we rode the sidewalks and stopped at every street crossing and walked until our girls were old enough to hold a line and cautious enough to actually ride safely. At that point it was MORE of a problem. I'm a step-dad. Their father forbid them from riding in the street. We forbid them from riding on the sidewalk once they were old enough to ride in the street safely. They simply had to learn to follow these different rules when at different homes. We did spend a good deal of time talking about the issue. It was quite interesting. Now they are grown with children of their own. They ride in the street and so do their children.