Originally Posted by Daily Commute

The kid would have been at more risk on the sidewalk because she would have been crossing streets in crosswalks where cars don't expect them. Riding on the sidewalk is like riding without a seatbelt. Every once in a blue moon, a seatbelt-less rider gets thrown to safety, but many more die as a result of not wearing a seatbelt. Likewise, a few kids may be unlucky on the road, but more would be unlucky on the sidewalk.

As far as sidewalk riding goes, it is generally a bad idea, but every rule has its exceptions. Cyclists on the sidewalk must obey pedestrian rules and go at pedestrian speeds.

I'm glad your kid was OK, but the accident illustrates the dangers of sidewalk riding. If your kid had been on the street, both he and the driver would have had more time to react. Some people feel safer on the sidewalk, but that's a gross misperception.