I'd have to say I agree with most of that advice on road cycling, but I don't think sidewalk cycling has to be an either/or proposition. If taking the sidewalks will simplify my trip or that's just what I'm in the mood to do, I will take the bike suitable for sidewalk riding. Most of the roads around here have been designed with cyclists and pedestrians as an afterthought, and there are certain spots (e.g. around highway onramps) where I believe poorly thought out infrastructure and amount of traffic creates unacceptable danger for me as a cyclist even if I do everything "right." Risk perception is all relative of course, but being a little paranoid about avoiding injury has not steered me wrong so far.