards and scooters. 

“The new language also regulates these devices by prohibiting them from being ridden on sidewalks,” Bautista said. 

Councilmembers chose to move forward with two additions to the ordinance based on how neighboring cities manage bicycle sidewalk riding. San Bruno and South San Francisco allow young bike riders — until ages 10 and 7, respectively — on sidewalks. 

“Up to a certain age, it’s safer to ride on the sidewalk,” Holober said. “I would recommend and suggest putting in some type of age exemption for younger kids.” 

Burlingame’s sidewalk bicycle ordinance is more expansive — the action is prohibited in business areas but allowed in residential areas unless pedestrians are present, in which case the cyclist must walk the bicycle. 

Councilmember Bob Nguyen suggested the city add a similar stipulation allowing for the walking of bicycles on sidewalks. 

“What Burlingame did is pretty good because it stipulates things you can do,” he said. 

Several San Mateo County cities — including Foster City, Redwood City, San Carlos and Portola Valley — ban bicycles on sidewalks outright, with no exceptions.