Bike Safety FAQs

1. Can bicyclists ride on sidewalks in Gilbert?

• Yes, bicycles are allowed to occupy sidewalks but must yield to any pedestrians. If bike lanes are available, cyclists can choose to use that lane as well. If a sign prohibits the riding of a bike on a sidewalk then the cyclist cannot occupy the sidewalk.

2. Who has the right of way on a sidewalk, bicyclists or pedestrians?

• Pedestrians have the right of way.

3. Do drivers need to yield to bicyclists?

• All driving law are applicable to bicyclists and drivers alike. Private property is exempt from traffic laws.

4. How much space do vehicles need to give bicyclists riding on the road?

• The rule is no less than three feet of space between the cyclist and vehicle.

5. Do riders need to have helmets and lights on their bikes?

• Although it’s a good idea and encouraged, there are no laws which require a bicyclist to wear a helmet however,  at nighttime, bicycles must have a white light to the front and red reflector on the rear.

6. Do bicyclists need to ride with the flow of traffic?

• Yes, bicyclists must adhere to the rules of the road just as a driver of a vehicle. These driving laws are not applicable on private property. 

Safety Tips for Bicyclists 

1. Inspect your bicycle and make sure your tires are properly inflated prior to going on a ride.
2. Wear a properly-fitted helmet.
3. Always ride with the flow of traffic.
4. Wear bright clothing, use lights and reflectors when riding at night or early morning.
5. Follow all traffic laws.
6. Use marked crosswalks and look both ways before crossing a street.
7. Use hand signals to let drivers know what you'll be doing next.

Bike Repair Station Locations

1. Western Canal trail on the west side of Gilbert Road by art bench.
2. Eastern Canal “rest stop” on Guadalupe on the west side of the canal right by the entrance to Riparian Preserve.
3. Consolidated Canal installation (the small bus stop) on the west side of Lindsay Road by the popular bus stop/bridge over the canal.
4. #4 Gilbert Regional Park Drive by Higley/Queen Creek. (Near pickleball courts)
5. Loop 202 trail entrance on Higley/202
6. Powerline trail entrance by San Tan generating station (east of Val Vista/Warner).

Bike Gilbert Plan

In 2019, the Bike Gilbert Plan was implemented to improve safety conditions for bicyclists utilizing Gilbert’s network. 

Read it here.

Bike Map 

Gilbert has Central Trail System that offers approximately 135 miles of enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts.

Along with equestrian tracks, there are more than 60 miles of marked bike trails where you can ride along the canals. Check out the map.

Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) publishes a map of designated bicycle facilities in the region every three to five years. Check out the online or PDF versions.

Green Bike Lanes

In 2021, Gilbert installed a green bike lane at Gilbert and Warner Roads as part of a pilot program intended to increase visibility of cyclists and improve safety at the intersection.

After soliciting feedback from residents for the past two years, the program is now moving forward.

Gilbert's transportation and planning team has started painting green lanes at several intersections in town including Gilbert and Guadalupe. By summer 2024, motorists can expect green lanes at Val Vista and Warner, Val Vista and Elliot, and Recker and Williams Field

Why green bike lanes?

Green bike lanes increase awareness and visibility for bicycles and drivers.

If you are a cyclist:

• Continue to use caution and assume the driver does not see you
• Wait behind the other vehicles

If you are a driver:

• Yield to cyclists
• Check your blindspots for cyclists

The green bike lane pilot program is funded through a generous donation to the Gilbert Parks and Recreation Foundation.

Safety Improvements for Trail Crossings Study

This Safety Improvements for Trail Crossings Study was completed in September 2020.

The purpose of this project was to improve multimodal safety within the Town of Gilbert by conducting a systematic review of existing and planned trail crossings. 

Read the study.

Pedestrian Bridge to Gilbert's Heritage District 

In the summer of 2021, Gilbert, in partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation, completed a new pedestrian bridge located near north Neely Street and the Western Canal Trail.

This bridge will serve as one of the gateways to Gilbert's Downtown Heritage District and provide a safe crossing over the railroad tracks for those biking, walking and riding the Western Canal Trail.

Learn more about this project.

240419_Regional Significance_Final

For more information please email Stephanie.bubenheim@gilbertaz.gov or call 480-503-6625