Olympia needs law keeping bicyclists off our sidewalks

I am a newcomer to Olympia — learning of its eccentricities and customs and charm. But I have a question: Is it legal to ride a bike on the downtown sidewalks?

One recent evening, I had finished a dinner in a downtown restaurant and stepped out the door onto Capitol. I was struck immediately by a bicyclist speeding along the sidewalk. I was knocked to the ground and smashed my head into a side wall. I never saw him coming. This resulted in a six-hour trip to the ER. A broken nose, a concussion, scrapes and bruises, sore ribs, two black eyes and one gash in my forehead that required eight stitches and will leave a scar.

I find it strange that Olympia has no rules against riding a bike on the sidewalk. A web search indicates the issue has been discussed before.

But a police officer explained that the question was murky.

I am a big guy and I'll be fine. But it could have been your grandmother. Or your grandchild.

My wife and I moved to Olympia to be near a new grandson and moved into a downtown apartment. We shop the stores and frequent the restaurants.

I should be able to walk on the city's primary street without being run over by a speeding bicyclist.

If there are no laws in place to protect me, there should be. And if there is a law in place, there ought to be an effort to enforce it.

This story was originally published August 31, 2015 at 9:17 AM with the headline "Olympia needs law keeping bicyclists off our sidewalks."