Downtown Safe Sidewalk Initiative

No Riding on Downtown Sidewalks

Sidewalks are for everyone, providing safe, shared spaces to get around. To help keep pedestrians safe downtown, the City does not allow you to ride on the sidewalks in downtown Evanston. While you can still ride on the streets, if you choose to go on the sidewalk, you must dismount your bicycles, skateboards, scooters, in-line skates, or roller skates within the boundaries of downtown.

Riding bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and in-line skates on downtown sidewalks is prohibited under Ordinance 10-9-4, and violators can be fined. While the City recognizes that there is a great deal of work to be done to create safe micro-mobility infrastructure in Downtown Evanston, sidewalks must remain safe for all. The City is actively working on the 2026 Bike Plan Update to establish a connected, low-stress network of bicycle and other micro-mobility routes across Evanston.

In 2025, the City of Evanston installed sidewalk decals in downtown Evanston reminding riders to dismount their mobility devices while using the sidewalk. In 2026, the City will add stand-up signs to reinforce that message and further encourage safe riding practices.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping make our downtown a pedestrian-friendly place for all to enjoy.