Davis Law Group, P.S.

Pedestrian Law As It Applies To Bicycle Accidents

We usually think of a pedestrian as someone who travels on foot, but that isn't always the case when you are talking about a bicycle accident. For example, under Washington State law, a bicycle riding on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk is regarded as a pedestrian, though when it's traveling along the road it's a vehicle and must obey the rules of the road like any other vehicle.

The most basic of laws pertaining to pedestrians are the ones regarding right of way. Pedestrians have a nearly absolute right of way in the crosswalk at an uncontrolled crossing. "Crosswalk" in this case means that part of the road at an intersection area between the sidewalk on one side of the crossing to the other. If there is no sidewalk, then it's the area within ten feet of the intersection unless there's a marked crosswalk. Of course, if the crossing has signs or signals, all pedestrians must obey them when crossing the street.